Formfitting, elegant and striking, Princess Kate’s collection of Jenny Packham sheaths has only grown larger over the years. The eternally elegant long sleeve cocktail dress hails from the London based ready-to-wear womenswear label and has become a mainstay in the princess’ couture closet.
Lacking the frill and fuss of many of her other glamorous gowns and dramatic dresses, the Packham sheath exquisitely highlights an hourglass figure and skims the body for an ultra-flattering fit. Sleek and sophisticated, the polished pencil dress has a retro sensibility that makes it perfect for reporting for royal duty.
Here are 7 of Kate Middleton’s Best Jenny Packham Sheath Moments:
1. Sapphire Bespoke Sheath
A bespoke creation, this dress fits perfectly into Catherine’s couture playbook. The fitted knee-length dress first appeared on the princess in February 2019 in Northern Ireland. The shapely sapphire sheath boasts a dark blue velvet trim at the neckline and a coordinating velvet waistband.
2. White Bespoke Sheath
Classic and workwear friendly, this pencil dress sweeps over the skin and hugs an hourglass frame. A black contrast belt and decorative trim give this midi plenty of regal flair. The princess wore the dress for a Coronation walkabout and Commonwealth reception luncheon in May 2023.
3. Black Bespoke Sheath
Perhaps relying on Packham to reproduce her same beloved silhouette sans new measurements, Kate summoned her sheath maker and called in Packham for the creation of this elegant number for the lead up to the Queen’s funeral. Worn at Windsor Castle while greeting mourners following Queen Elizabeth’s passing, the princess looked sharp in her timeless jet black LBD.
4. Dark Navy Sheath
Following the same winning formula, Kate donned this dark navy dress believed to be the brainchild of Packham’s luxury brand for the Festival of Remembrance in 2019. The midnight blue dress features a bateau neckline and black velvet waistband.
5. Collared Blue Shift
This cerulean colored dress has the same basic design as Kate’s other Packham midis but with gathered peaked shoulders, a tonal blue belt and pointed lapels. The princess wore the dress in Canada in 2016 and again for a visit to the Imperial War Museum in London in October 2018.
6. White Ribbon Detailed Sheath
Likely inspired by the striped bow detail that was a favorite of the late Princess Diana, Kate donned this white sheath with an asymmetric nautical two-tone bow and waistband for Trooping the Colour 2024. The skinny sheath perfectly coordinated with Kate’s feathered hat from milliner Philip Treacy.
7. Black Custom Fern Cocktail Dress
While not fitted like a sheath, this LBD dress features the same ribbon wrap waist belt as Kate’s other beloved Packham dresses. Worn in New Zealand in April 2014, the long sleeve dress boasts a bateau neckline, embroidered silver fern at the shoulder and shin length hem.
{Getty Images, PA}
Shop Kate’s sheath style on Etsy HERE
