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Kate Middleton’s style evolution, from royal bride to future Queen
The Duchess of Cambridge has always leaned less toward fashion trends and more to classic style - but is that changing?
In the decade since Kate Middleton married her college sweetheart Prince William, the royal has ranked among the most admired women in the world, and when it comes to fashion, she never fails to impress. With a natural elegance and extraordinary ability to balance the classic and the modern in her outfits, she’s someone looked to the world over for inspiration as a true style icon.
Over the past ten years, Kate has graced us with unforgettable images of her on official tours and at public appearances. Of course, she has pieces and outfits that she’s partial to; but during this time we’ve also noticed very subtle changes in the form of even more refined looks, with more color and sparkle, and the addition of key trends of the seasons.
Newlywed style
We’re starting our look back with one of Kate’s first appearances after she wed, when she tended to favor straight-cut dresses in simple fabrics - like this look from Zara - and geometric prints.Wearing a hat and her ever-present stilettos, here she attends the nuptials of Sam Waley-Cohen and Annabel Ballin in June 2011, just two months after her own royal wedding.
Hollywood glam
Kate showed she was well on her way to being a fashion icon with this magnificent lavender Jenny Packham gown she wore to the BAFTA Brits To Watch gala in Los Angeles in July 2011. The new Duchess demonstrated she could hold her own on the red carpet next to Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Monochromatic coat dresses
In 2014, Kate toured Australia and brought along with her a selection of tailored coat dresses. In the early years, single-hued outfits made up the bulk of the Duchess’ wardrobe, and green has always been a favorite shade.
Pleated skirts
Kate has always loved an A-line skirt, and here she wears a red two-piece structured outfit in 2015. Pleated looks would be a theme repeated in her future looks.
A peek of leg!
In flawless white, and looking super elegant, the royal attended the London premiere of A Street Cat Named Bob. However, what caught everyone’s attention about this 2016 look was the contrast between the delicate lace bodice and the flowing skirt with a slit on the side. A whole new choice!
Intricate embroidery
In 2016, Kate Middleton had already started to add a more updated flair to her looks, like on her visit to the Taj Mahal in India, when she wore this white dress with intricate navy blue embroidery from Naeem Khan, adding an unexpectedly bold twist while keeping it sophisticated.
Long-sleeved day dresses
Upholding the rules and protocol of the royal family, Kate still tends to stand out wherever she goes. A clear example of this are the easy day dresses she loves, like this Cai Floral-Print Jacquard Dress by Vanessa Seward that she wore in 2016.
A bit of sparkle
At the Royal Variety Performance in 2017 –and pregnant with Prince Louis– the Duchess looked spectacular in this design in baby bluefrom Jenny Packham, embellished with sequins and with a a sheer tulle overlay.
Hats and fascinators
We can’t forget to mention her accessories, an essential part of Kate Middleton’s style evolution. From the wide-brim hats in velvet and mesh, she progressed to the more sophisticated millinery, like this pillbox hat that she wore to the Trooping The Colors ceremony in 2017.
Sheer
As she stepped up her responsibilities as an active member of the British Royal Family, and grew into her style as a young mom and future Queen, the outfits Kate wore are also got an update. The first hint of this was seen at Ascot when she turned heads thanks to this sheer design with a tulle skirt by Elie Saab.
Classic nautical
Perhaps one of the most important changes in Duchess Kate’s evolving wardrobe has been the addition of Virginia Chadwyck-Healey as her fashion adviser. The former editor of Vogue UK has introduced her to new pieces like striped sweaters and culottes to add a trendier vibe to her timeless style.
One-shoulder gowns
Another one of the Duchess’ most memorable outfits more recently is this fabulous design from Alexander McQueen that she wore to the 2019 BAFTAs. The asymmetrical goddess gown with shoulder detail was both daring and modern.
Polka dots
Kate gave new life to this polka dot dress from Alessandrea Rich – the same one that actress Abigail Spencer wore to the wedding of sister-in-law Meghan Markle. The dress, with a contrasting white collar, sold out in just a matter of hours after the royal wore it.
Shirt dresses
It’s true what they say - the details make all the difference in the outfit. And this is exactly the case for Kate, in her recent outfits. This $2,000 Emilia Wickstead shirt dress, which the Duchess wore in 2019, is in a trendy midi length and features a wide belt and fun pink print to contrast against a pastel backdrop.
Dark Drama
In 2019, the royal stunned everyone with this Alexander McQueen creation, featuring sheer black lace and a nude underly that she wore to a gala in London.
Skinny jeans
In 2020, we’ve seen the Duchess of Cambridge continue to embrace her wardrobe staples - suede boots, skinny jeans and polka dots, for example - but combine them in edgier ways. Here, during a visit to Ireland, she rocks a
New silhouettes
Also in 2020, the Duchess stepped out in a day dress looks in one of her standard shades, green, but the overall impact was unexpected thanks to the statement sleeves, modern print and cool hairband.
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