As winter gives way to fresh flowers, sunny skies and longer days, it’s time to store away those chunky knit sweaters, heavy coats and block-heel boots in favor of airy dresses and breezy blouses. Forget the fuzzy sweaters and padded parkas — now is the time to celebrate the temperate season.
Kicking off the warm weather and time of rebirth and renewal is best done with a sartorial shift. And who better to turn to for spring outfit inspiration than the future Queen of England?
Here are 12 of Kate Middleton’s Best Spring Fashion Moments:
1. Dynasty Dressing
Proving she was an 80s baby, Kate paid homage to her birth decade with a retro Alessandra Rich floral print peplum dress. Having the flair and splendor of a Joan Collins ensemble, Kate’s silk jacquard dress brought the house down with its puffed sleeves and crystal embellished belt. Throwing her own Spring Fling, Kate looked beautiful in the yellow statement dress in late March 2022 in the Bahamas.
2. Greek Goddess
In an ‘Athena’ jacquard red banded brushed wool coat by Jonathan Saunders, Kate was a spring sensation for a visit to Crieff, Scotland in May 2014. Proving that shades of pink coral always look elegant mixed with red stripe, the princess earned praise for her colorful coat. (She wore her ‘Scarlett’ pink belted dress by Goat underneath).
3. Pastel Princess
Looking like a chic Cinderella in her powder blue bespoke Catherine Walker dress for the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kate proved lace is lovely in the warm weather months. The princess’ unique coat featured intricate embroidery with an allover white lace appliqué detail, V-neck and a zipper fastening at the front.
4. McQueen’s Muse
Looking exquisitely elegant in a cream colored custom Alexander McQueen coat dress with pleated skirt, puffed shoulders and Peter Pan collar, Kate traveled to Belgium in 2014 with Prince William and Prince Harry for a commemoration ceremony of the Centenary of the First World War. Kate’s knee-length coat would’ve brought enough monarchy magic to appease the Cate Club but her classic Jane Taylor beret with tonal hand-dyed rosy ruffles and sand suede box clutch by McQueen elevated the look with its serious spring styling.
5. Blushing Barbie
Wearing a soft blush colored dress by American occasion wear designer Lela Rose for a visit to Cornwall in 2016, Kate was a spring standout in the double face twill dress with a softly pleated skirt and fun fit-and-flare silhouette. The princess paired the pastel pink dress with Monsoon Fleur taupe suede wedges and an LK Bennett Natalie straw clutch.
6. Flower Power
Wearing an affordable dress from Australian label Faithfull the Brand, Kate brought the spring vibes to Norfolk in late spring/early summer in June 2020. The princess opted for a casual lilac dress called the ‘Marie Louise’ which gave off an air of beautiful boho. The dreamy day dress was decorated with colorful hand-painted ‘Nefeli Florals’ and boasts a shirred bust and empire waist.
7. Mellow Yellow
In a custom version of Roksanda’s ‘Ryedale’ colorblock white and yellow sheath, Kate brought star power to the Land Down Under in the heart of the spring season in April 2014. Kate’s sunny dress was a welcome surprise in Sydney when she and Prince William visited the nation with a little baby Prince George in tow.
8. Party Pink
At a Buckingham Palace Party in the heart of the spring garden season in May 2022, Kate looked ultra-chic in her coral coat by Emilia Wickstead. Proving she’s not afraid of a salmon style, Kate rocked the fit and flare dress neatly paired with a Jane Taylor candy colored swirl straw beret.
9. Masterclass in Mint
Business on the top, party on the bottom — Kate’s magnificent mint dress was the perfect choice for a day of trophy awarding at Wimbledon in 2023. Looking like a polished and professional princess, the royal beauty brought sophisticated green glam to the court. The Self-Portrait dress put a spin on suiting and made the princess look especially enchanting and elegant at the daytime event.
10. Garden Delights
Proving she’s a magnet for celebrities with her own star power as a royal beacon, Hugh Grant, Bradley Cooper and Eddie Redmayne attended the Wimbledon Men’s finals in the summer of 2017 alongside the princess. For the occasion, Kate wore a spring-minded Catherine Walker dress with a botanical print on the skirt.
11. Blue Crush
In the ultimate Easter ensemble, Kate proved she’s got princess-ing down to an art form. The British beauty stepped out in this powder blue bespoke dress by Emilia Wickstead for the second time (previously worn in Luxembourg in 2017) for Sunday Service at Windsor. The striking fit-and-flare coat dress is the perfect shade of sky to celebrate the egg decorating holiday.
12. Sunflower Season
In a cheery yellow Jenny Packham dress, Kate was a sparkling spring beauty in her floral number for a visit to Heidelberg, Germany. Kate’s sunny dress had all the makings of a romantic feminine frock ideal for the 2017 summer tour — the design has an allover floral lace applique, a fitted short sleeve bodice and voluminous skirt.
