‘The Kate Effect’ is stronger than ever

HER maternity dresses flew off the shelves, and the Duchess of Cambridge’s fashion power has remained post-birth, with stores like eBay reporting a 208 per cent increase in the sale of yellow, floral dresses.

FILE - In this Saturday, May 2, 2015. file photo, Kate Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William smile as they carry their newborn baby princess from The Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital, in London Britain's newborn princess has been named Charlotte Elizabeth Diana it was announced on Monday May 4. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)

HER maternity dresses flew off the shelves, and the Duchess of Cambridge’s fashion power looks like it will remain post-birth.

Since appearing on the steps of St Mary’s Hospital in bespoke Jenny Packham holding little Princess Charlotte, stores like eBay have reported a 208 per cent sales increase for yellow floral dresses like Kate’s.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge with newborn baby daughter Princess Charlotte. Photo by Ian Gavan

Her nude Jimmy Choo pumps inspired a 131 per cent rise in nude heel sales, hair rollers have risen 131 per cent thanks to her immaculate blow-dry, and white blanket sales like the one Princess Charlotte was wrapped in have risen 149 per cent.

Even George and William got a look-in, with their matching blue jumpers reflecting a 28 per cent increase in blue knitwear sales on eBay.

Prince William and his Prince George have some fashion pull too. Picture: John Stillwell

Websites including Kate’s Closet and US Magazine were among several who quickly published details for where to buy lookalike dresses for fans of the Duchess’s style — and there are many of them.

In March, “a source close to Kate Middleton” told US Weekly that she loved using Trilogy rosehip oil during her pregnancy, and their 20ml bottles sold out within days.

Also in March, Kate wore a $68 ASOS maternity dress while visiting the Brookhill Children’s Centre in London. The dress sold out almost instantly, and ASOS had to restock.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leave the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in central London with Princess Charlotte. Picture: Leon Neal

And who could forget when Kate wore Seraphine for her first family portrait with Prince George and Prince William? The $70 frock sold out in every colour available within two hours, with a four-week-long waiting list. Who knows what furore her dress for this year’s family portrait will bring.