Kate Middleton is proof positive that you don't have to spend a million bucks to look like a million bucks. The Duchess of Cambridge stole the show at the U.K. red carpet premiere of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom on Dec. 5 -- and she did it wearing a gown that was already in her closet and a statement necklace that cost less than $36.
The jewelry -- made up of five rows of clear crystal beads -- is sold at Zara and retails for just 20 pounds, or $35.90. Paired with Middleton's cream-colored Roland Mouret "Lombard" dress, however, it looks to be worth much more than that.
Of course, this isn't the first time the 31-year-old Duchess has made headlines for her accessible yet stunning style. A known fan of unfussy brands like Zara and ASOS, Prince William's wife is photographed often wearing or buying affordable pieces -- like the $42 ASOS frock and $55 TopShop maternity dress she wore while pregnant.
No doubt royal watchers are already clamoring to get their hands on the Duchess' Zara necklace. Middleton has become something of a style icon -- after she and Prince William announced their 2010 engagement with an official photo, featuring the gorgeous brunette in a blue Issa wrap dress, copycats rushed to buy the frock for themselves. It sold out in 24 hours and inspired a $130 copycat at Banana Republic just this year.
Sadly, Thursday's red carpet premiere of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom -- based on the life of Nelson Mandela -- coincided with the death of the former South African president, who had been ill for some time. South African president Jacob Zuma made the announcement that Mandela had "departed." He was 95 years old.
