The Princess of Wales has been wowing royal fans with her wardrobe ever since she came into the spotlight during the early days of her relationship with Prince William.
Princess Kate never fails to look polished and event appropriate.
She’s always chosen elegant, timeless pieces while mix and matching high street favourites with high couture classics, but the royal is also known for recycling pieces from her closet.
Her love for floral fascinators and beautiful gowns as well as her overall poise make royal fans go wild everytime she makes a new appearance.
Express.co.uk follows the princess’s fashion transformation, from a young Kate Middleton to the Duchess of Cambridge, and now the Princess of Wales.
At a roller disco event in London in 2008 (Image: Getty)
At a roller disco event in London in 2008
In one of her first snapped appearances, Kate attended a charity roller disco event at the Renaissance Rooms in London in 2008.
She wore a sequin top, yellow shorts and a bright pink purse.
The now Princess of Wales completed the look with some pink leg warmers and black boots.
Kate’s dark blue Issa wrap dress (Image: Getty)
At St. James Palace in London in 2010
For her official engagement announcement to Prince William, Princess Kate wore a now-famous dark blue Issa wrap dress that marked the beginning of the “Kate effect.”
The dress is reminiscent of the blue ensemble that Princess Diana wore for her own engagement portraits with Prince Charles in 1981.
The now-iconic dress quickly sold out after its debut.
Princess Kate paired the wrap dress with her engagement ring, a set of sapphire cabochon earrings and a necklace, and black pumps.
Kate on her wedding (Image: Getty)
At her wedding to Prince William in London in 2011
For her wedding, Princess Kate donned a beautiful Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen wedding gown, which featured French Chantilly lace and English Cluny lace throughout the bodice, skirt and underskirt.
The flowing skirt, made of ivory and white satin gazar, was designed to emulate an opening flower.
An ivory silk tulle veil adorned with hand-embroidered flowers was added and held in place by the Cartier Halo tiara, lent to Kate by the Queen.
She also wore diamond drop earrings by Robinson Pelham and handmade satin and lace shoes by Alexander McQueen.
The ARK 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner (Image: Getty)
At the ARK 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner in London in 2011
In one of her first show-stopping moments as Duchess of Cambridge, Kate wore a shimmering blush-coloured Jenny Packham dress at the ARK 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner in London.
She accessorised with a matching blush-hued clutch and suede rose pink heels.
This was the Prince and Princess of Wales’s first event as a married couple.
The fashion house wrote at the time: “The Duchess of Cambridge attended the Annual Ark Charity Gala tonight wearing an ethereal gown by Jenny Packham. The Duchess selected the pearlescent rose sequin gown with Swarovski crystal from the SS11 catwalk collection.”
The BAFTA Brits to Watch event in Los Angeles (Image: Getty)
At the BAFTA Brits to Watch event in Los Angeles in 2011
At the BAFTA Brits to Watch Gala at the Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles, the Princess wore a stunning lilac floor-length gown by Alexander McQueen, which was cinched at the waist with a crystal belt.
She paired the look with a silver clutch and matching sandals.
Both items were designed by Jimmy Choo.
She also matched the outfit with a sparkling diamond bracelet and similar earrings.
With her first son, George (Image: Getty)
After the birth of her son, Prince George, in 2013
After welcoming her first child, Prince George, into the world in July 2013, Kate posed with William and the newborn outside of St. Mary’s hospital wearing a blue Jenny Packham dress with white polka dots.
The look was reminiscent of the polka-dot number Princess Diana donned when she gave birth to Prince William in 1982.
Kate wore her Kiki McDonough Citrine Drop Earrings which featured a yellow citrine pear-shaped stone suspended from an 18-carat gold hoop.
She also donned her Pied A Terre Imperia wedges.
In New Zealand (Image: Getty)
Arriving in New Zealand in 2014
Princess Kate kicked off her royal tour of New Zealand and Australia in a bright red, double-breasted coat and matching pillbox hat, reminiscent of the former First Lady Jackie Kennedy.
The dress was made by designer Catherine Walker.
The royal completed the look with a red pillbox hat by Gina Foster and her Kiki McDonough Grace earrings.
At Christmas Day services in 2014 (Image: Getty)
At Christmas Day services in 2014
Princess Kate opted for a brown tweed coat and matching hat by Lock & Co.
She paired the look with a multicoloured silk scarf underneath her coat collar.
The royal completed the look with with dangling earrings and a taupe pair of heels with a matching hat.
With her daughter, Charlotte (Image: Getty)
After the birth of her daughter, Princess Charlotte, in 2015
After welcoming her daughter in May 2015, Kate stunned in a buttercup yellow floral print shift dress by Jenny Packham.
Kate paired the dress with nude Jimmy Choo Gilbert heels.
The then-Duchess also wore her Annoushka’s Pearl Drop earrings.
In the Netherlands (Image: Getty)
At the Mauritshuis in The Netherlands in 2016
During her first solo trip overseas as a royal, the now Princess of Wales wore a powder blue suit by Catherine Walker for a visit to the Mauritshuis Museum in The Netherlands.
The jacket featured an oversized collar, a large belt made and chunky fabric-covered buttons, which she paired with a matching knee-length skirt.
Kate also wore Gianvito Rossi pumps and her L.K. Bennett Nina clutch bag which she had used several times during that year.
At the Royal Variety Performance in London in 2017 (Image: Getty)
At the Royal Variety Performance in London in 2017
The Princess wore an embellished floor-length gown by Jenny Packham.
She re-wore her silver Casa Crystal Clutch, also by Jenny Packham which she also has in red.
She then completed the look with a pair of glistening platinum lamé heels by Oscar de la Renta.
With her third child, Louis (Image: Getty)
After the birth of her son, Prince Louis, in 2018
Princess Kate was all smiles in a red Jenny Packham dress with a white lace Peter Pan collar.
That was the third time Princess Kate chose a Jenny Packham dress while leaving the hospital with a baby.
She did the same with the birth of Prince George and Princess Charlotte, as seen above.
Kate wore her nude-coloured Gianvito Rossi pumps which she also chose for her outfits in the Netherlands.
The Princess finished off the glowing look with a pair of pearl earrings loaned from the Queen’s collection
At Harry and Meghan’s wedding with Charlotte (Image: Getty)
At Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s wedding in London in 2018
The Princess wore a primrose yellow wool silk coat by Alexander McQueen.
At the time, people thought it was another nearly identical cream-coloured Alexander McQueen tailored coat she wore to her daughter Charlotte’s christening in 2015 and for the Anzac Day Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.
The Princess chose a beautiful hat by Philip Treacy and finished the look with a pair of Romy heels by Chimmy Choo.
Princess Kate is known for mastering high heels and one of her “hacks” was once detailed by a royal fashion expert.
Feel Good Fashion Coah Miranda Holder said there’s one thing Princess Kate does to stay comfortable in high heels all day.
She claimed Kate wears a special pair of tights anyone can get hold of.
The expert told her TikTok followers: “I’ve got the best style hack for you, approved by Kate Middleton herself.
“We all know that Kate is in heels a lot, often for the whole day and the evening when she’s doing public events.
“We also know that she often wears heels that are slightly too large for her as a tactic to stay comfortable.
“But is there anything else that she does to stay comfortable and help keep the shoes on? Oh yes, there is.”
She added: “It’s all in the hosiery. Royal ladies are meant to wear tights or stockings when out in public and Kate wears a special pair.
The tights “have special silicone pads on the foot”.
According to the expert, this “stops her feet slipping in and out and ensures she stays comfortable all day.
“I promise these are a total game changer.”
In Pakistan (Image: Getty)
At a reception in Pakistan in 2019
This sparkling green Jenny Packham gown made a statement during her and Prince William’s official tour of Pakistan.
She paired the dress with O’Nitaa earrings for a special reception at the Pakistan National Monument.
Kate paired the gown with a pair of Jimmy Choo sandals.
How to “steal” Princess Kate’s style
And fashion expert Miranda Holder once explained how people can “steal Kate Middleton’s style” by following three easy rules.
She explained the number one rule to get Kate’s look is to “adopt a style uniform”.
“A style uniform can be a very useful wardrobe weapon,” Miranda said.
This is because “it really takes the guesswork out of getting dressed in the mornings”.
“It can take a bit of work to establish just what your uniform needs to be but once done you can concentrate on other decisions rather than ‘What should I wear today?’
“It’s a great way to build a personal brand and ensures you will always be comfortable and stylish.”
Miranda said another rule is to “always wear monochrome”.
Monochrome doesn’t just mean wearing black and white “but also describes dressing in the same shade from head to toe”.
The expert explained this is “an incredibly flattering look, as the single colour elongates your silhouette making you look taller and slimmer”.
“This look will look fabulous on everyone – just make sure you know your colours and have selected one of your best shapes.
“Monochrome can look very chic and expensive, it also makes accessorising far easier,” she advised.
Finally, the third rule is to wear “nude court shoes”.
Nude court shoes will go with any outfit whether is print, neutrals or brights.
Miranda explained why they are so flattering: “The pointed toe of the court, together with the nude colour, has a flattering leg-lengthening effect.
“It also leaves you plenty of leeway to have fun with other accessories.”
Also, “you won’t have to worry about matching your shoes,” she said.
At a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in 2019 (Image: Getty)
At a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in 2019
The Princess of Wales looked stunning in an Alexander McQueen ensemble as she attended a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.
She paired the gown with the Lover’s Knot Tiara and Princess Diana’s Collingwood pearl earrings.
The event was special because that was Princess Kate’s first time wearing her insignia as a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victoria Order (GCVO) – a new title that was gifted to her by the late Queen
At the EE British Academy Film Awards in London in 2020 (Image: Getty)
At the EE British Academy Film Awards in London in 2020
In 2020, Kate appeared at the EE British Academy Film Awards in an ornate white-and-gold short-sleeve gown by Alexander McQueen that she originally wore for a 2012 state dinner in Malaysia.
It was reported at the time the recycling was intentional at the request of BAFTA which issued guests with a “sustainable fashion guide” before the ceremony.
The Princess completed the look with a gold glitter clutch bad and a pair of Jimmy Choo’s Romy pumps.
At the Commonwealth Day Service in London in 2020 (Image: Getty)
At the Commonwealth Day Service in London in 2020
For the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey, Kate looked elegant as she re-wore her red Catherine Walker coat.
She also chose this coat for her appearance on Christmas Day in 2018.
The Princess accessorised the look with a burgundy clutch and gloves.
She completed the monochrome ensemble with a rose-accented fascinator and a pair of wine-colored heeled pumps.
At a reception for UK and Africa heads of state and government at Buckingham Palace in 2020 (Image: Getty)
At a reception for UK and Africa heads of state and government at Buckingham Palace in 2020
The Princess stunned in a red dress by British label Needle and Thread.
Kate completed the look with a pair of diamond and ruby earrings, a boxy clutch bag and a pair of Gianvito Rossi heels that she also owns in black and beige.
That was the first time Princess Kate and her husband Prince William hosted an event of this kind involving heads of state at the Palace on behalf of the late Queen.
At the No Time to Die premiere in London in 2021 (Image: Getty)
At the No Time to Die premiere in London in 2021
Princess Kate was a guest of honour at the London premiere of No Time to Die in 2021.
For the event, she wore a gold, show-stopping beaded Jenny Packham gown with a dramatic cape.
She paired her gold gown with gold earrings by O’NITAA, a yellow-gold cocktail ring and glittery gold shoes by Aquazzura.
In Belize (Image: Getty)
At a reception in Belize in 2022
Kate stunned guests in a vibrant fuchsia dress with ruffle sleeves by The Vampire’s Wife.
She paired the gown with an embroidered clutch.
The royal completed the look with a pair of Jimmy Choo Sandals and a pair of statement earrings by O’NITAA.
At the Top Gun: Maverick premiere in London in 2022 (Image: Getty)
At the Top Gun: Maverick premiere in London in 2022
Princess Kate looked glamorous as she showed off her decolletage in an off-the-shoulder black-and-white Roland Mouret gown with her long, dark hair tucked behind her ears and falling down her back.
Kate wore a stunning pair of earrings by Robinson Pelham at the premiere.
She carried a black box clutch by Alexander McQueen and finished the look with a pair of Prada shoes.
At the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II in London in 2022 (Image: Getty)
At the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II in London in 2022
Kate’s butter yellow Emilia Wickstead dress was the perfect summery option for the National Service of Thanksgiving for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee.
The garment featured long sleeves, a full midi-length skirt and unique criss-cross detailing on the front.
The then Duchess paired the dress with a coordinating hat by Philip Treacy, the Queen’s Bahrain Pearl Earrings, a pair of cream gloves, her Gianvito Rossi 105 pumps and a clutch bag by Forever New.
At the Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace in 2022 (Image: Getty)
At the Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace in 2022
Kate wore the Lotus Flower Tiara, which Queen Elizabeth, the late Queen Mother, created out of a necklace.
It was the Princess’s second tiara moment in two weeks.
She paired it with a red gown by Jenny Packham and diamond earrings that belonged to Queen Elizabeth II.
At the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2023 (Image: Getty)
At the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2023
Kate wore a teal Catherine Walker & Co military-inspired coat dress.
She also wore the Clio Heart-Shaped Cocktail Hat by Jane Taylor in a coordinating colour.
The Princess completed the look with matching heels, emerald earrings and a shamrock brooch.
At King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Coronation in 2023 (Image: Getty)
At King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Coronation in 2023
The Princess of Wales was seen in a formal robe and mantel for Coronation Day.
Under the robe, she wore an ivory Alexander McQueen gown with silver bullion.
The dress featured rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock embroidery to signify the four nations of the UK.
She paired the ensemble with a Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen headpiece.
At the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication, at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh in 2023 (Image: Getty)
At the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication, at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh in 2023
The Princess chose a blue coat dress by Catherine Walker.
She has worn the garment twice before, on Commonwealth Day back in 2022 and earlier this year on Easter.
The royal chose a Philip Treacy hat, Emmy London heels, pearl earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana and a Garrard necklace formerly owned by Queen Elizabeth II.
At the Order Of The Garter Service (Image: Getty)
At the Order Of The Garter Service at Windsor Castle in 2023
The Princess of Wales chose an Alessandra Rich dress.
She complemented the look with a pair of two-tone slingback heels by shoe designer Jennifer Chamandi.
Princess Kate also carried a clutch from Strathberry, a feather-topped hat by Philip Treacy and pearl droplet earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana.
Who picks out Kate Middleton’s clothes?
Kate Middleton is an icon of style in the Royal Family. She has a team of people making sure she always looks her best, and one of the most important is her personal assistant Natasha Archer.
Ms Archer is tasked with supporting the Duchess of Cambridge as she navigates royal duties, and this involves offering style advice. She has been credited with making sure the future queen looks bold and elegant, an image which Kate Middleton has truly mastered.
Known as ‘Tash’ between royal staff, Ms Archer is married to royal photographer Chris Jackson. The couple live in London and have two sons. Mr Jackson often joins members of the Firm as they carry out engagements in the UK or around the world.
