Style Wars: Kate Middleton vs Pippa Middleton
Last month, we pitted Kate Middleton against fellow Kate and fellow bride-to-be Kate Moss. Who could've predicted that a few short weeks later, Pippa Middleton would've eclipsed her elder sister in column inches? And so, for your guilty reading pleasure, we revisit style war central and pit Middleton against Middleton in the ultimate sibling fash off. But who will triumph?
Rex FeaturesKate Middleton – Skirting It
The black skirt is a style staple that both sisters rely upon heavily – and have a tendency to style up very similarly. Kate was pictured in hers here on a shopping excursion, having popped it on with a cream blouse, pumps and a structured cream designer handbag (that we’re not jealous of at all. Honest).
Splash NewsPippa Middleton – Skirting It
Pippa, meanwhile, wore hers to travel home from a holiday in Spain (with her ex, no less). She popped it on with, er, a white blouse, pumps, and a structured beige designer handbag. Spooky!
Winner: Sorry Kate, but we’re not crazy about this office look. We much prefer Pippa’s cool, casual take on it.
PA PhotosKate Middleton – Be Our Guest
Kate was a vision of coordination – and respectability – when she wore this statement lace-print coat with a demure dress and hat at the wedding of friends Nicholas van Cutsem and Alice Hadden-Paton in London in August 2009.
PA PhotosPippa Middleton – Be Our Guest
Like her elder sister, Pippa also favours a dress coat, knee-skimming hem and forward-tilting hat when it comes to a wedding. Bridesmaid duties excepted, of course...
Winner: This is a close one, but we’re backing Kate on account of that celebratory colour palette.
PA PhotosKate Middleton – Jewel Colours
When you’ve got a sapphire engagement ring of historical import on your finger, opting for a sapphire-coloured dress to show it off is the work of a fashion pro. Kate’s photocall in this Issa dress is now officially legendary.
Rex FeaturesPippa Middleton – Jewel Colours
Pippa loves a good jewel colour too, though, when it comes to picking a wow dress. She was spotted in this amethyst mini on a night out in London.
Winner: Another one to Kate. There’s no arguing with such faultless primping.
Rex FeaturesKate Middleton – Jean Genius
Kate may be the future Queen of England but, being a Very Modern Miss, she loves her jeans as much as the rest of us. She tends to favour a classic indigo wash.
Rex FeaturesPippa Middleton – Jean Genius
When it comes to denim, things are no different in the Pippa corner – though we’re digging her penchant for bleached summer skinnies.
Winner: Pippa, hands down.
PA PhotosKate Middleton – Winter Warmer
Kate was the picture of elegance in this camel wool coat on one of the few public engagements prior to her wedding. We can imagine that being able to pull off a statement coat is kind of the job description when it comes to becoming a royal. See also: The Queen.
Rex FeaturesPippa Middleton – Winter Warmer
There are no such fussy fascinators and coordinating hosiery issues for Pippa though, who can happily freestyle it in low maintenance jeans and minimal make-up.
Winner: Kate. (Even the fascinator couldn’t persuade us otherwise.)
PA PhotosKate Middleton – Bridal Belles
Okay, okay, we know this one is unfair. All eyes were, naturally, on Kate when she married her prince in April 2011 – and, after months of feverish speculation, her Alexander McQueen lace gown was heralded as an uncontested triumph.
Rex FeaturesPippa Middleton – Bridal Belles
Kudos to Pippa, then, for coming as close to outshining the bride as was humanly possible in her own, somewhat pared-back McQueen look. We’ll spare you the rear view but, suffice to say, we totally get the hype.
Winner: All things considered, there’s still no contest. Princess Kate wins!
PA PhotosKate Middleton – Neutral Gear
Reiss’ bodycon beige Shola dress became an instant sellout when Kate wore it to meet the Obamas on their state visit to the UK. Doesn’t it just show off that honeymoon tan to perfection?
Rex FeaturesPippa Middleton – Neutral Gear
Pippa was the first Middleton sister to embrace the power of neutrals, however. She looked every inch the pristine society princess in this embellished nude gown at a charity gala in Hyde Park last year.
Winner: Kate blew everyone away in this dress but we can’t help but love Pippa’s less severe, more romantic take on the trend. Gold star for Pippa!
Rex FeaturesKate Middleton – Coral Reef
Kate in Issa – now there’s a surprise! Oh, how we do love this colour (and shape) on her.
Rex FeaturesPippa Middleton – Coral Reef
...But she’s not the only Middleton to realise how well coral pops against those lustrous chestnut locks. Pippa went off-duty with hers, teaming it with jeans and that ubiquitous blazer for a stroll about London.
Winner: Sorry, Pippa – but we think even you’d agree that your sister looks so amazing she should win this one!
Rex FeaturesKate Middleton – Black Out
Unusually for a girl her age, Kate tends to steer clear of all-black looks, favouring instead fresh neutrals and sunny colours. We can’t help but think, then, that she looked extra chic in this top-to-toe black look at a friend’s recent wedding.
Rex FeaturesPippa Middleton – Black Out
In contrast, Pippa’s no stranger to a good LBD; the black opaques and smart heels come as standard.
Winner: Although Kate looks amazing here, we do think black lends itself more naturally to Pippa – plus, we love her simple yet striking styling. +1 to Pippa.
Rex FeaturesKate Middleton – Blazer Squad
Kate often harnesses the power of the blazer, regardless of the occasion. Bravo, we say, for this silk version, which she wore to a friend’s wedding last year.
Rex FeaturesPippa Middleton – Blazer Squad
Like sister, like sister. Pippa also throws on her black blazer at every opportunity – including weddings. It’s smartening up a French Connection dress at Holly Branson’s nuptials here.
Winner: There’s barely anything in it, but we’re handing this one to Pippa. Hello, legs!
Rex FeaturesKate Middleton – Blue Hue
Cobalt is always bound to make an impression. We love how Kate has framed her bold dress with chic black accessories.
Rex FeaturesPippa Middleton – Blue Hue
‘Twas the morning after the wedding night before... And who should steal the show but Pippa, in this fab nautical-inspired blazer? And it’s by Zara. What’s not to love?
Winner: Pippa’s cool factor earns her another victory.
PA PhotosKate Middleton – Spots & Stripes
Not one for print, a classic polka dot is about as far as cautious Kate takes it.
Rex FeaturesPippa Middleton – Spots & Stripes
Pippa, however, loves a good print. We giving her extra marks for the racy cutaway front and sequin detail of this striped number.
Winner: We’re rewarding Pippa’s fashion chutzpah with a win on this one.
