Since taking the helm as the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton has made some subtle sartorial changes to her wardrobe — from a newfound penchant for pants and tailored trouser suits to a fresh embrace of cigarette cropped capris as well as duster midi coats and monochrome suiting, the British beauty is readying her regal Queen-to-be closet.
Still, playing princess requires the traditional aristocratic costume with conservative coat dresses, skinny sheaths and chiffon couture taking center stage. So, rather than chuck out her vintage frocks and crepe creations in favor of all modern business blazers and bootcut bottoms, Kate continues to incorporate some of her favorite and most iconic silhouettes into her revolving royal wardrobe.
Here are 6 Dresses that Kate Middleton Can’t (and Won’t) Stop Wearing:
1. The Classic Coatdress
A distinguished coat constructed with a wool and silk blend, this open neck topper by Alexander McQueen is one of Kate’s preferred uniforms. For ceremonial and celebratory occasions, this fit-and-flare frock is perfect for her Windsor wardrobe. The princess has worn the custom coat at events ranging from Princess Charlotte’s christening in 2015 to Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding in May 2018 to the RAF Centenary Service in the summer of 2018. Kate owns the style in ivory, primrose yellow and powder blue.
2. The Posh Pleated Number
Thrice as nice! The princess has worn this familiar silhouette on multiple occasions. Designed in cherry red by McQueen, Kate had her OG pre-fall 2011 designer dress modified to feature full length sleeves, a longer hemline and bateau neckline (Kim Kardashian owns the sleeveless version). Kate’s modest knee-length dress was such a favorite she opted for a similar style from Emilia Wickstead. She’s worn the New Zealand designer’s teal blue wool crepe dress with a square neckline for royal tours and London engagements while donning the pale pink iteration for garden parties and royal receptions.
3. The Duchess Dresscoat
Before she presided over the peasants and plebs as princess, she was the Duchess of Cambridge. In her pre-Wales era, she would often wear her favorite Emilia Wickstead blazer coatdress in different colorways. The formal frock features a full skirt, tonal waistband and peak lapels. Described as a ‘sister-of-the-bride’ style for its unthreatening modesty and minimalism, the figure flattering style is elegant but not too garish or glitzy. The princess owns the style in soft sky, coral and pine green.
4. The Chiffon Cinderella
Every fairytale film has its climax wherein the princess emerges from her shy and retiring castle cocoon to meet her prince at the big ball. Thus, it’s required by royal dress code that Kate has a flashy fashion moment every now and then. And what better way to do elegant than to wear a silky tulle ballgown in jewel tone shades. Kate has worn a romantic rose and pink Gucci gown to the V&A in February 2019 as well as princess-ing hard in a gothic glam midnight blue and deep emerald gown both by Jenny Packham.
5. The Wickstead Wonder
Never one to miss the chance to show off her vintage minded favorites, the princess has recycled this Emilia Wickstead ‘Kate’ dress on more than one occasion. She owns the retro design in royal blue, green and lavender. Plus, proving her loyalty to the classic day dress she even recently attained the feminine frock in teal.
6. The Pretty Packham
Saving herself the time and effort required to find another suitable dress, Kate has mastered the art of the quiet rewear. Fans and followers never get bored with Kate’s repeats as she spaces out the familiar fashions and frequently changes their color. She’s been so devoted to her slimming sheath from Jenny Packham that she’s had the designer make the elegant belted bodycon in four different shades — blue, black, navy and ivory.
Shop Kate’s favorite dress style and get the new Jenny Packham Thetis Embellished dress in fox coral. The elegant statement sheath rendered in pale pink features a contrasting black waistband and crystal embellished neckline. Slimming and structured, the sophisticated dress would surely end up on Princess Kate’s wardrobe wishlist.
Shop the Thetis from Jenny Packham at FarFetch and Neiman Marcus
