Kate Middleton in California: What Will She Wear?

Since Kate made a point of wearing Canadian designs during the first leg of the Duke and Duchess North American tour, we can probably expect to see her wearing local designers while in California.

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Business Insider speculated about which California-based brands might get a royal endorsement. Factoring in planned outdoor activities, the article predicted that James Perse might be on the shortlist - the L.A.-based designer of luxurious loungewear and cotton separates is a favorite among Hollywood A-listers.

More surprising was the suggestion that Lauren Conrad's Paper Crown line could be a contender - assuming Middleton is a secret 'Hills' fan. Monarch reference aside, it's true that Paper Crown designs themselves do seem to capture Middleton's taste - but would Kate stoop that lowbrow? And does Conrad really need any more exposure?

Reasoning that Rodarte might be a little adventurous for Middleton's taste, Business Insider predicted that the Duchess would turn to Monique Lhuillier for red carpet appearances like that BAFTA fundraiser.

We think that's as good a guess as any, and particularly love Lhullier's 'Sunset Ombre Chiffon Strapless Ruched Gown' for the Duchess. But secretly, we're hoping Kate might opt for a designer just slightly under the radar, and let loose a bit more than she usually does - after all, how often is she going to be in sunny, laid-back Los Angeles?

We would love to see Middleton in Corey Lynn Calter's daytime separates or casual evening wear - perhaps to watch her Prince compete in the Foundation Polo Challenge at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club.

A gown by Les Habitudes would give the Duchess a slightly more dramatic, gothic look than she normally goes for, but would flatter both her figure and a storied romantic sensibility that is conjured by royalty.

A Tadashi gown would be a bit lighter and more youthful - we could see Kate in the Foiled Silk Chiffon Flutter Sleeve V-Neck Gown, or the Tiered Silk Organza and Mini-Pailette Strapless Gown from his Spring 2011 collection. 

Whichever lucky designer the Duchess chooses, she will no doubt look as fabulous as she did disembarking the plane.

[Source: Business Insider]