Ever since Kate Middleton showed off her dazzling sapphire engagement ring back in 2010, her fashion choices have been under close scrutiny. Thrust into a world of black tie balls, international tours and centuries-old ceremonies, the Duchess of Cambridge had to quickly get up to speed and ensure that her wardrobe matched the demands of her new public-facing role.
In the years that have followed, Middleton has worn all manner of head-turning looks, but it’s undoubtedly her dress collection that has garnered the greatest attention. From Alexander McQueen and Erdem, to Roksanda and The Vampire’s Wife, Middleton’s high-fashion dress moments are among some of her most memorable—she has well and truly secured her position in the fashion hall of fame.
No stranger to diplomatic dressing, Middleton wore a dramatic Preen midi-dress with a maple-leaf brooch during her visit to Canada in 2016.
This polka dot Alessandra Rich number is one of our favorite looks from the line-up, with its ’80s-inspired pleats, drop waist and contrasting collar and cuffs.
A long-standing champion of British design, Middleton has been spotted in Erdem a number of times. For the Chelsea Flower Show in 2019, she wore an ankle-grazing, tiered floral dress from the brand in a purple and yellow floral print.
Middleton isn’t regularly seen in mid-range brands, but she makes an exception for Needle & Thread. At Buckingham Palace in 2020, she stepped out in an incredible red beaded number which, naturally, sold out instantly.
Kate emulated Bond-girl glamour at the premiere for No Time To Die. Her gold dress was from Jenny Packham—a recurring name for the Duchess—and featured cascading sequins and a head-turning cape.
Kate came up roses with this pink swirl print shirt dress from Brit brand Rixo that she wore with beige espadrilles on the beach in the Bahamas.
Now a recurring theme within her dress capsule, Kate repped the off-the-shoulder look at a dinner hosted by the Governor General of Jamaica. With its frou-frou tulle neckline and sequin-studded waistline, this Jenny Packham was a real show-stopper.
We love it when Kate champions a smaller brand, and it felt particularly fitting when she wore an Edeline Lee green midi-dress to The Design Museum to present the Queen Elizabeth II Award to Saul Nash.
