Kate Middleton Brought An Entire Fashion Category Back From The Dead

Kate Middleton has single-handedly brought back panty hose.
Until recently, the flesh-toned stockings were in a fashion category that had been relegated to the same class as Christmas sweaters and fanny packs.

When the Duchess was photographed wearing nude pantyhose, people took notice, Julia Neel at Women's Wear Daily reported.

" Given her positive image and sky-high fascination factor, it isn’t surprising that with her legwear of choice — primarily flesh-toned, especially for dress-up affairs — she is single-handedly elevating the category to fashion-worthy status," Neel writes.

Several panty-hose retailers have reported that their sales have skyrocketed since Middleton married Prince William in 2011.

Middleton's style is often emulated and most designs she's photographed wearing sell out immediately. Especially famous are the nude pumps she's rarely seen without.

When she was initially photographed in pantyhose, fashion experts were quick to criticize her. But Kate kept trying, and she was eventually accepted.

Boston Globe fashion writer Beth Tietell said that the panyhose are "quite elegant."