These Are Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle's Most Influential Looks So Far This Year

The Duchess Effect is absolutely real. Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are essentially a designer's dream. Now, thanks to a study by Lyst, we know which pieces were the absolutely most popular. In other words, these outfits were the most talked about and most bought (either the piece or a similar one) after the two duchesses wore them.

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Well, in case you had any doubts (you probably didn't), the Duchess Effect is absolutely real. Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are essentially a designer's dream: Whenever they wear particular pieces, fans show so much interest that said pieces regularly sell out within hours and minutes. Now, thanks to a study by Lyst and reported by HELLO!, we know which pieces were the absolutely most popular. In other words, these outfits were the most talked about and most bought (either the piece or a similar one) after the two duchesses wore them—and, TBH, I'm actually a little surprised.

According to HELLO!: 

Based on the analysis of over 20 million search queries over the past two years, Kate’s fashion choices lead to a 119% increase in online demand over the week following a public appearance. Meghan triggers a higher online demand, but regardless, so far this year, Kate’s most influential fashion moment happened in March, when she wore a red Catherine Walker coat for the Commonwealth Day services at Westminster Abbey. Online searches for similar red coat designs instantly doubled, going up 225%.

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And, in case you were curious as to Meghan's most popular outfit, it was also in March, "when she wore a stylish silver and gold brocade dress to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Prince Charles’ Investiture at Buckingham Palace. Over the following 24 hours, her ensemble triggered a 500% rise in online demand for brocade dresses."

Let's take a look at the full outfits, shall we? (I know what you like.) Here's Kate:

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(Image credit: Mark Cuthbert)

Like, I get the popularity due to the absolutely gorgeous color, but I CANNOT pull off the double-breasted look, and I feel like this would be very hard to replicate.

Here's Meghan:

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(Image credit: WPA Pool)

Again, same thing. I would look like a very fancy duvet (as the Fug Girls often say, it looks like very nice wallpaper). It's not a knock! But mortals such as I might have a tough time.

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Katherine J. Igoe
Katherine J. Igoe
Contributing Editor

Katherine’s a contributing syndications editor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. In her role, she writes stories that are syndicated by MSN and other outlets. She’s been a full-time freelancer for over a decade and has had roles with Cosmopolitan (where she covered lifestyle, culture, and fashion SEO content) and Bustle (where she was their movies and culture writer). She has bylines in New York Times, Parents, InStyle, Refinery29, and elsewhere. Her work has also been syndicated by ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Seventeen, Good Housekeeping, and Women’s Health, among others. In addition to her stories reaching millions of readers, content she's written and edited has qualified for a Bell Ringer Award and received a Communicator Award. 

Katherine has a BA in English and art history from the University of Notre Dame and an MA in art business from the Sotheby's Institute of Art (with a focus on marketing/communications). She covers a wide breadth of topics: she's written about how to find the very best petite jeans, how sustainable travel has found its footing on Instagram, and what it's like to be a professional advice-giver in the modern world. Her personal essays have run the gamut from learning to dress as a queer woman to navigating food allergies as a mom. She also has deep knowledge of SEO/EATT, affiliate revenue, commerce, and social media; she regularly edits the work of other writers. She speaks at writing-related events and podcasts about freelancing and journalism, mentors students and other new writers, and consults on coursework. Currently, Katherine lives in Boston with her husband and two kids, and you can follow her on Instagram. If you're wondering about her last name, it’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.