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    How to Recycle Your Wardrobe Like Kate Middleton

    She may be the mother of England’s future king, but that doesn’t mean this royal is immune to being a tad thrifty. PHOTOS: Prince George is Christened in Royal Family Gown It’s no secret Kate Middleton loves wearing her dresses more than once, a surprising trait for a woman who could easily never repeat a look. For a Feb. 17 Buckingham Palace reception honoring TV and film royalty, the 32-year-old Duchess of Cambridge stood out in a red hot Alexander McQueen dress, one she previously wore in 2012 for the Diamond Jubilee festivities in London. And it’s not the first time Middleton put her thrifty side on display. READ: Kate Middleton Wears Kim Kardashian's Red Dress Sale guru Mark Ellwood, author of “Bargain Fever: How to Shop in a Discounted World,” is all too familiar with Middleton’s love of making the most out of her wardrobe. While researching for his book, Ellwood tells The Daily Mail he chatted with a Reiss outlet store employee who confirmed that Prince William’s wife is a fan of saving big. READ: Kate Middleton Dons Yoga Pants “She said, ‘Oh, its Kate Middleton -- she’s in here all the time,” says Ellwood. "'You look up and there’ll be Kate and her same two friends going through the 60 percent off rack. You have no idea she’s there and security must be outside, but she comes in all the time.’” READ: Queen Tells Kate To Wear Longer Skirts But why the fashion repeats? According to stylist Marcus Stewart, Middleton is actually sending a bold message to the world in consciously sticking to her beloved favorites, inspiring women to be just as thrify, as opposed to splurging on the latest trends. PHOTOS: Kate Middleton's Many Royal Looks “This is huge. It takes the pressure off of consumers to acquire so much and it actually humanizes us all a bit more. Now we are able to relate a bit more with the Duchess,” explains Stewart. “It’s so much bigger than a lack of clothing or the Duchess running behind schedule. It’s her saying, ‘We are all the same.’ It’s actually less about fashion and more about making a strong political statement.” PHOTOS: Kate Middleton Stuns With Royal Diamonds And how can anyone be thrifty like the royal? It’s all about looking for timeless pieces that can be worn for any occasion, as well as having the confidence to proudly wear them  while changing up your look with simple accessories or the right pair of shoes. “I always shop for multipurpose items for my clients,” says Stewart. “If you wear the Prada shirt dress with flats and a woven belt during the day, don’t be afraid to wear it again at night with a strappy open toe high-heel sandal and beautiful statement jewels. Fashion is meant to be enjoyed and lived in.” For some inspiration to get your fashion recycling on, check out some of Middleton’s many stylish repeats below:

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    Reuters
  • Alexander McQueen
    LEFT: Attending a reception for the dramatic arts at Buckingham Palace on February 17, 2014. RIGHT: Arriving for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee River Pageant on June 3, 2012.
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  • Jenny Packham
    LEFT: Attending the National Portrait Gallery in London wearing Queen Elizabeth’s diamonds in February 2014. RIGHT: Arriving as the guest of honor for the 100 Women in Hedge Funds gala dinner in October 2013.
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  • Issa London
    LEFT: Attending an informal reception for young Canadian volunteers on June 30, 2011. RIGHT: Arriving at The Goring Hotel in London on April 28, 2011.
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  • Zara
    LEFT: Leaving St. George’s Chapel on June 12, 2011. RIGHT: Strolling with Prince William in Buckingham Palace on April 30, 2011.
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  • Alice Temperley
    LEFT: Visiting the Natural History Museum in London on December 11, 2013. RIGHT: Attending the UK premiere of “War Horse” in London on January 8, 2012.
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  • Orla Kiely
    LEFT: Visiting the Only Connect head office in London on November 19, 2013. RIGHT: Smiling after visiting the Rose Hill Primary School in Oxford on February 21, 2012.
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  • Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton
    LEFT: Attending a tennis match in London on July 4, 2012. RIGHT: Stepping out of Province House in Prince Edward Island on July 4, 2011.
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  • Emilia Wickstead
    LEFT: Attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace on May 29, 2012. RIGHT: Posing with Prince William during a reception before Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee lunch on May 18, 2012.
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  • Collette Dinnigan Dress and Day Birger et Mikkelsen brocade coat
    LEFT: Attending the wedding of Britain’s Zara Phillips in Scotland on July 30, 2011 RIGHT: Attending the wedding of Laura Parker Bowles in West England on May 6, 2006.
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  • Diane von Furstenberg
    LEFT: Laughing with Prince William in Scotland on July 29, 2011. RIGHT: Attending a private reception with Prince William in Los Angeles on July 8, 2011.
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  • COWBOY CHIC
    LEFT: Arriving at the official start of the Calgary Stampede parade in Canada with husband Prince William on July 8, 2011. RIGHT: Participating in the royal tour of Canada on July 7, 2011.
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  • Dark Washed Skinny Jeans
    LEFT: Visiting a fire-devastated town in Slave Lake, Alberta on July 6, 2011. RIGHT: Walking during a visit to Prince Edward Island on July 4, 2011.
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  • Published
    13 Images

    How to Recycle Your Wardrobe Like Kate Middleton

    She may be the mother of England’s future king, but that doesn’t mean this royal is immune to being a tad thrifty. PHOTOS: Prince George is Christened in Royal Family Gown It’s no secret Kate Middleton loves wearing her dresses more than once, a surprising trait for a woman who could easily never repeat a look. For a Feb. 17 Buckingham Palace reception honoring TV and film royalty, the 32-year-old Duchess of Cambridge stood out in a red hot Alexander McQueen dress, one she previously wore in 2012 for the Diamond Jubilee festivities in London. And it’s not the first time Middleton put her thrifty side on display. READ: Kate Middleton Wears Kim Kardashian's Red Dress Sale guru Mark Ellwood, author of “Bargain Fever: How to Shop in a Discounted World,” is all too familiar with Middleton’s love of making the most out of her wardrobe. While researching for his book, Ellwood tells The Daily Mail he chatted with a Reiss outlet store employee who confirmed that Prince William’s wife is a fan of saving big. READ: Kate Middleton Dons Yoga Pants “She said, ‘Oh, its Kate Middleton -- she’s in here all the time,” says Ellwood. "'You look up and there’ll be Kate and her same two friends going through the 60 percent off rack. You have no idea she’s there and security must be outside, but she comes in all the time.’” READ: Queen Tells Kate To Wear Longer Skirts But why the fashion repeats? According to stylist Marcus Stewart, Middleton is actually sending a bold message to the world in consciously sticking to her beloved favorites, inspiring women to be just as thrify, as opposed to splurging on the latest trends. PHOTOS: Kate Middleton's Many Royal Looks “This is huge. It takes the pressure off of consumers to acquire so much and it actually humanizes us all a bit more. Now we are able to relate a bit more with the Duchess,” explains Stewart. “It’s so much bigger than a lack of clothing or the Duchess running behind schedule. It’s her saying, ‘We are all the same.’ It’s actually less about fashion and more about making a strong political statement.” PHOTOS: Kate Middleton Stuns With Royal Diamonds And how can anyone be thrifty like the royal? It’s all about looking for timeless pieces that can be worn for any occasion, as well as having the confidence to proudly wear them  while changing up your look with simple accessories or the right pair of shoes. “I always shop for multipurpose items for my clients,” says Stewart. “If you wear the Prada shirt dress with flats and a woven belt during the day, don’t be afraid to wear it again at night with a strappy open toe high-heel sandal and beautiful statement jewels. Fashion is meant to be enjoyed and lived in.” For some inspiration to get your fashion recycling on, check out some of Middleton’s many stylish repeats below:

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  • How to Recycle Your Wardrobe Like Kate Middleton
  • 1
  • Alexander McQueen
  • Jenny Packham
  • Issa London
  • Zara
  • Alice Temperley
  • Orla Kiely
  • Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton
  • Emilia Wickstead
  • Collette Dinnigan Dress and Day Birger et Mikkelsen brocade coat
  • Diane von Furstenberg
  • COWBOY CHIC
  • Dark Washed Skinny Jeans