The Duchess Of Cambridge has evolved from safe and conservative style to elegant and chic since she’s been thrust into the spotlight
We’ve been obsessed with Kate Middleton’s style evolution ever since she first started dating Prince William in 2003.
Although the pair met when they both started at St Andrews in 2001, they were friends before becoming an item, and it’s thought the turning point was when Kate walked in a university charity catwalk show. Created by fashion graduate Charlotte Todd, it was a strapless, sheer knitted affair that gave the audience – including Wills obvs – a glimpse of Kate’s black underwear. Fun fashion fact: it sold for £78k in 2011.
Kate Middleton dresses: The early years
In their early years of dating, Kate was all about the Sloane Ranger-esque looks (a la Diana). Think blazers, skinny jeans, designer pumps and bags. Since getting married and taking on more official duties though, she has really honed her sense of style.
She effortlessly mixes high end with high street and is often seen recycling old outfits to demonstrate her thrifty skills – in fact, you may not have noticed, but there is one accessory Kate Middleton wears with everything (OK, practically everything), and it totally works.
Kate Middleton dresses: Her favourite designers and high street brands
For red carpet events, Kate Middleton is loyal to her favourite fashion brands, most of which are British talents including Alice Temperley, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and Jenny Packham. For daytime Royal engagements, Kate’s known for favouring high street brands, and as soon as she’s spotted wearing them, they tend to fly off the shelves – L.K.Bennett, Reiss, Zara, Whistles, all gone within hours of being worn. That’s the Kate Middleton effect.
Kate Middleton dresses: Pregnancy style
Most recently, the Duchess of Cambridge has made her first official appearances since announcing her third pregnancy, and after suffering from acute morning sickness like with Prince George and Princess Charlotte. At an event in Paddington, she wore a muted pink Orla Kiely with a delicate floral appliqué. In her past pregnancies, she has mixed dresses and suits from her favourite designers to more casual Breton top, jeans, and her favourite Superga trainers.
With all this in mind, take a look back at Kate Middleton’s best looks.
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The Duchess wears a floral Vanessa Seward dress for a trip to the annual Christmas party hosted by The Mix in London.
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In November 2016, The Duchess wore a black Preen by Thornton and Bregazzi dress, which was purchased directly from Fenwicks of Bond Street, to the Place2Be Wellbeing in Schools Awards at Mansion House in London.
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Here’s Duchess Kate at the world premiere of A Street Cat Named Bob, wearing a gorgeous full length gown by Self Portrait, shoes by Gianvito Rossi and a clutch by Miu Miu.
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Kate opted for a See by Chloé dress paired with an Acne belt for a children’s party for military families.
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Kate wore this stunning red gown by Thornton Bregazzi to a ceremony of reconciliation with the Canadian First Nations.
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The duchess wearing a bespoke Alexander McQueen dress on a tour to Canada.
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The Duchess chose a delicate lace dress for her 2016 Royal Ascot debut. A matching floral fascinator and drop pearl earrings completed her chic but simple look.
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We love nothing more than when Duchess Kate steps out in a purse-friendly piece..
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Kate knows a thing or two about winter florals. This bold floral silk Erdem dress with diamond jewellery she wore at the 100 Women In Hedge Funds event was incredibly chic, held at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London in late October 2015.
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At Princess Charlotte’s christening, wearing McQueen.
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Presenting Princess Charlotte to the world.
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For her final appearance before giving birth to Princess Charlotte, the Duchess of Cambridge wore this lovely bright pink coat and black pumps as she toured the Stephen Lawrence Centre in London.
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Kate showed off her legs in this powder blue dress.
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Kate Middleton in a cream Roland Mouret gown and Zara necklace, which sold out instantly.
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This sparkling Jenny Packham dress was a real winner.
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Kate Middleton, Prince William and Prince George at George’s christening.
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After giving birth to Prince George, Kate left hospital in this blue polka dot dress by Jenny Packham.
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A peach dress and matching coat, the perfect pregnancy style.
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We love this cute McQueen sailor dress.
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Kate wore this pale lilac McQueen dress to the 2011 BAFTAs.
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Chatting at a Royal engagement.
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At a St James Gala reception.
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Kate wore this black lace Temperley dress to the UK premiere of War Horse.
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For a visit to Canada, Kate chose to honour the country with a maple leaf on her hat.
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At a garden party in Buckingham Palace.
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The iconic pink glitter dress.
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Wearing her second wedding dress of the day, also by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.
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Kate Middleton’s Alexander McQueen wedding dress
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Kate chose this dress by Issa for her engagement picture, and it promptly sold out. The brand has since struggled to keep up with demand.
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At a wedding with Prince William.
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At a disco fancy dress party.
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At a party during her university years.
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The sheer dress that apparently caught Prince William’s eye at the university charity catwalk show.
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