Every woman needs the perfect LBD in their closet. Whether for business, travel or personal outings, a simple black dress is the ultimate versatile wardrobe staple. Thought to have its emergence from the mini black dress designs from the fashion house of Coco Chanel, the LBD has gained such popularity it even has it’s own Wikipedia page.
Regarded as the perfect cocktail dress or day-to-evening style for nearly every occasion, fashion experts have long encouraged women to fortify their closet with at least one elegant black dress suitable for formal or casual events.
Princess Kate prefers wearing her LBDs for somber and solemn occasions as well as to royal receptions and parties. She often wears little black dresses for daytime shopping and errands.
Here are 10 of Kate Middleton’s Best Little Black Dresses:
- Alexander McQueen Black Tweed Asymmetric Frayed Dress
The princess wore this elegant evening gown in March 2017 in Paris. The precisely tailored dress featured metallic threads woven into a thick tweed fabric. A rippling asymmetric and frayed trim gave this simple dress a hint of drama.
Similar Shop Jason Wu Boucle Textured Asymmetrical Hem Dress
2. Beulah London Amara Black Lace Dress
After having only touched down on US soil an hour before, the prince and princess headed to a reception dinner for the Royal Foundation in New York City at a private residence. For the evening out stateside, Kate wore a black fit and flare lace cocktail dress from Beulah London’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection. The elegant party dress had embroidered organza overlaying a silk crepe de chine lining.
Similar Shop Adriana Papell Embroidered Lace Dress
3. Issa London Black Dress
For a shopping trip in April 2011, nine days before marrying Prince William, Kate wore this simple ‘Auru’ black wrap dress from Issa London for last minute bridal shopping on King’s Road in London. The side-drape silk jersey dress is the ultimate comfortable day or night LBD and has a gathered waist and deep v-neckline.
Similar Shop Anne Klein Faux Wrap Dress
4. Issa London Lucky Dress
The princess wore this cotton dress with a square neckline and short gathered puff sleeves for a walk near her Chelsea apartment in west London. Perfect for polo or summer socializing, this flared skirt dress was so beloved by Kate that she purchased it in pink, white and black. Kate’s sister Pippa Middleton was spotted in the same Issa ‘Lucky’ dress in red and white.
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5. Templeton Dress by Temperley London
For a SportsAid reception, the princess was dressed in her best evening garb. On this occasion, she wore a Temperley London dress inspired by Renaissance stained glass. The laser-cut dress has a full skirt, nipped in waist and detailed neck yoke along with embroidered sleeves and a skirt finished with a scallop detail.
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6. Dolce & Gabbana Black Floral Lace Dress
For the Festival of Remembrance in November 2015, the princess looked like a classic beauty in this sheer black dress with a floral lace design. The designer sheath with a sheer illusion neckline was a smart and sophisticated choice for the somber event.
Similar Shop Eliza J Sweetheart Floral Lace Sheath Dress
7. Jenny Packham Bespoke Dress
In the perfect cocktail party attire, Kate wore a black crepe Jenny Packham gown accented with a crystal fern embellishment on the shoulder for a reception in New Zealand in 2014. The princess paired the sleek statement dress with a Mulberry clutch bag and Jimmy Choo Cosmic black pumps. She finished the look with an art deco diamond and earring bracelet set gifted to her from King Charles.
Similar Shop Embellished Stretch Sheath Dress
8. Topshop Peter Pan Shift Dress
The princess wore this black short sleeve mini dress from Topshop for a bereavement center visit. The $56 dollar contrast color shift has a white Peter Pan collar and above-the-knee length.
Similar Shop CeCe Cotton Short Sleeve Polo Dress
9. Oasis Sweater Dress
The princess donned this black Oasis sweater dress with a gold buckle belt for a hospital visit on royal duty in Liverpool in the early months of 2012. The 3/4 sleeve turtleneck dress is a mid-weight sweater style with ribbed sleeves.
Similar Shop Old Navy Mock Neck Rib Knit Dress
10. Jenny Packham Bespoke Dress
Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth, Kate along with William, Harry and Meghan, greeted well-wishers outside of Windsor Castle. For the occasion, Kate wore a black pencil dress with velvet trim waistband believed to be from Jenny Packham. Kate paired the elegant sheath with Gianvito Rossi pumps and Kiki pearl and diamond earrings.
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