Recognised for her commitment to recycling, the Princess of Wales frequently opts for repurposed outfits or, at least, familiar styles.
Rather than showcasing a new look for every engagement, Kate often purchases her favourite designs in different colours.
She has her favourite dress – an Emilia Wickstead frock that was named after her – in four different colours.
The royal’s demure, streamlined fashion formula is evident; she rarely deviates from it.
Here, we delve deeper into Kate’s coveted – and colourful – closet, which also features outfits by designers including Catherine Walker and Alexander McQueen.
Emilia Wickstead ‘Kate’ dress
Emilia Wickstead’s ‘Kate’ dress works so well for the Princess of Wales that she owns it in four colours.
A single dress has become a staple for the Princess of Wales.
Emilia Wickstead’s ‘Kate’ dress was even named after the royal, following her repeat orders.
Long-sleeved and cinched at the waist, the bespoke A-line frocks do differ slightly in length and neckline, with some featuring a bateau neck, while others are square.
Kate was first spotted wearing the lilac version in 2018, when she attended the Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit in London.
Less than a year later, the royal debuted an olive green version of the dress to open the Anna Freud Centre in London.
In 2019, she wore the royal blue dress to attend the launch of the National Emergencies Trust.
Most recently, Kate opted for a longer, teal version, when she welcomed Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden to Windsor Castle last November.
Emilia Wickstead wrap coat dress
Kate first wore this Emilia Wickstead coat dress in bright coral in 2012 and then showcased it again twice in 2022 in pastel blue and forest green
Kate also owns an Emilia Wickstead coat dress in three different colours. She has been spotted wearing variations of the outfit since 2012.
Crafted from wool, the elegant fit-and-flare silhouette is characterised by a wrap front, peak lapels and concealed closure.
Kate aptly wore the design in forest green for the 2012 St Patrick’s Day parade held in Aldershot.
Ten years later, in 2022, she opted for a pastel blue version to attend the Easter Sunday church service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor.
That same year, she made a sartorial entrance at a Buckingham Palace garden party, this time wearing the dress in bright coral.
Jenny Packham sequin ‘Tenille’ and ‘Georgia’ gowns
Kate dazzled in Jenny Packham sequinned gowns in 2021 (left) and 2023 (right)
We caught our first glimpse of the Princess’ shimmering Jenny Packham dress during her five-day official tour to Pakistan in 2019.
Crafted from emerald satin, the £3,640 gown was drenched in sequins and boasted strategically placed crystals at the waist.
Kate chose to repeat the exquisite design at the Royal Variety Performance in 2021, teaming it with a bespoke clutch by the British designer.
The royal’s wardrobe also features a sparkling champagne version of this dress, which she has worn on two notable occasions.
She debuted the piece at Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif’s wedding reception in Jordan in 2023, before wearing it to a reception at Buckingham Palace later that year.
Catherine Walker ‘Marianne’ coat dress
The ‘Marianne’ coat dress by Catherine Walker was a go-to for Kate between 2011 and 2017
Kate has worn countless coats by Catherine Walker since joining the Royal Family.
Interestingly, Princess Diana was also a loyal client, having worn over 1,000 outfits from the designer during her lifetime.
Emilia Wickstead’s ‘Marianne’ coat dress, featuring peak lapels, a single-breasted front and pleated skirt, was a go-to for Kate between 2011 and 2017.
The royal showcased a scarlet version during the 2011 royal tour of Canada and the 2016 Order of the Garter ceremony at Windsor Castle.
In 2017, she opted for the same wool coat dress, in cornflower blue, to mark her arrival in Berlin with Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Suzannah ‘Flippy Wiggle’ dress
Suzannah’s ‘Flippy Wiggle’ dress is a favourite of Kate’s. She owns versions in emerald green and white
The Princess epitomised summer chic when she arrived at Wimbledon in 2019, wearing Suzannah’s iconic ‘Flippy Wiggle’ dress.
Channelling the All England Club’s all-white dress code, her 1940s-inspired dress was crafted from Italian crepe, with a skimming fit and fluid skirt.
Kate was so fond of the design that she wore it a further three times in 2020, 2022 and 2023.
Shortly afterwards, the royal wore a forest green version during a visit to the Anna Freud Centre in London to mark Mental Health Awareness Week.
Preen ‘Finella’ dress
Kate demonstrated her flair for diplomatic dressing by selecting a red dress for a reception in Canada during her 2016 royal tour (left). Hailing from Preen, the asymmetric ‘Finella’ gown was made from a heavyweight satin fabric with a breezy A-line skirt. Later that year, she wore a black version of the dress to an awards ceremony in London
Kate demonstrated her flair for diplomatic dressing by selecting a red dress for a reception in Canada during her 2016 royal tour.
Hailing from Preen, the asymmetric ‘Finella’ gown was made from a heavyweight satin fabric with a breezy A-line skirt.
The Princess was so enamored with the design that she obtained the same style in black, wearing it to the Place2Be Wellbeing in Schools Awards later that year.
Catherine Walker ‘Beau Tie’ coat dress
At the ‘Together at Christmas’ carol service in 2021, Kate wore a coat dress by Catherine Walker. Sharp-eyed fans noticed that Kate had previously worn the ‘Beau Tie’ coat, in black, to the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 2021
The Princess is acknowledged for her penchant for literal dressing. This style asset was exemplified with her Christmas 2021 ensemble.
Kate wore head-to-toe red for the ‘Together at Christmas’ carol service, held at Westminster Abbey.
Her look featured a familiar coat dress by Catherine Walker. Made from wool, it boasted two soft pleats at the shoulder that were tied into a striking bow.
Sharp-eyed fans noticed that Kate had previously worn the ‘Beau Tie’ coat, in black, to the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 2021.
LK Bennett ‘Madison’ dress
It’s clear that LK Bennett’s ‘Madison’ midi dress is a favourite of Kate’s. She has demonstrated its versatility by wearing the design on both formal and informal occasions between 2015 and 2022 . Above: Kate wearing the raspberry pink version during a day out at the polo (left); in a similar version in Cambridgeshire in 2022
It’s clear that LK Bennett’s ‘Madison’ midi dress is a favourite of Kate’s.
She has demonstrated its versatility by wearing the design on both formal and informal occasions between 2015 and 2022.
The royal debuted the lavender version while attending an exclusive event at Berry Brothers & Rudd in Kensington, pairing it with sky-high heels.
In 2019, Kate obtained the raspberry pink version, teaming it with espadrille wedges and a crossbody bag, for a family day at the polo.
That same year, she chose to wear it for the CBBC Blue Peter Royal Garden Competition and, in 2020, during a virtual game of bingo for care home residents.
She later styled the frock with a longline wool coat, during a visit to Cambridge in June 2022.
Emilia Wickstead ‘Alice’ dress
Kate first wore the Emilia Wickstead ‘Alice’ dress in pale pink (2012) before purchasing the design in teal (2015)
Emilia Wickstead’s fit-and-flare dresses were frequently worn by Kate during her initial years as a member of the Royal Family.
For one of her first official engagements – a Buckingham Palace garden party in 2012 – Kate selected the brand’s ‘Alice’ frock in pale pink.
She exuded elegance in the design, combining a square neckline, cinched waist and pleated skirt that fell to the knee.
Soon afterwards, the Princess opted to have the dress made in teal.
She wore this version in 2015, during a visit to the Centre for Addiction Treatment Studies, in Warminster.
Alexander McQueen V-neck gown
The Princess has showcased black velvet and ivory silk crepe versions of Alexander McQueen’s glamorous V-neck gown
The Princess of Wales stunned in an Alexander McQueen ivory silk crepe gown at the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla last May.
The figure-skimming piece was elevated by silver bullion and embroidery, incorporating the floral emblems of the UK: rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock.
Its silhouette mirrored that of the velvet dress that Kate wore to a reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace in 2019.
Alexander McQueen pleated dress
The royal wore two pink pleated dresses from Alexander McQueen in 2017
Kate chose to wear a dress from Alexander McQueen’s autumn/winter 2016 collection for Trooping the Colour in 2017.
The luxurious silk-wool blend design featured a paperbag waist and pleated skirt.
McQueen added sleeves and a longer length skirt for the royal, who looked radiant in the cotton candy hue.
Kate repeated the skater style at the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank in 2018, this time selecting a deeper raspberry shade.
Alexander McQueen coat dress
Kate’s Alexander McQueen coat dress was an elegant choice for Charlotte’s christening in 2015 (left). She opted for the same style, in primrose yellow (centre), for Prince Harry’s wedding in 2018. Later that year, Kate wore the design for the third time, in pale blue, to attend the Westminster Abbey service commemorating the Centenary of the Royal Air Force
Kate has chosen this elegant Alexander McQueen coat dress for significant occasions, such as weddings and christenings.
For Princess Charlotte’s christening in 2015, Kate looked impeccable in an ivory wool coat dress.
She opted for the same style, in primrose yellow, for the 2018 wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.
Later that year, Kate wore the design for the third time, in pale blue, to attend the Westminster Abbey service commemorating the Centenary of the Royal Air Force.
Eponine London midi coat dress
This elegant coat dress from Eponine London has been key to Kate’s wardrobe, making appearances on several occasions. Kate opted for the cobalt version of this outerwear during a trip to Clydeside Distillery in Scotland in 2021 (left). She sported the same design in burgundy for the Royal Carols: Together At Christmas 2022 and during a visit to St David’s Cathedral in 2023
This elegant coat dress from Eponine London has been key to Kate’s wardrobe, making appearances on several occasions.
Constructed from wool, the longline silhouette has a wrap front, ruched seams and contrasting buttons.
Kate opted for the cobalt version of this outerwear during a trip to Clydeside Distillery in Scotland in 2021.
She sported the same design in burgundy for the Royal Carols: Together At Christmas 2022 and during a visit to St David’s Cathedral in 2023.
