The Princess of Wales is synonymous with dainty dress coats, classic chiffon ballgowns and modest midi dresses. Not one to rock the royal boat, Kate stays true to her ‘princess uniform’ of conservative clothing and preppy daywear — rarely is she found in skin baring or ultra curve hugging garments.
Still, even princess’ step out of their royal routines now and then. As a bona fide fashion icon and the biggest global star in the world, she’s bound to want to switch up the styles in her Crown closet and try out some new and more risky fashion fanfare.
Here 12 Times Kate Middleton Stepped Out of Her Style Comfort Zone:
1. Cowboy Catherine
Country Cate showed off her best western wear at the Calgary Stampede in July 2011. For the local rodeo, the princess wore a Temperley London lace blouse, boot cut jeans by Goldsign and Vegas Setter Cowboy boots by R. Soles. The cowgirl style was highly unusual for the mom of three who prefers wellies to western boots.
2. Rosy Denim
Kate’s coral colored Zara jeans (the Pop Slim fit in pink) caused quite a stir when she wore the skinny denim for a hockey match in 2012. Pairing the slim fit jeans with a gray zip-up was an exceptionally casual and noteworthy look from the princess.
3. Relaxed Royal
Ditching those bridal Packham dresses and tailored topcoats, Kate made a completely unexpected style pivot in December 2014 when she appeared at a royal engagement at 23rd Poplar Beaver Scout Colony; she wore a laidback look consisting of a black zip-up hoodie, J Brand jeans and Weitzman 5050 pull-on boots. Meeting with beaver scouts in a black sweatshirt sans royal regalia was a style flex for the ages.
4. Vest Wishes
Proving sweater vests aren’t just for science teachers or Harry Styles, Kate looked like a true scholastic style maven at a community hub in Bracknell in October 2023. Embracing her inner Professor Princess, Kate rocked a Cefinn Funnel Neck sleeveless jumper in the shade mid grey.
5. Taking the Plunge
Debuting one of many pantsuits in her new suiting era, the princess visited the Foundling Museum in late May 2023 wearing a cherry blossom pink McQueen suit and a blouse with a deep v-neck. The top was an unusual choice for the mom of three who typically wears full coverage camisoles with square necklines.
6. Phantom of the Opera
The princess made not one but two major style moves when she stepped out in an ‘upcycled’ McQueen dress for the BAFTA Awards in 2023. Rather than go sleeveless, she donned dramatic accessories including long black opera gloves by Cornelia James. (The look called to mind Audrey Hepburn in her infamous Givenchy LBD and satin gloves for the 1961 movie “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”) And Kate went even bigger and bolder and ditched petite pearls for oversized Zara cascading floral earrings.
7. Saab Story
A big departure from her usual fashion fare, Kate’s gothic-romantic Elie Saab leveled up her style game. The floor-length dusky rose design had sheer illusion panels with delicate pleating, swiss dot detailing and billowy sleeves.
8. Dynasty Dress
Departing from the Bahamas in March 2022, Kate left her comfort zone in this yellow number. She shunned her usual monochrome fare with few frills in favor of this Alessandra Rich floral-print silk jacquard peplum midi with voluminous puff sleeves, a big bow and crystal embellished belt.
9. Master of Illusion
At a reception held at Kensington Palace in 2016, Kate threw away the royal rulebook and dared to bare. The princess dressed in this Saloni ‘Mary’ blue illusion dress featuring a revealing sheer bodice.
10. Mixed Feelings
The princess broke new royal fashion ground when appeared in this high-low gown with its party in the front (mini skirt), business in the back (draped overskirt). The baby blue Packham dress captivated Firm fanatics and left more than a few hitting the gym for extra lunges.
11.Track Star
For rugby or tennis, Kate will occasionally don athletic zippered performance jackets. But her outing in October 2017, she went full fitness fashion and opted for Tuxedo Track Pants from Montreal London.
12. Fascinator Deluxe
At a wedding in Gloucestershire in October 2010, the princess wore a bespoke blue Issa dress paired with an extravagant black feathered saucer ‘Aurora’ hat from Get Ahead Hats. Skipping her usual micro fascinators, she opted for this large feathered derby hat.
