Kate Middleton's Four Signature Hairstyles Are Proof That Simplicity Is Timeless

2)

Sometimes, Kate turns up the volume on those waves, brushing them out for a more demure version of classic bombshell curls, like she wore to see the Imperial War Museum on October 31, 2018 in London.

3)

Other times, she has opted for a slightly straighter style, adding a subtle bend of the ends of her tresses to add movement and an air of ease. She sported this style to visit the village of Framlingham Earl on June 25, 2020.

5) Half-up

A subtle switch from her usual all-down look, the half-up style is an essential in Kate's repertoire for informal events, like shopping for plants at Fakenham Garden Centre on June 18, 2020.

6)

Of course, the allure of the half-up style is also its versatility, as Kate showed off in a more formal setting, pairing it with a hat for the Order of the Garter service at St. George's Chapel in June 2025.

7)

The ladylike style is a perfect way to show off some accessories, as Kate displayed with a earring-necklace-brooch combo paired with her half-up 'do for a parade honoring the 80th Anniversary of VE Day in May 2025.

9) Ponytail

Many of us think of the simple ponytail as a gym look, but Kate gives ample evidence that we shouldn't underestimate this classic style. Take, for example, this polished one she wore during a tour of the Ulster University Magee Campus on September 29, 2021 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland.

11)

She likewise pulled out this classic pulled-back look for a day-to-night style on a busy trip to the National Cricket Academy on October 17, 2019 in Lahore, Pakistan.

12)

But she has also explored the more glamorous side of the pony, with this sleek, curled option, which she wore for an event with Chance UK's Early Intervention Program on October 27, 2015 in London.

13) Low Bun

When it comes to official royal events, the low bun is a mainstay of Kate's routine, as she showed at a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in May 2025.

14)

In addition to adding a pulled-together touch, Kate also uses the low bun style to accent hair accessories, like this embellished hat she wore for Trooping The Colour in 2025.

15)

Of course, you don't need a hat to make a low bun look effortlessly elegant. Consider Kate's look at a Horse Guards Parade on June 6, 2019 in London.

16)

To switch things up, Kate also adds subtle elements to her low buns to add interest including braids or elaborate weaving, as she wore to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2025.