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7 times Duchess Kate's dresses sold out straight away

Will the 'Kate Effect' never end?

kate middleton polo
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As one of the world's foremost fashion icons, it's no surprise that most pieces the Duchess of Cambridge is seen wearing subsequently fly off the shelves – the term 'the Kate effect' was even coined to describe the impact she had on fashion brands after being pictured in their clothes. Most recently she was spotted wearing a light blue off-the-shoulder sundress from her favourite high street store Zara while watching Prince William compete in a charity polo tournament – and, predictably, the £39 frock sold out with minutes. Here are seven of Kate's most popular sell-out dresses.

Kate's bargain Topshop frock was an immediate hit

While on an official tour of India with William, Kate beat the heat in this loose smock dress with a pretty red and black print. The midi-style frock was from Topshop and sold out immediately.

The Duchess is a big fan of classic, playful polka dot prints. In 2015, while pregnant with Princess Charlotte, she stepped out in this £30 monochrome number from ASOS's maternity range – apparently, within 30 minutes of her exiting the car and being photographed, it had sold out in all sizes. Wow.

Kate is known to be a big fan of upmarket high street label L.K. Bennett, and is regularly spotted in its designs. When she chose this flattering, versatile red dress from the store for a visit to the Young Minds mental health helpline, it sold out in record time.

This pretty patterned monochrome dress by Tory Burch was Kate's outfit of choice while accompanying Prince George to a play date during the family's tour of Australia and new Zealand. The £450 price tag didn't stop it selling out completely.

In 2017 Kate wore a gorgeous £960 Marchessa Notte tulle gown with full skirt to the premiere of 42nd Street. The upmarket brand was forced to re-stock the stunning dress after it swiftly sold out.

When Kate wore a fuchsia pink Seraphine dress for her first official portrait with William and George, the brand confirmed it sold out in two hours. A spokesperson also confirmed it had enjoyed a 400% increase in sales after it was revealed Kate wore its dresses.