DAY EIGHT, CHRISTCHURCH: For William and Kate's day in Christchurch, the Duchess opted for her second red ensemble of the tour - a skirt and jacket designed by Italian label, Luisa Spagnoli.

The bright suit is yet another of Kate's faithful wardrobe options - she's worn it on at least two previous occasions, the first being way back in February 2011 in Scotland, just days after the earthquake devastated Christchurch.

With dark buttons, a belted waist which flares out to a lovely peplum and a demure pencil skirt (which appears to have been lengthened since its last outing - at the insistence of the Queen perhaps?), the black and red outfit really couldn't be more apt for a day of remembrance.

Kate accessorised the look with a pair of pearl drop earrings, her trusty black suede pumps and her Mulberry clutch.

In today's male fashion news, Prince William looked dapper in a navy suit and light blue shirt brightened up by a patterned red tie.

Outfit rating: 7/10

Kiwi designers worn so far: The tally remains at two, our fingers are crossed for another Kiwi design in the next couple of days.

DAY SEVEN, QUEENSTOWN: 

One day, three outfits (and counting) - life's tough when you're a Duchess that's for sure. Although in saying that, we're pleased to report that Kate's latest look was surprisingly similar to her nautical Auckland get-up.

Once again, the Duchess wore dark skinny jeans, this double-breasted navy Zara blazer and her Stuart Weitzman wedges. This time she left the long-sleeved breton top at home in favour of aGap blue and white checked shirt which retails for around $40 - a result of her recent shopping trip perhaps?

Prince William smartened up his rugby ensemble with a white shirt, dark blazer and co-ordinated chocolate brown shoes and belt. Well done, old chap - looking spiffy as per usual.

Outfit rating: 8/10 - Classic, accessible and just downright stylish.

Kiwi designers worn so far: Two

DAY SEVEN, RIPPER RUGBY, DUNEDIN: Looking elegant on the sideline of a rugby pitch is no mean feat, but the Duchess has managed to do just that in the most casual outfit we've seen her in yet.

Wearing a white Jonathan Saunders jumper (here it is in mint - we sure hope she got it at the sale price), Zara skinny jeans and grey Mint Velvet plimsolls (yes, flats!) Kate was the picture of understated chic as she encouraged her team during the game.

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Although he was coaching the opposing players, Will's outfit co-ordinated perfectly with his wife's - he wore neutral chinos, a navy v-neck jumper and a white shirt - the ultimate preppy couple.

Outfit rating: 7/10 - it's refreshing to see Kate looking girl-next-door casual - she is at a rugby event after all.

Kiwi designers worn so far: Still two

DAY SEVEN, ARRIVAL, DUNEDIN: Another overcast day, another jewel-toned outfit for the Duchess - and this time, she's paid homage to New Zealand by donning a creation by Kiwi-born, London-based designer Emilia Wickstead.

The beautiful aquamarine frock features a fit and flare silhouette with a pleated skirt, and is very similar, if not exactly the same design as this pink Emilia Wickstead dress that Kate famously wore twice within two weeks back in May 2012.

Accessories-wise, Kate showcased a bespoke hat by British Milliner, Jane Taylor (similar to this design, which retails for more than $900), her gifted fern broach and the suede Mulberry clutch we've seen her carrying a couple of times previously on the tour.

Once again Prince William looked all-business, this time working a dark suit, blue tie combo.

Outfit rating: 10/10 - Going Kiwi has never looked better!

Kiwi designers worn so far: Two

DAY SIX, WAIKATO: For the royals' tour of Hamilton and Waikato - during which Kate will visit the Rainbow Place children's hospice - the Duchess wore a green zip-front coat by Canadian-Turkish designer Erdem. The just-above-the-knee design is 100 per cent wool with a floral print silk lining and was an unusual look for the fashion darling as it wasn't heavily-tailored - Kate almost always wears pieces nipped in to show off her phenomenal waist, but this coat is almost sack-like (in an elegant way, of course).

One of Kate's many fan sites - Kate's Closet - think they have identified the dress she is wearing under the coat from just a glimpse (this glimpse to be exact) as the Budding Heart Silk Tea Dress by British label Suzannah. It retails for more than $800 and is cut to a very 1930s style.

William wore - wait for it - a navy blue suit with a red tie.

The couple both put on poppy lapel pins in support of veterans and fallen service-men and -women.

Outfit rating: 8/10 - because it's a really wearable look and that colour is resplendent on her.

Kiwi designers worn so far: Still just one, unless some of her jewels were local ... come on Kate, go Kiwi!

DAY FIVE, AUCKLAND: 

Kate went nautical for her boating day in Auckland - totes appropes' - and wore a look any woman could emulate. The duchess sported J Brand skinny jeans (skinnies, with enough elastane, are surprisingly comfy) with a gorgeous double-breasted navy coat by high street Spanish brand Zara.

She paired this simple look with a Breton top by Me + Em (AU$85) - this is a staple style that every lass should own - and Stuart Weitzman wedges (she does love a wedge, although we suspect she'll change into something a bit less heeled before she steps onto a racing yacht).

While out on the water, Kate took off her jacket, chucked her hair up in a pony, donned an NZ black cap and looked like she meant business. She later popped on some tortoiseshell Ray Bans (yay, finally something many of us probably already own!).

Will, meanwhile, wore the best look we've seen on him so far - going more casual allowing him to let his personal style shine through a bit. The Prince paired a lovely royal blue jumper with some tan trousers, a somewhat Navajo belt and dark brown suede loafers. Verdict? He looked jolly dapper.

Outfit rating: 7/10 - we love it because it's somewhat affordable and super chic but it's also a casual look so hard to give a 10.

Kiwi designers worn so far: 1 (none today)

DAY FOUR, WELLINGTON: The second royal appearance of the day saw Will and Kate attend a state reception at Government House in Wellington to unveil a new portrait of the Queen.

The Duchess looked chic, if a little severe, in a black Jenny Packham bespoke dress with a hand-stitched fern on her left shoulder. While we love the nod to our national emblem and really can't fault just how put together Kate looks, it would have been lovely to see her in a longer, more dramatic gown (like this stunning teal number which takes the cake for our favourite Duchess in Jenny Packham look of all time).

A suede clutch by Mulberry and black Jimmy Choo Cosmic pumps added to Kate's somewhat minimalist look for the night.

Meanwhile, the Prince stuck to his guns in another navy blue suit and red tie combination - a nice enough look for the formal occasion.

Outfit rating: 7/10

Kiwi designers worn so far: 1 (none today)

DAY FOUR, BLENHEIM: 

With Prince George still chilling in Wellington - maybe cuddling his Plunket teddy? - the Duchess wore a customised cornflower blue Alexander McQueen coat for her first trip to the South Island (here is a very similar version for $4125 - Kate's is just without the top flap and a slightly darker blue - in case you have a few thousand spare dollars burning a hole in your pocket). The coat has a peplum pocket detail as well as beautiful pleats at the back.

The 32-year-old sported her first up-do for her trip to Blenheim - perhaps realising that the NZ weather was not going to play hair-friendly ball. Her classic ponytail utilised the simple trick of wrapping one's hair around and around to conceal the hair tie. Here's how to do it. (We did have a mild moment of panic when we first saw her and thought she was sporting a scrunchie.)

There's no doubt that Alexander McQueen is one of the Duchess' favourite designers - not only did the house's lead designer Sarah Burton craft her wedding dress, but Kate wears the brand more often than any other.Remember that amazing McQueen lilac evening gown she wore back in 2012?

Accessories-wise, Kate wore navy suede shoes, sapphire earrings and a poppy brooch to honour veterans.

In male fashion news, Prince Will wore a navy blue suit with a classic striped tie as well as medals - which all members of the royal family are given to commemorate special royal occasions. He added a slightly unexpected element to his look when putting on a bright friendship bracelet given to him by some Blenheim locals.

Outfit rating: 10/10

Kiwi designers worn so far: 1 (none today)

DAY THREE, PLUNKET PLAY GROUP, WELLINGTON:

 Upon arriving back at Government House at around 1pm on Wednesday, Kate was spotted through the moving window of a silver BMW wearing the same $600 Max Mara dress she wore when transiting through Sydney on Monday (a dress she also wore in London in February 2013 when pregnant with Prince George). We love that she recycles clothes.

After a quick change, she arrived at the Plunket play date looking fresh in a bold monochrome dress from American billionaire designer Tory Burch's Resort 14 collection (which retails on Net-A-Porter for $555). The dress' best feature is definitely the Chanel-esque rough hems on the skirt and arms; this is the first time Kate's worn Tory Burch.

In tiny person fashion news, Prince George was wearing a too-cute-for-words pair of dungarees by British kids' fashion brand Rachel Riley. Fancy them? They retail for around $137 (oh, okay, well, maybe next month). Prince William looked dapper and casual in equal measure in a bold blue shirt with rolled-up sleeves - he does have manly forearms, dark blue jeans and brown loafers.

Outfit rating: 8/10 - boosted heftily by George's dungarees.

Kiwi designers worn so far: 1 (none today)

DAY TWO: No sightings as the family recovers from jet lag at Wharekauhau Lodge in the Wairarapa.

DAY ONE, ARRIVAL, WELLINGTON: Upon landing in Wellington on a typically blustery day, the Duchess' flared jacket and dress did mean she had a minor Marilyn moment while coming down the plane's stairs - maybe Wills should have held George? - but don't worry Kate, all us Wellington ladies have been there, you still looked fab.

In other news, she made the wise choice to wear a hat (it's either hat or ponytail, right?), opting for a bright red pillbox by Gina Foster - who was responsible for the wonderful, albeit very insensitive to the person sitting behind her, hat the Duchess wore to Zara Phillips' wedding back in 2011.

She paired said head candy with a double-breasted red coat that boasted a military feel and strong but not overpowering shoulders. The coat is by French label Catherine Walker, a brand the Duchess has worn before.

Catherine Walker herself passed away in 2010, but her designs were a favourite of the late Diana Princess of Wales (in fact, it's said that Diana was buried in a black dress designed by Walker) and Kate's mother Carole also wore a Catherine Walker design to the Royal Wedding in 2011.

Kate's shoe debut in Wellington was a custom pair by UK label Emmy (Pippa's also a fan).

Adding a touch of Kiwiana and history to her outfit, Kate wore the diamond and platinum silver fern brooch that was a Christmas gift to The Queen from the Women of Auckland during the Commonwealth Tour of 1953-4.

As for the lads, wee George wore a cute cream cardigan with toy soldiers on it and white cotton shorts (the couple possibly underestimated the wind chill and left the little guy's legs and head bare) while William arrived in a well-cut navy suit paired with a classic maroon tie (and sported remarkably similar hair to his son).

Outfit rating: 9/10

Kiwi designs worn so far: 1

Fairfax NZ News