There are two things that are absolutely true: Kate Middleton has a great wardrobe, and Kate Middleton loves a theme. If there’s way to connect her outfit and the event she’s attending, she’ll do it. Whether it's an emerald green coat and a shamrock broach to celebrate St Patrick's Day (like today) - or a holly berry red coat for a carol concert - she's the master of being on-brand.
These are just two examples of her literal dressing, which is the art of subtly paying tribute to whatever country, or institution, you're visiting with your clothes (obviously). From royal tours filled with subtle nods to the host country to wearing local designers when traveling abroad, Middleton is a pro at diplomatic dressing. Don’t believe us? Scroll down for her best examples…
SEE: All The Times Kate Middleton Practised Literal Dressing
Kate Middleton Literal Dressing
This Catherine Walker coat, complete with a bow at the neck, couldn't have been more festive for last year's carol concert at Westminster Abbey.
Kate Middleton Literal Dressing
For last year's visit to Scotland, Kate packed some modern tartan in the form of this trench from Holland & Cooper.
Kate Middleton wearing an emerald green jacket from Zara
The emerald green jacket (a double-breasted number from Zara) was an easy spot for St Patrick's Day, but how many eagle-eyed followers noticed that she was also wearing a necklace with a teeny shamrock pendant from Daniella Draper?
Kate Middleton Literal Dressing
To celebrate Burns Night, and bring a traditional feast of haggis, neeps and tatties to workers at NHS Tayside, Kate Middleton appeared via video wearing a tartan dress from Emilia Wickstead.
Kate Middleton Literal Dressing
In honour of what would've been the start of finals weekend at Wimbledon, Kate surprised a group of young tennis players with a video call with Andy Murray. For the call, Kate wore the HVN's Tennis Long Maria Dress{
Kate Middleton Literal Dressing
Earlier this year, the Cambridges and their three young children joined the rest of the nation in the weekly Clap For Our Carers outside their home in Norfolk. Kate, William, George, Charlotte and Louis all wore outfits in tones of blue in honour of the NHS.
Kate Middleton Literal Dressing
For her very first in-person event following lockdown, Kate Middleton visited the Fakenham Garden Centre, arriving in a simple outfit that looked perfect for a day of weeding and planting.
Kate Middleton Literal Dressing
In December 2019, Kate joined families and children who are supported by the charity Family Action at Peterley Manor Farm in a very festive red puffer jacket and green jumper combo.
Kate Middleton Literal Dressing
Kate loves a floral print and won't let a visit to a garden centre or flower show go unmarked, from the 'Back to Nature' festival at RHS Garden Wisley (left) to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show (middle) to the White Garden at Kensington Palace (right).
Kate Middleton Literal Dressing
While on a royal tour of Ireland with Prince William in 2019, Kate made sure to pay tribute to the colour most associated with the country: green. Our favourite? The stunning Vampire's Wife dress she wore in Dublin.
Kate Middleton Literal Dressing
Speaking of green...Kate almost always attends a St Patrick's Day parade each year and she always, always wears green to celebrate.
Kate Middleton Literal Dressing
While on a royal tour of Poland in 2017, Kate paid homage to the country with her wardrobe twice. First, she wore a white dress with red accessories to honour the Polish flag. Then, she wore a dress by Polish designer Gosia Baczynska.
Kate Middleton Literal Dressing
Over the years, while attending events involving sailing or boating, Kate has capitalised on the nautical theme wearing white-and-navy stripes with golden accessories.
Kate Middleton Literal Dressing
The royals love Wimbledon and Kate is no exception. Having attended many, many times over the years, you can bet Kate will show off her tennis whites at the tournament at least once every year.
Kate Middleton Literal Dressing
In 2017, the Cambridges and their children arrived on the royal tour of Germany wearing different shades of cornflower blue, the colour of the country's national flower.
Kate Middleton Literal Dressing
Kate and William went on a royal tour to Pakistan in late 2019 and this is where Kate's passion for diplomatic dressing shone the brightest. Wearing outfits designed by Pakistani designers and wearing traditional Pakistani-style dresses, Kate certainly made a mark on this tour.
Kate Middleton Literal Dressing
Kate also showed her love for diplomatic dressing while on a royal tour of India and Bhutan, wearing dresses by local designers that featured traditional motifs.
Kate Middleton Literal Dressing
While in Canada with Prince William, Kate went to the rodeo, where she dressed for the occasion with a white cowboy hat. Later in the trip, she wore a red hat featuring maple leaves that look very similar to the Canadian flag.
READ MORE: 10 Fashion And Beauty Hacks That Kate Middleton Relies On