Kate Middleton’s Best-Dressed Looks
Kate Middleton wears many hats: mother of three, the Duchess of Cambridge, Princess of the United Kingdom, a philanthropist and also a major style icon. Whether she is sporting an evening gown at a fancy ball, a fascinator at a formal event with the royal family or donning chic maternity wear, this woman never fails to look poised, professional and polished.
Here are some of Middleton’s best style moments.
Winter Style
After becoming engaged, Middleton and Prince William began making public appearances together. She was photographed here wearing a chic oatmeal-colored coat with matching accessories during a trip to Wales Her fascinator and booties really make the outfit!
Peplum Accent
On a visit to the University of St. Andrew’s, where the royal couple met as students, Middleton sported a red two-piece blazer and skirt set that had a cute peplum accent. Who said “royal attire” had to be boring?
Regal Wedding Dress
Who could forget Middleton’s gorgeous wedding gown, which was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen? This lacy, long-sleeved dress with a nine-foot train was absolutely breathtaking and set off imitations around the world, as Meghan Markle’s wedding dress is expected to do.
Summer Set
The matching white set Middleton sported to a Wimbledon match back in 2001 was the perfect thing to wear on a warm day, and it was so fitting for the event!
Lace Dress
This nude and navy lace dress is classically feminine, and Middleton looks absolutely amazing in it. What a way to make an entrance!
Pop Of Color
Middleton always knows just when to add a pop of color to her outfit. This red hat, which appears to have maple leaves on top, was just the right touch while she and Prince William visited Canada.
Lovely Yellow
This light and airy yellow dress is quite dainty and perfect for a spring day. The Duchess nailed this seasonal look (even if it was a bit windy)!
Crochet
Middleton had some fun by adding a handmade aspect to her look with this crochet top, which she wore to a BAFTA Inner City Arts Event in L.A. in 2011.
Black Lace
Talk about va-va-voom! This fancy floor-length black lace number really made a red carpet moment.
Regal Overcoat
Middleton wore a simple A-line coat-dress in a lovely blue color, which was a good call considering her outfit complemented that of both Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles’ wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.
Elegant In Emerald
Middleton donned a dark green overcoat in honor of St. Patrick’s Day and showed us all exactly how a Duchess should dress for such a holiday!
Blushing Balcony Look
This light blush-pink dress and matching fascinator couldn’t have looked more beautiful for Middleton’s public appearance with the royal family in 2012.
Printed Dress
After announcing her pregnancy with her first child, Middleton sported a chic black and white spotted dress and proved that yes, even a royal can wear prints!
Polka Dots
The Duchess was a fan of spots during her first pregnancy! She wore a blue polka-dot dress by Jenny Packham to show off her first child, Prince George, shortly after he was born on July 22, 2013.
Family Portrait
Middleton went with a burgundy dress for the first official portrait with their new family of three, and she’s absolutely glowing. This photograph was snapped by her father, Michael Middleton, in his family’s backyard in Berkshire.
All-Over Sparkle
In another one of her red-carpet looks, Middleton made this spangly, all-over sequin number work for at a formal event, and we love her for it!
Little Black Dress
Even a royal needs a LBD in her closet. This one is subtle, yet oh-so chic — especially with the silver shoulder detail.
Relaxed Mom
When the duchess sports a preppy “relaxed mom” look we’re so familiar with in our own lives, she looks truly comfortable. We love how she and George are matching! It doesn’t get cuter than that.
Vacation Style
An at-ease Middleton is effortlessly gorgeous, and that’s why we love this green and white plaid dress. That, and the fact that she and Prince William are color-coordinated on their visits to Australia and New Zealand in 2014. Adorable!
Playing With Plaid
Middleton showed off a tailored plaid overcoat and heeled boots — along with her field hockey skills! — on a visit to her childhood school in 2012.
Smart Suit
Middleton showed off her sporty side on a visit to New Zealand in 2014. Her red tailored suit and pumps didn’t stop her from taking a turn at cricket.
Pretty In Mint
Middleton stunned in mint on a trip to India with Prince William in 2016. Here the couple meet with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Chic In Bhutan
From India, Middleton and Prince William traveled to Bhutan in April of 2016. The Duchess channeled some Bhutanese-style dressing during her visit in a chic coordination of colors and patterns.
Time For A Trek
Middleton looks chic even while dressed down for a trek during her and the Prince’s visit to Bhutan.
Pretty Pattern
Middleton chose this classic, flattering dress for her visit to the Taj Mahal during her visit to India.
AGRA, INDIA – APRIL 16: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge walks in front of the Taj Mahal on April 16, 2016 in Agra, India. This is the last engagement of the Royal couple after a week long visit to India and Bhutan that has taken them in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kaziranga, Bhutan and Agra. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)Off To The Races
Middleton looked gorgeous in this cream lace dress with a matching fascinator at the Ascot Racecourse in 2016 alongside a dapper Prince William in top hat and tails.
Gala-Ready
Middleton looked picture-perfect in a blush sequined gown while at a 2016 charity gala. Her diamond cuff bracelet and earrings add extra oomph to this pretty look.
Baby Bump
Middleton wowed us with her pregnancy style a second time around during her pregnancy with Princess Charlotte. This navy blue overcoat and hat ensemble is just darling.
All White
The mom of two dressed in all white for the christening of her daughter, Princess Charlotte, and couldn’t have looked more elegant if she tried. We are impressed at how cool, calm and collected she looks while carrying a baby in high heels!
Mommy And Me
If this is the royal version of “mommy and me” outfits — we’re all for it. These ladies couldn’t look more adorable in their bright colors on a visit to Germany.
Matching Blues
The family cuts a classic figure in their coordinating blue-colored outfits. The pleats and oversized buttons on Middleton’s overcoat take her look to the next level.
Pretty In Pink
Middleton looks ravishing in this monochromatic pink outfit, especially since her little girl is also dressed in pink. Aren’t Princess Charlotte’s dresses just the sweetest?
Wedding Fashion
When Middleton attended her sister Pippa’s wedding, she was absolutely stunning in this blush-colored dress with a matching hat. If you look closely, you can see that Princess Charlotte’s sash matches her mom’s look. Just precious!
Christmas Colors
During Middleton’s third pregnancy, there was something else to celebrate: Prince Harry’s engagement to Meghan Markle. Middleton looked happy with the entire family in her festive plaid coat and fur hat for the Christmas morning services.
Spring Style
Middleton looked polished and preppy while sporting a spring-appropriate floral top to go with her baby bump just weeks before giving birth to her third child. There’s no way we could keep a cream-colored coat that tidy-looking!
Wide-Brimmed Hat
Middleton looks polished with this wide-brimmed navy hat and overcoat combo at a Commonwealth Day service. (Her future sister-in-law looks pretty elegant, too!)
Wowing In White
Middleton cuts a striking look in this statement hat and pearls worn to a 2017 event in remembrance of WWI.
Mom Of Three
The red dress Middleton wore while presenting her third child, Prince Louis, to the world is said to be an ode to the dress Princess Diana wore to present her youngest son, too. It was designed by Jenny Packham, like the other dresses Middleton wore while introducing her children to the public.
Wimbledon Wear
Middleton and Prince William pass by Prime Minister Thersa May on their way to watch the men’s singles final at Wimbledon in 2018.
Return From Maternity Leave
Middleton returned to the spotlight in October 2018 after a six-month reduction of duties and public appearances as a sort of royal maternity leave after having Prince Louis. Her first visit was to a child-focused nature center and school in London, and her outfit was the perfect combo of posh and outing-appropriate.
Pretty In Purple
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stepped out in October 2018 to attend a mental health summit. Middleton looked lovely in this shade of lavender, and it looks like her husband agreed!
Art Opening
Middleton chose a slightly off-the-shoulder dress for this exhibit opening at the Victoria & Albert Museum.
A Perfect Shade Of Pink
Middleton selected a flattering knee-length fuschia dress and hat for Princess Eugenie’s October wedding. She even had a bit of a Marilyn Monroe moment with her skirt due to the windy conditions that day!
A Look Fit For A Queen
Not only did she wow with her choice of jewels and Alexander McQueen gown at this Buckingham palace event welcoming the king and queen of the Netherlands — it was her yellow ribbon with the portrait of the Queen that had royal-watchers most excited. This pin means Middleton’s been honored with a Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II — a distinction given to female members of the family to thank them for their service.
Royal Engagement
Middleton showed great taste in fashion since before she joined the royal family, but she joined the ranks of style icon the moment she and Prince William announced their engagement. The navy dress from Issa that she wore during the announcement matched her engagement ring and was simple, yet sophisticated.
These are just a selection of Kate Middleton’s most fashionable looks — but there are many more! What’s your favorite?