Though it seems that Princess Kate regularly shops off the rack and is often spotted in roll neck sweaters, ankle hem jeans and sneakers straight from store shelves — the Queen-in-waiting does alter many of her garments. In fact, it’s believed that most of Kate’s clothes are professionally tailored to fit her frame flawlessly.
Kate’s private dressmaker, stylist and on-the-call staff ensure the princess and her wardrobe are without fault. It’s believed the royal has in the past relied on her fashion team to alter garments to provide more modesty and modernity to her styles.
Here are 14 Times Kate Middleton Altered her Royal Outfits:
1. Temperley London Jade Green Lace Dress
Inspired by Spanish folk costumes, Kate stepped out in this midi dress with sheer sleeves and a pleated skirt for a luncheon in India in 2016. Kate’s dress differed slightly from the bohemian style seen on the designer’s runway — the princess added a modesty panel at the bodice.
2. Erdem Suzi Lace Dress
For a reception with Duchess Sophie, Kate wore an Erdem black lace ‘Suzi’ dress with scalloped edging at the sleeves and hem. The princess modified her version of the lacy look to have a longer length.
3. Alexander McQueen Long Tier Violet Jacquard Gown
Kate wore this dress featuring a boned bodice and organza layered skirt for the 2017 BAFTA Awards. The clavicle baring style was later altered to feature cap sleeves with a more modest neckline.
4. Matthew Williamson Grey Peplum Dress
The princess wore this grey dress with shoulder pleats and a peplum front for a Disney Nature film premiere called ‘African Cats’ in London in 2015. The original dress was transformed to feature more turquoise beading and stones at the collar to match the sleeve detail.
5. Elie Saab Embroidered Tulle Midi Skirt and Blouse
The princess wore this blue bow blouse and tulle midi skirt for a day at Royal Ascot in 2019. Later, she recycled the two-piece set for a garden party in honor of King Charles’ coronation in the summer of 2023. The original sheer illusion polka shirt was altered from short to full length sleeves.
6. Beulah London Yahvi Olive Green Dress
The princess stepped out in this dark green dress with puff sleeves and decorative button detailing for the launch of phone network FamilyLine in January 2019. The arms of Kate’s dress were changed from fluted bell sleeves to traditional finished three-button cuff sleeves.
7. Emilia Wickstead Tartan Blouse
The princess previously wore the red tartan pleated Wickstead skirt from this ensemble for a Christmas party in 2018. A few years later she donned the skirt and matching blouse to thank Scottish NHS workers on a video message in January 2021 — the coordinating blouse was modified to feature full fabric sleeves sans see-through organza.
8. Erdem Grey Lace Overlay Coat
The princess wore this sophisticated grey coat for Commonwealth Day Service in March 2016. Kate’s custom coat had the trench paneling near the collar removed but kept the scalloped lace pattern.
9. Erdem Iman Tweed Dress
Designed in Italy, this frayed bouclé-tweed dress with crystal buttons was elegant and enchanting for a night of culture at the opening of a photography exhibit at the V&A museum in October 2018. The princess put a fresh sartorial spin on the romantic dress by removing the waist cutout and adding a burgundy ribbon.
10. Alessandra Rich Polka Dot Silk Jacquard Midi Dress
Baking with Mary Berry for a Christmas special on the BBC airing in December 2019, Kate was in her festive finest in a red Rich dress with a pretty polka and petal print. The lightweight silk midi originally featured a keyhole detail which the princess closed with a cheery and chic neck tie.
11. Anita Dongre Gul Buksh Jacket and Sharara
While in India, the princess surprised local Mumbai designer Anita Dongre by donning her tunic dress. The princess and her stylist did a ‘DIY’ alternation on this dress quickly transforming the accompanying scarf into a makeshift sewn-in belt. In addition, Kate’s stylist Natasha Archer shortened the length of the colorful dress.
12. Karen Millen Pleated Trench Midi Dress in Merlot
A small but subtle change highlighted how Kate consults with her styling team on even the most minor details. Princess Kate’s Karen Millen trench dress appeared to be the same silhouette as the original off-the-rack design but the tonal belt had no gold hardware. The decorative belt was swapped for a more minimal and understated waist accessory.
13. Roland Mouret Lamble Gown
Preferring modesty to showy, the British beauty opted to simmer down the sizzle of this Roland Mouret sheath and let her sultry shoulders to be the focus. Kate ‘dialed down the daring’ of this formfitting LBD and had the sheer back panel covered as well as removed the exposed metal zipper.
14. Alexander McQueen One Shoulder Dress
The princess updated her swan like McQueen from a floral appliqué decorated one-shoulder dress to one with a chiffon drape. The ‘Queen of red carpet recycles’ proved once again that her alterations are always top notch.
