Polka dots, that perennial trend that pops up once every two and a half years on the runway, are hot again for fall, and Kate’s already a step ahead of the game, pairing a subtle polka-dot top with last season’s fading-fast skinny black jeans.

So here’s the thing — if you saw this dress hanging on a rail at a store, all lifeless and stuff, maybe you wouldn’t buy it or even pick it up. After all, it’s kind of a bold “slasher” black-and-white graphic print. And on the wrong girl, it could wind up looking like the dress is wearing you (not you wearing the dress, if you know what I mean). But on Kate? It’s great. Maybe it’s time to give bold slasher prints a try…

Kate Middleton works as a buyer at trendy but grown-up British chain boutique Jigsaw — it’s kind of like a one-brand, slightly more bohemian version of Anthropologie. And she knows how to combine her trends. Here she’s got the girly ballet slippers with posh hardware detail, a rah-rah cheerleader skirt, a nautical striped top, and a trendy vacation-in-Miami-worthy white bag with gold hardware. And these trends, surprisingly, don’t look all that bad together! In fact, we think she looks quite put-together. Too bad her face isn’t in the shot.

“Uptown” London girls can mix prints and dress wild and get away with it — call it British avant-garde-ism — but Kate Middleton plays it straight with a sleek printed silk black and white dress paired with conservative peep toe shoes and a short-sleeve black cardigan for those chilly London nights.

Love how this super-simple outfit that every woman can wear is accessorized with a smart striped summer tote. Preppy perfection!

Despite having royal taste in men, Kate Middleton’s famous in the British press for having democratic and trendy taste in clothing — lots of her dresses come from UK mass retailer Topshop, which is a lot like H&M in trendiness and pricepoint.

In fact, Kate’s day job is working as a buyer at Jigsaw, which is like a UK version of Anthropologie.

We love this psychedelic print dress, fun, flirty, and perfect for her age. And we love how Kate’s paired it with an easygoing white satchel.