Kate Middleton’s Best Fashion Moments, Because The Duchess Sure Can Wear A Dress

From McQueen and Emilia Wickstead to some of Zara's finest, here are K-Mid's best outfits.

Kate Middleton best style moments

by Grazia |
Updated on

Since Kate Middleton came onto our radar in the mid 2000s we have been obsessed with her style. She has become one of the most influential women in fashion, wearing both designer and high street pieces, often even re-wearing her favourite pieces.

On her wedding day she became Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and looked exquisite in the famous Alexander McQueen gown, designed by Sarah Burton. Since then she has continued to be a fashion icon, and we have collated all of her best sartorial moments.

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On April 29th 2011 Kate Middleton married Prince William in an Alexander McQueen gown ©Getty

We can’t deny our pride that the Duchess has become a bastion of British style; British designers including McQueen, LK Bennett, Mulberry, Emilia Wickstead, Jenny Packham and Temperley are among her favourites. Kate has also been known to wear high street brands such as Zara, Topshop and Hobbs. She is also the unofficial ambassador of high street brand Reiss, as the dresses she wears often sell out within a day of photos emerging.

As well as those high street staples, she has also worn Self Portrait in the past, a brand also loved by her sister-in-law, the Duchess of Sussex.

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Wearing a £320 dress from Self Portrait in November 2016 at a London film premiere

The Kate Effect is being able to put a fashion brand on the sartorial map, and this was certainly true for her maternity wardrobe. At a charity event in January 2015, Kate wore a pale blue Seraphine coat, which sold out in minutes after she was seen wearing it.

Kate Middleton
Kate brought attention to Seraphine, a specialist maternity label, when she was spotted wearing it in 2015 ©Getty

When attending formal events and official engagements, Kate usually opts for designer pieces by Jenny Packham and Emilia Wickstead. During the India and Bhutan royal tour in April 2016, Kate wore a pale yellow dress by Emilia Wickstead when she landed in Bhutan.

Kate Middleton
©Getty

Even when dressing down Kate looks stylish and chic. She often wears pieces from high street stores like Zara, Breton, Hobbs and Reiss.

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During the 2016 Canadian Royal Tour Kate's style surpassed all expectations. She wore her favourite designers such as Alexander McQueen, Dolce and Gabbana and Hobbs, but also sported many pieces from Canadian-born designers. At the Government of British Columbia reception she dazzled in a scarlet Preen by Thornton Bregazzi gown.

Kate Middleton
©Getty

In December 2016 Kate attended the Christmas party for volunteers at The Mix youth service, and managed to make her festive-coloured dress looked far from novelty and actually very chic.

Kate Middleton
©Getty

During the Paris royal tour Kate dazzled in an array of beautiful dresses, including this sparkling Jenny Packham gown which she wore to the gala dinner.

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Visiting the National Portrait Gallery in March 2017, Kate was a vision in green. She wore a lace, forest green dress by Temperley London - one of her favourite brands. Kate met with Alexa Chung while she looked around the gallery, and also met some other parents whose children will be attending Thomas's school in Battersea along with Prince George in September. Richard Found, who runs an architecture and design practice, and his wife Jane Suitor, an art consultant and collector, have children who will be Prince George's classmates at Thomas's. After speaking to them, Kate said, 'I may see you at the school gates!'

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Kate Middleton at the National Portrait Gallery ©Getty

Kate Middleton paid tribute to the late Princess Diana at the state dinner to honour Spain's King Felipe and Queen Letizia by wearing her favourite tiara. The diamond and pearl Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiara was a wedding gift to the late Princess Diana from the Queen, and Kate has worn it multiple times.

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©Getty

In October 2019, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge began their royal tour of Pakistan. For the occasion, Kate wore a number of traditional Pakistani outfits, made especially for her by some of her favourite designers including Catherine Walker.

Kate Middleton arrives in Pakistan in Catherine Walker
Kate Middleton arrives in Pakistan in Catherine Walker ©Getty

SEE: The Duchess Of Cambridge's Best Ever Fashion Moments

Gallery

Kate Middleton's Best Fashion Moments

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Kate Middleton

When Kate and William announced their engagement in 2010, Kate wore a sapphire blue Issa dress.

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Kate Middleton

During the President's visit in 2011, Kate greeted the First Lady, Michelle Obama, wearing a nude Reiss dress.

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Kate Middleton

Kate wowed in a Jenny Packham dress and LK Bennett heels when she attended the ARK (Absolute Return for Kids) gala dinner in 2011.

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Kate Middleton

On April 29th 2011, Kate married Prince William and became Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. She wore an Alexander McQueen dress, designed by Sarah Burton.

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Kate Middleton

The couple visited Belfast in 2011, and Kate wore a Burberry coat and Marvin K boots.

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Kate Middleton

At the Trooping of the Colour ceremony in 2011, Kate opted for an Alexander McQueen coat.

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Kate Middleton

At Wimbledon in 2011 Kate wore a dress by Temperley London.

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Kate Middleton

Kate looked stunning during the Canadian Royal Tour in 2011, wearing a white Reiss dress.

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Kate Middleton

During the Royal Tour in Canada, 2011, the Duchess wore an Alice by Temperley blouse with Goldsign jeans.

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Kate Middleton

During their Canadian Royal Tour, Kate boarded a plane in a pale yellow Jenny Packham dress.

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Kate Middleton

On the final day of the Canadian Royal Tour in 2011, Kate wore a Catherine Walker dress with LK Bennett heels.

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Kate Middleton

in 2011 Kate visited Copenhagen's Unicef centre wearing a red coat by LK Bennett.

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Kate Middleton

On Remembrance Day in 2011, Kate wore a Diane von Furstenberg coat.

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Kate Middleton

Kate was stunning when she attended the premiere of War Horse in 2012, wearing a Temperley London black lace gown.

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in 2012 Kate boarded the Diamond Jubilee flotilla wearing a scarlet red Alexander McQueen dress.

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Kate Middleton

In 2012 Kate wore Zara jeans with a Burberry shirt to visit the Widehorizons Margaret McMillan House.

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Kate Middleton

Kate wore an Emilia Wickstead coat dress at the Thistle Service in Edinburgh in 2012.

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kate Middleton

During the Diamond Jubilee tour of South East Asia, Kate wore a Jenny Packham dress and LK Bennett heels to visit Singapore's Botanical Gardens.

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kate Middleton

Pregnant Kate was glowing at the National Review of the Queen's Scouts in 2013, wearing a Mulberry mint green coat and LK Bennett heels.

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kate Middleton

Pregnant Kate attended the 60th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation in June 2013, wearing a bespoke Jenny Packham lace dress with a peach jacket.

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On July 23rd 2013 Kate and William introduced their son, Prince George, to the world's press. Kate looked lovely in a blue polka dot Jenny Packham dress.

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Kate Middleton

At the christening of Prince George in October 2013, Kate wore a pale Alexander McQueen dress.

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Kate Middleton

In April 2013 Kate, along with William and George, landed in Wellington Airport, New Zealand. Kate looked amazing in a scarlet red Catherine Walker coat.

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When visiting Whenuapai, near Auckland, Kate wore a striped Breton top with a Zara blazer and J Brand jeans.

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Kate Middleton

Kate arrived at Dunedin International Airport wearing an Emilia Wickstead pleated dress.

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Kate Middleton

The couple visited Winmalee in 2014 to meet victims of the bush fires in the area, and Kate wore a DVF printed dress.

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kate Middleton

At the Queen's Garden Party in 2014 Kate looked stunning in a lace Alexander McQueen dress.

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Kate Middleton

Whilst pregnant with Princess Charlotte, Kate visited Portsmouth in 2015, wearing a MaxMara coat, Jimmy Choo heels and a clutch by L.K. Bennett.

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Kate Middleton

Kate made her first public appearance since the birth of Princess Charlotte at the Trooping of the Colour in June 2015, wearing a Catherine Walker coat.

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Kate Middleton

For the christening of her daughter, Princess Charlotte, in July 2015, Kate wore an ivory Alexander McQueen dress.

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Kate Middleton

In November 2015 Kate visited Caernarfon in North Wales, and kept warm in a Reiss coat.

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Kate Middleton

During the 2016 tour to India and Bhutan, Kate wore an Emilia Wickstead dress in Mumbai.

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Kate Middleton

Kate wore a pale yellow Emilia Wickstead dress when she arrived in Bhutan in April 2016.

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Kate Middleton

During the Canadian Royal Tour in 2016 Kate wore a scarlet Preen by Thornton Bregazzi gown at the Government of British Columbia reception.

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Kate chose a powder blue suit for by Catherine Walker for her visit to the Netherlands - her first solo overseas engagement.

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For an event marking World Mental Health Day in 2016, Kate chose a floral patterned dress with pleated front by Kate Spade.

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Kate wore a checked Erdem coat for a visit to Manchester in October 2016

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For a reception of Team GB athletes at Buckingham Palace, Kate chose a poppy print tea dress by Alexander McQueen

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Kate Middleton wearing a £320 white Self Portrait dress at the Recovery Street Film Festival

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The Duchess donned a Preen by Thornton Bregazzi dress to the Place2Be Wellbeing In Schools Awards.

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In December 2016 Kate attended the Christmas party for volunteers at The Mix youth service.

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On St. Patricks day Kate wore a green coat by Catherine Walker. She didn't have time to to change, though, as she had to board a plane to Paris that same day to meet with President Hollande.

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Kate dazzled on the Paris royal tour in March 2017. She wore a sparkling Jenny Packham gown to the gala dinner.

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When in Paris on the royal tour, Kate wore a pillarbox-red Carolina Herrera coat to watch the Six Nations rugby game.

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When visiting the National Portrait Gallery in March 2017, Kate wowed in a forest green lace dress by Temperley London.

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During the Paris royal tour, Kate wore a black Alexander McQueen gown at the British Embassy reception.

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The Duchess of Cambridge made a day trip to Luxembourg, amid reports the royal family are becoming Britain's "Brexit ambassadors", opting for a chic baby blue dress coat by Emilia Wickstead.

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On the first day of Royal Ascot, Kate wore a white lace dress by Alexander McQueen with a matching fascinator.

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On 29 June, the Duchess of Cambridge opted for a Gucci dress to the opening of a new exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

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At day one of Wimbledon 2017, wearing a pretty polka dot dress.

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The Duchess wore a pussybow Prada dress in scribbled poppy print for a visit to Kensington Palace's Sunken Gardens, marking the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana's death

The Duchess wore a pussybow Prada dress in scribbled poppy print for a visit to Kensington Palace's Sunken Gardens, marking the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana's death

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Kate Middleton tour of Sweden and Norway January 2018

Check-out Kate in this stunning houndstooth coat by Catherine Walker, which she accessorised with a Chanel bag. The Duchess donned this outfit for a royal visit to Sweden and Norway with her husband in January 2018.

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Jenny Packham, 2018 BAFTAs

Nailing BAFTA pregnancy style (always a tricky category) Kate was radiant in a Jenny Packham gown for the 2018 BAFTAs.

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Alexander McQueen, Norway 2018

Who's the queen of Alexander McQueen? Kate Middleton is (obviously). The Duchess showed us all how to go about meeting Norwegian dignitaries in style in this show-stopping embellished dress.

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Commonwealth Day Service 2018

Once again Kate delved into her limitless archive of chic coat dress for the 2018 Commonwealth Day service.

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Prince Louis Lindo Wing, April 2018

For the first pictures of Prince Louis outside of the Lindo wing on April the 23rd, Kate selected a pillar-box red Jenny Packham dress.

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Wedding, May 2018

Kate (almost) twins with Princess Charlotte For Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding, in the palest yellow Alexander McQueen coat dress.

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Mental Health Summit, 2018

Tapping into the Lavender trend (as well as the extra-millennial matching tiny bag trend), Kate Middleton wears Lavender Emilia Wickstead for the Mental Health summit.

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Evelina Children's Hospital, December 2018

Kate wore another signature dainty polka-dot dress for a visit to the Evelina Children's hospital.

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Kate Middleton, January 2019

PSA: Kate Middleton has re-introduced us to the hiking boot. If this look wasn't brilliant enough already - her jeans are reportedly from Zara.

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Oscar De La Renta, January 2019

The Duchess won over fashion-editor's nationwide in this peplum Oscar De La Rent skirted suit.

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BAFTAs 2019

For the 2019 BAFTAs Kate wore a floor-sweeping chiffon ballgown made by British designer Jenny Packham.

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February 2019

This delicate rose-hued gown by Gucci was another major style win for the Duchess of Cambridge as she attended the Women In Finance Gala at the V&A in February.

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Norther Ireland, February 2019

For her arrival in Northern Ireland Kate Middleton changed up her usual coat-dress ensemble by finishing the look with jeans and heeled boots.

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Norther Ireland, February 2019

Marking to first day of the Northern Ireland tour, Kate Middleton wore a periwinkle-blue caped Mulberry coat dress.

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50th anniversary of Prince Charles's investiture, March 2019

A pale blue dress was worn with her signature nude heels and a clutch as Kate attended the 50th anniversary of Prince Charles's investiture as the Prince of Wales.

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Commonwealth Day services, March 2019

Wearing a red double-breasted coat dress and matching hat for the 2019 Commonwealth Day services in March.

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St. Patrick's Day, March 2019

Kate paid tribute to the Irish for the annual visit to the Irish Guards for St. Patrick's Day. Her green coat dress marked another of the Duchess's Alexander McQueen moments.

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Kate Middleton Horse Guards Parade salute

The Duchess of Cambridge attended the Horse Guards Parade in order to take the salute at the Beating Retreat military pageant for the first time. She wore a Catherine Walker cream coat and a Mulberry clutch bag for the occasion.

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived in Pakistan ahead of their tour of the country. Kate wore a version of the shalwar kameez - a traditional dress and trouser outfit - in beautiful aqua shades, which had been made for her by Catherine Walker.

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To visit the Islamabad Model College in Pakistan, the Duchess of Cambridge wore traditional blue kurta and asymmetric dupatta by local designer Maheen Khan with shoes from – wait for it – New Look.

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For a visit to meet the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, Kate wore a green tunic by Catherine Walker, white trousers by Maheen Khan, a scarf by Satrangi and earrings by Zeen.

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Kate Middleton

Kate Middleton wears Emilia Wickstead for a visit to St Martins in the Fields to meet victims of the Grenfell Tower blaze in November 2019

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Kate Middleton

Kate Middleton wears Missoni for a reception in Belfast. The occasion was a party in Belfast Empire Music Hall, where both Duke and Duchess celebrated the youth and their achievements in Northern Ireland.

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Kate Middleton

Kate Middleton in an Alexander McQueen gown, Erdem earrings and a Jimmy Choo clutch at the Royal Variety Performance at the Palladium Theatre in November 2019.

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Kate Middleton

Kate Middleton attended SHOUT's crisis volunteer celebration at Troubadour White City Theatre in London, November 2019. She was wearing a Jacket by Smythson, Trousers from Joseph Fashion and heels by Gianvito Rossi.

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Kate Middleton

Kate attended the 2017 Royal Variety performance in a sheer Alexander McQueen gown, a Jenny Packham clutch with pumps by Oscar de la Renta.

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Kate Middleton

Kate attended the BBC Radio 1 Teen Hero Awards wearing a £395 LK Bennett dress in October 2019

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Kate Middleton

Kate mixes traditional attire with her Asprey earrings and Hampton Canvas trainers.

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Kate Middleton

Whilst attending the National Monument in Pakistan for an event celebrating the best in Pakistan's culture, Kate wore a shimmering green Jenny Packham own and Silver Jimmy Choo heels.

READ MORE: 10 Times Kate Middleton Paid Sartorial Homage To Princess Diana

READ MORE: Every Time Kate Middleton Has Repeated An Outfit

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