While people might assume the Princess of Wales has reworn a beautiful chiffon ballgown many times over or donned the same pair of pants for years and years or even put a printed midi on repeat, Kate’s actually worn one pale gold coat steadily and consistently in her royal tenure. Despite an extensive wardrobe, the princess has donned the same elegant cocktail coat for more events, engagements and special occasions than many of her other clothing combined. The coat of choice? The Day Birger et Mikkelsen brocade gold coat; the piece hails from the designer’s Resort 2006 collection.
The champagne coat has been an MVP in Kate’s closet of dressed up daywear for years — the overcoat is created from a brocade fabric with light gold paisley trim and a champagne color net. The jacquard style topper can be worn alone or over other vanilla colored dresses and daywear.
In fact, the princess has worn the brocade coat to weddings, garden parties and the Olympics. The Day Birger et Mikkelsen coat first appeared on the princess at Laura Parker Bowles’ wedding in Lacock, Wiltshire in May 2006. Kate wore the coat with her champagne scalloped lace dress by Collette Dinnigan and a feathered hat by Yvette Jelfs.
Another four years passed before the gold coat reappeared — this time at Oliver Baker and Melissa Nicholson’s wedding in St. Andrews, Scotland in May 2010. Not having yet joined the royal ranks, Kate and William were still dating when they stepped out at the spring society wedding. For this occasion, Kate wore the dress with a black fascinator by Jane Corbett.
A little over a year later in July 2011, the Prince and Princess of Wales were sill newlyweds when they watched Zara and Mike Tindall exchange vows. Having just been married a few months prior in April 2011, the paramours were spotted giggling and smiling for the sunny ceremony. For the wedding, Kate once again returned to her favorite coat and lace dress combo; the princess recycled the cream colored knee-length slip dress by Collette Dinnigan — previously worn as far back as 2007 for a book launch party.
For the celebratory affair, Kate wore her infamous et Mikkelsen coat with a large brim Launceston Place Hat by Gina Foster. She completed the wedding style with L.K. Bennett sledge patent pumps and an L.K. Bennett Natalie straw box clutch.
In August 2012, the princess wore the metallic coat for the 2012 London Paralympic Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium. For the occasion which was attended by the late Queen, Princess Anne and Boris Johnson — the British beauty teamed the shimmery brocade number with her Wilbur and Gussie gold envelope clutch featuring a crystal brooch. She finished the look with L.K. Bennett Sledge 2 pumps.
The shiny statement coat with a touch of vintage influence made its final appearance in mid-June 2016 when the princess wore the coat at Hillsborough Castle’s annual garden party in Northern Ireland. For this outdoor occasion, the princess wore a Sylvia Fletcher Morning Rose Perching Hat — the design was inspired by the blossoming morning rose flower with swirls of pillar box encircling a draped centre and finished with a teardrop tip. In addition, she wore her Kiki McDonough ‘Eden’ citrine and diamond earrings featuring a large canary colored gem hanging from a flower drop stud. For footwear, Kate opted for L.K. Bennett fern pumps in the shade ‘trench’ which perfectly coordinated with her L.K. Bennett box clutch in the same soft taupe.
Not only has the princess reworn the Day Birger et Mikkelsen gold coat many times, but she’s also recycled her favorite lace slip dress from Collette Dinnigan (see above) for the same number of occasions. The mid-length dress is made of champagne lace with a tonal slip and lace cap sleeves.
