Princess Kate’s designer top has a £22 M&S alternative shoppers | Royal | News

Last summer Princes Catherine proved once again that you can never underestimate the power of a timeless Breton stripe. When she stepped out wearing a chic Veronica Beard knitted top, the designer piece quickly disappeared from shelves, leaving royal fashion fans searching for a similar look.

Fast forward a year, and savvy Marks & Spencer shoppers have spotted an affordable alternative that captures the same effortless nautical feel – without the designer price tag.

Retailing for just £22, the Cotton Rich Striped Bouclé Knitted Top is crafted from a soft cotton-rich yarn with a textured bouclé finish that gives the classic Breton stripe a more elevated feel.

The short sleeves and neat crew neckline make it an easy piece to style with everything from tailored trousers to denim shorts, or even a flowing midi skirt like Princess Catherine often favours during the warmer months.

Available in Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large, shoppers also say the top fits true to size, making ordering online that little bit easier.

The high-street find has already earned an impressive rating from more than 50 reviews, with many shoppers praising both the flattering fit and premium feel.

One delighted customer simply wrote: “A new fave in my wardrobe! Thanks for this lovely piece, M&S.”

Another reviewer described it as a “lovely and chic top”, adding: “I like the style of the top, a nice change to have it in a bouclé fabric… it’s a nice ecru colour which I find softer than white.”

Meanwhile, a third shopper called it the perfect wardrobe staple, writing: “This is the top to go to when you want something a little smarter than your normal T-shirt. It fits true to size and is a good length.”

Not every review was glowing, however. One customer noted that the top was shorter than expected; it wasn’t advertised as cropped, but came up shorter on them, so it’s worth checking the sizing guide before ordering.

If you’ve been looking to recreate Princess Catherine’s polished off-duty style without spending hundreds on a designer knit, this £22 Marks & Spencer find could be one of the smartest buys of the summer.