We’ve all been keeping an eye on Kate Middleton’s growing bump and how beautifully she is dressing it in her own simple style. She has continued to dress in an elegant, understated way and her tidy bump means that she has been able to get away with wearing non-maternity clothes into her third trimester.

Kate has left the bump-hugging dresses, flesh-revealing cut outs and sheer fabrics to Kim Kardashian, preferring a low-key ladylike style. So, if you like her look, here is the pregnancy style guide to dressing like a duchess.

1. Get dressed up

Kate has been primarily snapped wearing dresses since her pregnancy was officially announced in December 2012. A below-the-knee hemline looks frumpy, so Kate’s hemlines end above to showcase her shapely legs. This also gives a stronger visual balance by thirds (legs, hem to waist, waist to head). As it’s not appropriate for her to wear skin-tight maternity wear, this flash of skin and curve adds a dash of sexy fun chic.

2. Be well heeled

To elongate the leg and balance the bump, Kate wears a heel, usually a thin one of medium height that would be comfortable and safe. There aren’t any Carrie Bradshaw skyscraper heels here to risk a fall. Choosing a thin heel makes the shoe look higher than it actually is and lengthens her whole silhouette.

3. Wear a coat of arms

The coat or the coat-dress has to be Kate’s pregnancy signature. Falling above the knee, she’s been spotted in just about every colour and quite a few patterns. A coat cleverly disguises and minimises a bump, adding a strong vertical line that creates extra height. There’s something about a coat, too, that says, “properly dressed”.

4. Naturally glow

After her early bout of morning sickness, Kate is all a-glow with her T2 and T3 hormones. Luckily her skin has stayed clear and she has a lovely pregnancy-inspired fresh bloom in her cheeks.

5. A close clutch

Kate favours discreet clutch bags in neutral colours (have you ever wondered what’s in them?) to complete her pregnancy ensembles.

If you love the look, find more pregnancy style duchess Kate inspired pieces here