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The Princess of Wales has always been a royal title synonymous with elegance, glamour and style—a proviso Kate Middleton has certainly adhered to since assuming the role upon King Charles III’s ascent to the throne.
Following in the footsteps of her late mother-in-law Princess Diana is by no means an easy challenge, especially given how the cultural impact the royal’s meringue bubble skirts, black sheep sweaters and penchant for bike shorts has had on the fashion industry.
But ever since her nascent days as Prince William’s classmate at St. Andrew’s College, the former Duchess of Cambridge has made this specific method of dress synonymous with her own: recycled fashion.
Middleton’s prowess for re-wearing garments—be it upcycling them to give the ensemble an entirely different effect or accessorising them slightly differently to breathe new life into the outfit—is well demonstrated. Indeed, British tabloids once dubbed her “Thrifty Kate” for her favourability of shopping her wardrobe.
And while sustainability is an important consideration and cornerstone of the fashion industry today, the act of destigmatising outfit repeating is integral to ethical style—especially when it’s performed by one of the most photographed women in the world!
In fact, some of Middleton’s most memorable looks are rewears of her beloved pieces. Be it the Grecian-inspired Alexander McQueen gown she wore to an environmentalist gala a decade after she first donned the dress, or her much-adorned Catherine Walker coat dress that’s become a staple in her winter arsenal, Middleton is proof upcycling is a mode the monarchy fully supports.
As we collectively produce 92 million tonnes of textile waste annually, Middleton’s part in reducing consumption is an act we can all glean something from. Whether you need sustainable styling inspiration or are just nosy to see what pieces from her wardrobe have actually withstood the test of time (and changing tastes), we bring you a comprehensive guide to every instance Kate Middleton has re-worn an outfit, ahead.
Every Time Kate Middleton Has Re-Worn An Outfit
2024 & 2023: Jenny Packham Dress
Kate Middleton returned to royal duties after disappearing from the public’s eye due to struggles with her health on June 15 at Trooping The Colour. Middleton made a surprise appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony alongside Prince William and their children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9 and Prince Louis, 6. For the occasion, Middleton reprised a white Jenny Packham dress she previously wore at a coronation event for King Charles III. Middleton accented the sleek dress with a black-and-white ribbon and a wide-brim hat by Philip Treacy.
2023 & 2022: Alexander McQueen Blazer
Middleton’s fondness for a classic pantsuit is well-documented. For the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in the South of France, the royal embraced the Slim Aarons aesthetic of the locale with a sharply-cut blazer from Alexander McQueen. Middleton first wore this piece at another sporting occasion: the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
2023 & 2022: Catherine Walker Coat
Middleton’s royal blue Catherine Walker coat is an indispensable part of her wardrobe, with the Princess reprising the silhouette three times within the span of two years—and for important occasions, too! The coat’s most recent outing came in July 2023 when she attended the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication, at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh. Prior to that, she wore the sculpted piece at the annual Easter Service in 2022—where she matched with the youngest Wales, Prince Louis—and for the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey.
2023 & 2021: Beulah Dress
Pink is a hue rarely seen on Middleton, but one sartorialists agree compliments her the most. (Need we draw your attention to the shimmering hot pink The Vampire’s Wife gown she wore for a 2022 royal tour to The Caribbean?) Yet, when it came to a children’s charity event in January 2023, baby pink appeared to be the perfect shade for the occasion. The belted Beulah midi dress first debuted on the concluding day of the 2021 Wimbledon tournament.
2023 & 2019: Alexander McQueen Dress
Kate Middleton’s most memorable look of 2023 came in the form of a stunning one-shoulder gown designed by Alexander McQueen. The piece, pulled from her personal archive, premiered at the 2019 iteration of the BAFTAS, though featured embroidered floral motifs on the shoulder in lieu of the draped bow spotted on the most recent version. Middleton’s styling decisions when upcycling the gown were specifically powerful as it almost appeared to be an entirely new piece altogether. Who would’ve thought a different hairstyle and the addition of black opera gloves would make such a difference?
2023 & 2019: Elie Saab Dress
Middleton’s recycled fashion streak continued for King Charles III’s garden party at Buckingham Palace in celebration of his coronation. The semi-sheer dress was crafted by Lebanese designer Elie Saab, a look she had previously worn to day one of the 2019 Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse. Trackside and teatime approved, indeed.
2022: Chanel Blazer
In 2022, Middleton stepped out on either side of the Atlantic in the same Chanel blazer less than a month apart. The tweed double-breasted jacket dates back to 1995, making it one of Middleton’s most archival pieces in her collection. (Save for the royal crowns within her possession, of course.) Surprisingly, Middleton donned the jacket to watch an NBA game in Boston, Massachusetts. The Prince and Princess of Wales visited the historical city of to attend the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony, an event they founded which celebrates those whose work is helping to repair the planet. Talk about a fitting tribute.
2022 & 2021: Alexander McQueen Blazer Dress
In celebration of the 2022 Trooping The Colour, which was hosted during the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, Middleton re-wore an Alexander McQueen coat dress. The piece was suitably recycled given the first time it made it’s public appearance was during a talk with the late-monarch at the G7 Summit in Cornwall.
2021 & 2011: Alexander McQueen Dress
It’s the dress that calls to mind whenever you think of Kate Middleton’s red carpet forays. Yes, the Grecian Alexander McQueen tiered gown is one of Middleton’s most iconic looks, but also an exemplar of recycled fashion. Middleton introduced this dress in 2011, mere months after her wedding to Prince William and becoming the Duchess of Cambridge. A decade later and with her husband by her side, Middleton re-wore the gown for the environmentalist 2011 Earthshot Prize.
