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But try being just a little avant-garde with your sartorial choices, and you'll be met with an expression of utter befuddlement – and probably an accompanying, unsolicited opinion. That feather down Dolce and Gabbana jacket? Makes you look like a chicken. Those high-waisted Ralph Lauren shorts? Nappy-esque. Your new Giorgio Armani floral jacket? Like wallpaper. Or Aunty Mabel's bedspread.

It's one thing thinking these things, however. But in speaking his (uninformed) mind about Kate's outfit, Prince William is treading a treacherous line. There's nothing worse than putting on a new purchase, perhaps one you're feeling a little nervous about donning in public, only to be told that you look like a fruit.

I've been there, and I know just how Kate feels. Once, on coming downstairs in a green Orla Kiely dress which I'd splurged half my monthly salary on, my other half told me it made my figure look like a "bell" (not quite the belle I'd hoped). I wore it, defiantly, but felt self-conscious all evening – and it's been stashed in the back of my cupboard ever since.

What's most annoying about men making such comments about women's clothing is the suggestion that we're dressing to look good for them. When in fact it's quite the opposite.

As explained by the style website Manrepeller.com, following the rules of fashion is about dressing for ourselves – without giving a thought to male ideals on what we wear.

A "man-repeller", it explains with breezy unconcern, is a woman who "outfits herself in a sartorially offensive mode that may result in repelling members of the opposite sex. Such garments include, but are not limited to, harem pants, boyfriend jeans, overalls, shoulder pads, full-length jumpsuits, jewellery that resembles violent weaponry and clogs."

So, to prepare you for his next sartorial slip-up, here's a list of style trends that leave men mystified.

Maxi skirts

What you see: floaty, elegant eveningwear

What he sees: dowdy, hides too much leg

Oversized jumpers

What you see: Cara Delevingne at a festival

What he sees: a big, baggy, well, bag

Leggings

What you see: handy summer cover-up

What he sees: are you off to an exercise class?

Harem pants

What you see: hip hop Rihanna-chic

What he sees: something worse than leggings

Ankle boots

What you see: comfy, practical heels

What he sees: leg-shortening clogs

Playsuits

What you see: fun, flattering night-out outfit

What he sees: a romper suit for the under-fives

Polo necks

What you see: grown-up glamour

What he sees: where has your neck gone?

Big sunglasses

What you see: Beyonce-style beach attire

What he sees: bug eyes

Gladiator sandals

What you see: trendy holiday footwear

What he sees: Russell Crowe