Style evolution: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge Brought to you by Fashion One

Rumors that a royal heir may be on the way are swirling in the UK and while Buckingham Palace has not confirmed the pregnancy, the Duchess of Cambridge caused quite a stir for a different reason as she debuted a new 1970s-inspired slightly layered hairstyle, a new page in her style evolution. A look at the princess's journey from shy commoner to confident royal.

Royal standards

Kate Middleton oozes natural grace and elegance. Four years before becoming Prince William's fiancée, she wears a sumptuous hat at the Sovereign's Parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The look perfectly fits a royal in the making. (December 15, 2006)

Sleek suit

Since the beginning of her relationship with Prince William, Kate Middleton has kept her look demure. At Cheltenham Festival (UK), she wears a khaki ensemble flattering her slim silhouette matching her boots, her bag...and the grass. (March 13, 2007).

Sexy lady

The duchess to be goes wild. A slim and toned Kate Middleton attended the Day-Glo Midnight Roller Disco charity event in London wearing mini-shorts and a sparkly green halter top. (September 17, 2008).

Girl next door?

Kate is also (or at least was) an ordinary young woman. Donning jeans and platform shoes, she exudes a natural classy air. At the Cirencester Park Polo Club she attends a charity tournament. (June 7, 2009).

Duchess to be

Eighteen days before her wedding, Kate Middleton is glowing. Always elegant, she has turned this style of suit, with a skirt just above the knee, into a key piece of her wardrobe, sophisticated but conservative. With Prince William, she visits Witton Country Park in Blackburn. (April 11, 2011)

Radiant

In Canada, Kate Middleton opts for a red outfit with nude heels to visit the Calgary zoo. (July 7, 2011)

Changes

Kate Middleton has slightly modified her hair, debuting a subtle layered style in Cambridge at the same time as rumors of a possible pregnancy intensify. (November 28, 2012).