Royally Inspired Work Wear: Kate Middleton

Max Mumby/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Overview

Being the Duchess of Cambridge is a full-time job, and Kate Middleton has poise and grace that we all want to emulate. Middleton is always polished and put together. Career women everywhere marvel at her exquisite closet, so why not take some tips for your own office attire? Here are some chic outfits that you can adapt to your work wardrobe. Watch out -- your co-workers may start to mimic your office style!

Classic Color

Be sure to not overwhelm your co-workers with color; keep it a balanced look. Middleton pays a visit to The Treehouse Children’s Hospice in 2012 in Ipswich, England, wearing a royal blue, long-sleeved dress. To keep the dress from overwhelming her, she pairs it with minimal jewelry, a thin, black belt to show off her waistline and simple black heels.

Ian Gavan/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Conservative Chic

Although you may be itching to show off your summer body, keep it conservative at work with a flattering dress that doesn’t show too much. On a visit with her husband Prince William to open the new Oak Centre for Children and Young People at the Royal Marsden Hospital in 2011, Middleton wears a fitted light gray three-quarter-sleeved dress. This flattering dress shows off her thin figure while being conservative and classic.

Brendon Thorne/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Festive Frocks

In the workplace don’t be afraid to go along with the holidays and get a little festive! On a visit in Aldershot, England, to present shamrocks to members of the First Battalion Irish Guards at the St Patrick’s Day Parade in 2012, Middleton looks festive in green in a polished, sophisticated way. Her wraparound green coat is beautifully paired with a darker green snakeskin belt, a chic brown hat and classic brown heels.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Up or Down

This dress is perfect for any work environment and can easily be dressed up or down depending on your accessory choices such as shoes, makeup, purses and hair – talk about versatility. Middleton pays a visit to England's Dulwich Picture Gallery in 2012 wearing a gray three-quarter-sleeved dress with bow at the waist, black crocheted flowers located around the neckline and black clutch to finish the look.

WPA Pool/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Casual Fridays

Talk about a chic hockey fan! Middleton looks stylish but still professional, a look that will wow co-workers on casual Fridays or at the company picnic. She wears the “Team GB Official Supporters Scarf” for the 2012 London Olympics, a navy blazer, plain white shirt, coral pants and blue flats, while on a visit to meet the Great Britain Hockey Team at Olympic Park in 2012.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Temperature Test

In the workplace, keep in mind the outside temperature versus the temperature inside the office and plan accordingly with layers. Looking professional but stylish, Middleton visits Rose Hill Primary School on a visit to Oxford in 2012. This brown and beige patterned coat adds style to any winter day, especially paired with brown tights and matching brown booties.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Day and Night

Meeting a friend for drinks after work? This is the perfect day to night look – after work, darken your makeup a bit and pull your hair back into a chic ponytail, and you are easily ready for a night out. Prince William and Middleton pay a visit to a national charity, Centrepoint’s Camberwell Foyer, in London in late 2011. Wearing an army green, turtleneck sweater-dress, a thick black belt, black tights and tall black boots, Middleton has the perfect look for at or outside the office.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Nautical Is Nice

Whether for lunch with a client or an important presentation, a pencil skirt is always a flattering choice. Middleton pays a visit to the Summerfield Community Centre in Birmingham, England, in 2011 looking nautical with this navy, white and gold ensemble. Our favorite part? The gold buttons on her skirt even have anchors on them! We are all aboard with that.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Company Party

It can be hard to decide what to wear to a company party or what is considered appropriate, but this is a wonderful example – just be sure to remember that it is a work event, so act accordingly. At a concert in support of The Prince’s Trust and The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry at the Royal Albert Hall in 2011, Middleton sports a perfect example of what to wear to a company party: a short black blazer, a black-and-white shorter laced dress, black tights and black heels.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Sky High

If you travel for work, be work ready as you exit the plane. Try something that you know will not wrinkle but still looks professional, such as a silk-blend skirt or dress. Middleton leaves LAX to fly back to England after a trip through Canada and California in 2011. She's seen here wearing her hair back, out of her face, with a crocheted top, ribbon bow accentuating the waist, a pleated knee-length white skirt, and navy heels to match.

Chris Jackson/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images