Many fashion insiders consider the Duchess of Cambridge's style somewhat safe—think Breton tops, coatdresses, and beige patent pumps. Yet representing the monarchy on a global stage demands a polished, camera-friendly look that avoids fleeting trends. Balancing these requirements while still impressing the fashion crowd is no small feat. Kate manages this by incorporating unexpected choices, like wearing London Fashion Week designers Simone Rocha and Barbara Casasola, experimenting with fresh silhouettes, and subtly embracing current trends.
Today, however, Kate once again showcased her fashion savvy by repeating a beautiful lilac fit-and-flare midi dress from Emilia Wickstead. First spotted during the 2017 royal tour of Germany (see gallery below), it remains just as stylish today—and feels especially relevant as the fashion world discusses sustainability. Yes, a well-crafted Wickstead dress requires a significant investment (though past-season styles are heavily discounted on The Outnet), but if we all wore special pieces more often, it would greatly reduce fashion waste. Kate, we salute you, your dress, your beloved nude pumps, and that adorable patent Aspinal of London mini bag you've adopted.
Want more Duchess of Cambridge action? Scroll down to see 21 times Kate Middleton surprised us with unexpected outfits—and looked like a total fashion pro.
Style Notes: During the royal tour of Germany, Kate chose a bolder evening look: an off-the-shoulder red maxi gown by Alexander McQueen. She traded her usual nude court shoes for scalloped Prada stilettos and added Simone Rocha tassel earrings.
Style Notes: The Duchess of Cambridge is a master of diplomatic dressing, celebrating British fashion and designers from host countries. A trip to Paris meant head-to-toe Chanel: a fitted bouclé dress with a double-C logo belt and a classic quilted Chanel bag.
Style Notes: Even Kate couldn't escape the Gucci effect. On a visit to the V&A, she wore a Jackie O–style fitted dress with red and navy stripe detailing and gold buttons. She skipped the brand's T-shirt but showed support for Alessandro Michele by choosing Gucci.
Style Notes: The Duchess loves this Preen by Thornton Bregazzi dress so much she also owns it in black. It's an elegant, classic evening piece she can wear for decades. The asymmetrical neckline and pleated skirt make it a favorite among fashion editors.
Style Notes: One of our all-time favorite DoC looks came during the 2016 Canadian royal tour. This yellow Jenny Packham tea dress caused quite a stir among military men when gusts of wind repeatedly created “Marilyn moments.” We've never been prouder.
Style Notes: Lilac is notoriously tricky, but Kate pulled off this bold color on her German royal tour with an elegant sleeved Emilia Wickstead dress. Appropriate but not too safe.
Style Notes: While many fashion experts remain skeptical about fascinators, there's something undeniably current about the DoC's head-to-toe blush Alexander McQueen ensemble at Pippa Middleton's wedding.
Style Notes: At an event at the Natural History Museum, Kate wore one of her most fashion-forward looks yet. She sported a daring off-the-shoulder silhouette with a fitted fluted skirt and chose Barbara Casasola, a Brazilian designer who shows at London Fashion Week.
Style Notes: This fluted green Dolce & Gabbana midi dress with a nipped-in waist and statement shoulders is demure and stately, earning praise from the fashion crowd.
Style Notes: Reminding us of the good old days when Kate wore affordable pieces, this Self-Portrait gown was a major red carpet moment in 2016.
Style Notes: Another example of Kate winning in a French designer: on her Canadian royal tour, she wore a knitted cream See by Chloé dress, on trend with its ruffled piecrust collar.
Style Notes: Kate's Dolce & Gabbana dress at the 2018 Wimbledon Gentlemen's Final highlighted the season's color. Meghan wore a similar version the week before (less floaty, more structured, sleeveless), and retail sources say it's the fresh dress trend everyone's been buying since last year. In fact, Kate may have started it all when she wore a similar yellow Roksanda dress to Wimbledon two years ago. Trendsetter, indeed.
Style Notes: Every now and then we see “Casual Kate,” often in fashion-approved staples like Superga sneakers or a parka coat (like this one from Troy).
Style Notes: Kate ticked many boxes with this velvet Erdem dress while on tour in Sweden. The flocked finish and fluted sleeves, plus it's a chic example of maternity occasion dressing.
Style Notes: Alexander McQueen is always a strong choice for the DoC, and this floral gown on the BAFTA red carpet is no exception. Points for the off-the-shoulder cut.
Style Notes: Shirtdress? Check. Polka dots? Check. The Duchess made a smart fashion choice with this super flattering Kate Spade New York dress.
Style Notes: Ask any cool Brit: trench coats are forever and essential. A Burberry one makes the staple even more attractive.
Style Notes: Maybe it's the twilight, maybe it's the wine, maybe it's the incredible sequined Jenny Packham gown—but this gala dinner look from Kate will forever be etched in fashion history.
Style Notes: In another stylish maternity moment, Kate ditched her buttoned-up coats for this Orla Kiely floral print dress, paired with her trademark nude pumps.
Style Notes: From Coco Chanel to Madonna, every fashion icon must master nautical style. This natty knitted Alexander McQueen number was Kate's take on a classic summer trend.
Style Notes: Possibly a favorite DoC look: this sky blue Temperley London dress perfectly balances Kate's love for lace with a fashion-forward finish.
