Press Association via AP Images/ Yui Mok/PA Wire There are style icons—and then there are Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton. These two role models for their respective nations are both at the pinnacle of taste and trendsetting, and also simultaneously right down here on earth with the rest of us—one reason among so many we love them.
Kate the Great:
First up: Kate. Was there any doubt the duchess would make our list? From glowing engaged beauty, to pre-baby-bump newlywed, to the picture of pregnant-dressing perfection, to gorgeous new mom, she can do no wrong with her super chic but also accessible style.
Every brand she turns up in—like the Reiss and Issa London frocks she wore for her engagement announcement and official photo—sell out the same looks promptly in stores. And she did for fascinators and headpieces what Carrie Bradshaw did for Jimmy Choos and Manolo Blahniks. What she touches turns to gold in the retail marketplace.
Flawless FLOTUS:
Shifting our attention closer to home, let us count the ways we adore Michelle Obama as our national style hero. We love how the first lady's upped the game of her high-profile role with modern, even edgy touches—like those much-discussed youthful bangs.
Extra points for making affordable dressing—like looks from Banana Republic and J. Crew, readily available in malls and online across America—look so perfectly rich and chic.
Wash and Repeat:
And both Kate and Michelle have been known to wear the same look multiple times (just like the rest of us!), making for highly relatable style idols we love, love, love. (Did we mention we love them?)
For being style leaders for their nations, for mixing high and low fashions, for proudly repeating outfits and for their ability to set trends and cause just about anything they wear to sell out in stores—we choose the first lady and the duchess as stylemakers, hands down.