LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 20:  The Princess Of Wales Attending A Gala Evening In Aid Of Cancer Research At Bridgewater House, London.  (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)
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Find out how Princess Diana, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle stay picture-perfect all night long

It’s that time of the year again: invitations are being sent out, gowns are being purchased, and our social calendars are filling up fast with parties and galas. (Hopefully for you, that includes the Tatler Ball.)

As we approach the party season, we are reminded once again that appearances are everything. What to wear? Do your shoes match? Are you really wearing that lipstick? Yet, even after making those considerations, all it takes is a single wardrobe malfunction to make an evening of fun truly unforgettable—and for all the wrong reasons.

That’s why we look to the masters of public appearances: the royal families. Years of being in the spotlight have taught everyone from Princess Diana to Kate Middleton, the new Princess of Wales, how to prevent any style-related slip-ups. Below, we take a look at some of their secrets to staying poised and camera-ready.

Read more: Tatler Ball 2022: All the Dos and Don’ts For Our Legendary Soirée

1. Cover your cleavage with a clutch

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LONDON - JUNE 1997:  Princess Diana arrives by car to watch a performance of the ballet "Swan Lake" in June 1997 in London, England.  (Photo by Anwar Hussein/WireImage)
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When making her grand entrance, the elegant Princess Diana would often step out of her car with her purse held close to her chest—all to keep her cleavage hidden from prying paparazzi. Of course, if showing off your décolletage is the very reason you chose to wear a low-cut evening dress, then by all means, ignore this style tip.

Read more: A Closer Look at Princess Diana’s Favourite Jewellery

2. Wearing heels? Try no-slip tights

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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 08: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge attend the 'Together at Christmas' community carol service at Westminster Abbey on December 8, 2021 in London, England. The carol service, hosted and spearheaded by The Duchess of Cambridge, pays tribute to the work of individuals and organisations across the UK who have supported their communities through the COVID
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LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, shoe detail, attends the "Together at Christmas" community carol service on December 08, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
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Nude or sheer hosiery are the secret style staple in both Hollywood and the Buckingham Palace, as they give their wearers the illusion of perfectly smooth legs. Wearing them with heels, however, can be a hassle; all that smooth fabric can make your feet slide right out of your shoes. Kate Middleton’s brilliant solution to this conundrum? Wearing no-slip pantyhose, fitted with sticky pads in the soles to keep your feet firmly in your heels.

3. For comfort, wear leather insoles

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KINGSTON, JAMAICA - MARCH 22: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge during the official arrival at Norman Manley International Airport on March 22, 2022 in Kingston, Jamaica. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are visiting Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen on the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee. The 8 day tour takes place between Saturday 19th March and Saturday 26th March and is their first joint official overseas tour since the onset of COVID-19 in 2020. (Photo by Chris Jackson/
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If you’re planning on dancing the night away, or simply want to show off your newest Manolos, consider getting a pair of leather insoles first. These padded accessories, which Kate Middleton reportedly uses, will add cushioning (and therefore, comfort) to the soles of your shoes. Your feet will thank you at the end of the night.

4. Go for a bigger shoe size

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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27:  Prince Harry (L) and Meghan Markle during an official photocall to announce the engagement of Prince Harry and actress Meghan Markle at The Sunken Gardens at Kensington Palace on November 27, 2017 in London, England.  Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been a couple officially since November 2016 and are due to marry in Spring 2018.  (Photo by Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Above Photo: Getty Images
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27:  Meghan Markle, shoe detail, attends an official photocall to announce the engagement of Prince Harry and actress Meghan Markle at The Sunken Gardens at Kensington Palace on November 27, 2017 in London, England.  Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been a couple officially since November 2016 and are due to marry in Spring 2018.  (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Above Photo: Getty Images

In a celebrity-approved hack that she likely picked up from her Hollywood days, Meghan Markle is said to have opted for shoes that are a size or two bigger than her actual feet size. This frees up plenty of room at the back of your shoes—again, you can keep your feet in place with insoles—and prevents those nasty blisters.

Don't miss: Tatler Ball 2022: The Best Shoes For Partying the Night Away

5. Secure your updos with a hairnet

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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 11: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the 2019 Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 11, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 11: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the 2019 Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 11, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
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Whether you’re going for an elaborate bouffant bun or an elegant chignon, you’ll find plenty to appreciate in a hairnet. The Princess of Wales herself stands by the accessory, often using them to combat loose hair strands and fly-aways.

6. Have some highlighter handy

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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 07: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the 91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on November 7, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
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What’s the secret to looking fresh-faced, night after night of drinking and dancing? If you ask Meghan Markle, it’s a good highlighter. The former American actress uses a dab of the shimmery beauty product on the inner corner of her eyes, which instantly transforms her face and gives it a well-rested appearance.

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