Fashion inspiration can come from a variety of sources, but perhaps no public figure can rival the closet—and decorum—of Catherine, Princess of Wales. Otherwise known as Kate Middleton, the royal is not the first member of the firm to spark sartorial intrigue, and follows in the footsteps of her predecessors, including the indomitable Princess Diana.
As the old adage goes, while trends come and go, style is forever. That said, when the Princess of Wales steps out, we take notice. From her colorful smocks to her haute couture evening gowns—and everything in between—her wardrobe is nothing short of a royal flush. Keep scrolling as we take a look back at Kate Middleton’s style evolution over the years.
Important Accessories
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Middleton joined Prince William for a visit to Southport in October 2024, where three children were tragically killed in a stabbing at a dance party. For the outing, the royal carefully selected a modest brown coat and pussy bow blouse, accessorized with golden fern earrings. Fittingly, the plant is often interpreted as a symbol of new life, resilience, and endurance.
Princess Diana Tribute
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Middleton made a surprise appearance mid-summer at Wimbledon to watch the men’s final with her daughter, Princess Charlotte. It was only her second public outing of 2024, and she marked the moment by wearing a purple dress reminiscent of the one that Princess Diana wore to the very same tennis tournament back in 1991.
Symbolic Return
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After spending much of 2024 undergoing chemotherapy, Middleton made a triumphant return to the public eye by joining her family at Trooping the Colour, which celebrates the “official” birthday of the sovereign (in this case, King Charles). Unsurprisingly, all eyes were on her outfit: a recycled Jenny Packham black and white look, updated with a new belt and matching hat.
“It was remarkable to see the Princess of Wales in her return to public life wearing an outfit that felt both fresh, in a new and exciting way, and familiar, very quintessential Kate in a calming and reassuring way,” royal style expert Elizabeth Holmes told InStyle. “Together, the dress plus the bow and the hat felt very Kate. After all this time out of the public eye, that familiarity was needed and welcome.”
Think Pink
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Magenta might not be the first color that comes to mind when you think “winter wardrobe”—but it should be. Middleton proves that incorporating a bold color into your outfit is an instant mood booster.
Off-the-Shoulder
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The Princess of Wales arrived at the 2022 Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony in an on-theme ensemble given the night’s theme of environmentalism: a rented kelly green gown. The real show-stopper, however, was the diamond and emerald choker around her neck, which once belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.
Monochromatic Moment
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Color palettes don’t always have to be loud to attract attention. Dressed in head-to-toe camel, Middleton showed us that a muted monochromatic outfit can make quite the statement.
Royal Blue
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At the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Coach Core in London in 2022, the royal aptly wore royal blue. The color adds interest and a modern twist to the classic Chanel blazer.
Pussy Bow Blouse
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Visiting Belfast, Middleton paired a light blue equestrian coat with a silk pussy blow blouse for a look that embodied timeless elegance.
Nautical-Themed
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During a visit to the 1851 Trust and the Great Britain SailGP Team, the Princess wore a nautical-themed ensemble that felt very Cape Cod (or in her case, Plymouth, England).
Head-to-Toe Blue
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At the Order of The Garter service, the Princess of Wales was a vision in full-on blue—from her Juliette Botterill floral leaf teardrop hat to her Alexander McQueen coat dress.
Black and White
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We’re deeming this look Red Carpet Royalty (for obvious reasons). Middleton exuded elegance in a Roland Mouret black and white off-the-shoulder gown at the Top Gun: Maverick U.K. premiere in May 2022.
Sparkly Tulle
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Green is definitely this duchess’s color. And when combined with tulle, sparkles, and the genius of designer Jenny Peckham, it gives us this head-turning number, worn during Middleton’s Caribbean tour.
Full Glam
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At a special reception in Belize, Middleton was simply show-stopping. Her sparkly pink gown by The Vampire’s Wife was eveningwear at its finest.
Matching Set
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The Princess attended Forward Trust’s “Taking Action on Addiction” campaign at BAFTA in a monochromatic all-red look that included a turtleneck sweater and matching, flowy pleated skirt. She paired the look with a neutral beige handbag and matching pointed-toe pumps.
From the Archive
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Middleton re-wore one of her iconic gowns to the first-ever Earthshot Prize event in London in 2021. The Duchess first wore the Grecian-inspired lavender gown during her and Prince William’s 2011 trip to Los Angeles. This time, she paired the pleated dress with a different gold belt and wore her signature dark brown locks in a deep side part.
Preppy Plaid
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Middleton wore a black-and-white plaid dress from Zara for a visit to the University College London’s Centre for Longitudinal Studies. The Princess paired the dress with a loosely curled hairstyle and silver snakeskin pointed-toe pumps.
Power Suit
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For a trip to the Ulster University Magee Campus in Londonderry, Ireland, the Princess of Wales chose a chic, monochromatic vibrant purple-hued suit, which she paired with a navy blue turtleneck and matching suede pumps. She completed the look with a sophisticated ponytail and a navy blue clutch.
Sheer Skirt
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Middleton looked absolutely radiant for the No Time to Die premiere at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2021. For the debut of the new James Bond film, she wore a stunning sequin and crystal embellished dress, which included a plunging neckline, sheer skirt, and floor-grazing cape. She opted for statement earrings and an intricate updo.
Emerald Green
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Just weeks before the COVID-19 shutdown began, William and Kate visited the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, where the then-Duchess even sipped on her own pint of Guinness. For the event, she went with a festive, sparkling emerald-colored midi-dress that she accessorized with matching pointed-toe suede pumps, a gold clutch, and gold drop earrings.
Red Carpet Ready
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The Princess of Wales attended the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards in an ivory gown with gold embellishments and a sweetheart neckline. She paired the look with sparkling pointed-toe pumps and a matching clutch handbag.
Casual Elegance
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Middleton attended the Women’s Final for the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club alongside her sister, Pippa Middleton, and her sister-in-law, Meghan Markle. She wore an A-line, forest green high-neck dress accented with gold buttons, a bow, and puffy sleeves. She paired the sophisticated outfit with an ivory handbag and matching pointed-toe pumps.
Collared Dress
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The Princess visited the Foundling Museum in a super chic belted, collared wool dress, which she paired with black opaque stockings, black suede pumps, and a matching handbag.
Gucci Gown
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Middleton wowed in a Gucci tulle gown with multiple shades of pink, a maroon velvet belt, and off-the-shoulder detailing for a gala dinner to benefit the “Mentally Healthy Schools” initiative at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Maternity Wear
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On Easter Sunday, Middleton made her last public appearance before giving birth to her third child in 2018. The then-Duchess attended services at St. George’s Chapel in a deep brown coat, a matching fascinator, and her go-to nude pumps.
Empire Waist
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Kate walked the red carpet at the 2018 BAFTAs wearing a dark green empire-waist Jenny Packham gown and stunning emerald jewels.
Baby Blue
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Middleton paid a visit to the Roe Green Junior School to give a poignant speech on children’s mental health. The royal looked elegant in a dusty blue Sportmax coat, Seraphine maternity dress, patterned scarf, and matching suede pumps.
Polka Dots
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Middleton’s polka dot belted dress by Kate Spade was both stylish and practical (read: maternity wear). She paired the bold frock with maroon pumps and a bouncy blowout.
Sheer Sparkles
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The then-Duchess looked radiant in a sparkly sheer-illusion light blue gown for the Royal Variety Performance at the Palladium Theatre.
Swing Coat
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Middleton seemed to have been inspired by nautical wear in her swingy black coat with gold detailing. She paired her outerwear with black skinny jeans and matching boots.
LBD
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The royal looked elegant in a floor-length black Diane von Furstenberg lace dress with a scalloped neckline, three-quarter length sleeves, and a low back at the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families Gala Dinner held at the Orangery at Kensington Palace.
Military-Inspired
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Middleton added a military-inspired touch to her look at a graduation ceremony for more than 150 Coach Core apprentices. The Princess wore a blue double-breasted blazer, dark skinnies, and suede booties.
Prada Midi
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The then-Duchess chose an elegant green Prada tea-length dress with a high neck and long sleeves for a visit to Princess Diana’s memorial garden with Princes William and Harry.
All-White Ensemble
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The Princess of Wales started off her 2017 tour of Poland on a stylish note with a white Alexander McQueen peplum ensemble and Gianvito Rossi suede nude heels. She added a pop of color with a red clutch and styled her new short ‘do in bouncy curls.
Skirt Suit
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Middleton stepped out for a Heads Together event with Prince Harry and Prince William looking flawless in a poppy-hued Armani skirt suit. The fitted zip-up blazer featured flattering ruching along the bust and an elegant split round neck. She paired it with a matching knee-length pencil skirt and nude accessories.
Honeycomb Dress
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The then-Duchess attended the opening night of 42nd Street in London wearing a crimson Marchesa Notte honeycomb dress that stole the show. She then accessorized with statement Kate Spade New York pompom tassel earrings, a sleek envelope clutch, and chic suede pumps—all crafted in the same scarlet hue as her frock.
Lots of Lace
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The Duchess of Cambridge attended the 2017 Portrait Gala in London wearing an elegant green lace Temperley London gown. She paired the dress with Kiki McDonough drop earrings, a beaded Wilbur & Gussie envelope clutch, and metallic Jimmy Choo platform sandals.
Classic Chanel
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Middleton paid a weekend visit to Paris in a chic printed blue coat dress from Chanel, accented with a double-C belt and quilted handbag from the historic brand. She wore the stylish ensemble on a visit to Les Invalides and Musée d’Orsay.
Sparkling Silver
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While attending a dinner at the British Embassy in Paris, the then-Duchess wowed in a dazzling metallic Jenny Packham gown that featured delicate embellishments. She completed her look with a perfectly styled blowout, sparkling earrings and matching bracelet, silver pumps, and a glittering clutch.
Festive Green
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The fashionable royal paid sartorial homage to the Irish holiday in a dark green, double-breasted coat with chic black trim and gold buttons designed by Catherine Walker. Middleton accessorized her festive look with matching green pumps, a stylish fascinator secured atop her low chignon, and gold and green onyx Monica Vinader earrings.
February 28, 2017
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Middleton donned a figure-hugging Rebecca Taylor skirt suit to visit with children at the Ronald McDonald House Evelina London.
Floral Print
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The then-Duchess stepped out in a floral-print Erdem dress as she prepared to deliver a speech for Heads Together, an organization she, Prince William, and Prince Harry support in their effort to promote mental health awareness.
Periwinkle Skirt Suit
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The Duchess looked pretty in periwinkle in a belted coat and pencil skirt by Catherine Walker & Co. while on a solo trip abroad to the Netherlands.
Cream Chloé Dress
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For an afternoon outing with Prince George and Princess Charlotte in Victoria, Canada, the Princess of Wales wore a cream pointelle-knit See by Chloé dress with a demure collar and long sleeves and beige Monsoon wedges.
Double-Breasted Coat
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The then-Duchess looked radiant in a red CH Carolina Herrera double-breasted coat and dark pumps for a visit to the MacBride Museum in Canada’s Yukon territory in 2016.
Tea-Length Gown
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For an evening out, the mom of two opted for a red Preen by Thornton Bregazzi gown, accessorized with a diamond-encrusted maple leaf brooch, red pointed-toe pumps, and a matching clutch.
Paying Homage
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The then-Duchess brought out her signature royal flair to a stylish piece that paid homage to Canada’s flag: a red and white dress by Alexander McQueen, a crimson clutch, and a vibrant pair of red pointed-toe pumps.
Playful Polka Dots
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Middleton stepped out in a blue polka-dot dress and nude pumps for a trip to the Stewards Academy with Prince William.
Night at the Museum
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For a dinner at the Natural History Museum in London, Middleton wowed in a white off-the-shoulder Barbara Casasola dress and ankle-strap sandals.
Chiffon Sleeves
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The then-Duchess attended a charity gala in 2016 in a sparkling Jenny Packham gown, which featured fluttery chiffon sleeves and beautiful silver beading throughout. She styled her hair in a chic low bun, and added delicate jewelry, nude pumps, and a sleek clutch to complete her winning look.
Lace D&G
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At England’s Royal Ascot, Middleton wore a cream long-sleeve lace Dolce and Gabbana midi-length dress and an off-white Jane Taylor fascinator adorned with a large flower. Another notable accessory, which stood out from her monochromatic ensemble: a purple name tag that Kate wore on her chest.
Embroidered Coat
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The royal was a vision in light blue and cream for a special service celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday with the British royal family at St. Paul’s. She wore a light blue Catherine Walker cream-embroidered coat dress and a Jane Taylor hat accented by a cream fascinator studded with corsages.
Cutout Gown
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Middleton embraced 2016’s cutout trend, wearing a blue shoulder cutout gown by Roland Mouret to SportsAid’s 40th-anniversary dinner at Kensington Palace.
Nautical Look
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The Princess of Wales wore a nautical Alexander McQueen outfit for a charity event by the coast. She paired the classic look with a quilted clutch and blue pumps.
Fiery Red
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Middleton opted for a fiery red Beulah London gown for a cocktail reception in Bhutan, pairing the look with black strappy heels and loose waves.
Royal Gorpcore
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For a three-hour hike of the Himalayas, Middleton wore knee-high tassel detail boots with khaki jeans and a brown leather vest over a white collared shirt. She topped off the equestrian-inspired look with Ray-Ban Wayfarers.
Multi-Colored
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For a 2016 dinner with the King and Queen of Bhutan, Middleton opted for a colorful embroidered gown which she paired with black strappy shoes, a red shawl, loose curls, and gold earrings.
Bhutanese Blouse
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Not long after stepping off the airplane, Middleton changed into a floor-length kira (a patterned wrap skirt) and a Bhutanese-inspired blouse and embroidered cape by Paul & Joe.
Butter Yellow
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Middleton arrived in Bhutan wearing a long-sleeve, pale yellow coat dress by Emilia Wickstead, cinched at the waist by a matching belt and accessorized with a pair of nude pumps and gold drop earrings.
Anna Fui Gown
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Middleton capped off 2016 royal tour of India with a gorgeous green and blue printed Anna Fui gown while attending a Bihu Festival Celebration in Kaziranga.
Printed Maxi
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The then-Duchess wowed in a printed red maxi dress during her trip to India, topping off her look with an atypical choice of footwear—chic criss-cross nude ballet flats.
Floral Motifs
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The Princess stunned in black and white Temperley London when she attended a party celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday in India.
Royal Blue
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For a charity gala in India, the then-Duchess wowed in a royal blue Jenny Packham gown and styled her hair in a chic chignon.
Pattern Mixing
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During their time in India, Middleton wore a pretty printed dress and wedges to meet with local children and try her hand at cricket.
