Queen of recycling: 10 of Kate Middleton’s most repeated outfits, from the Princess of Wales’ modified Alexander McQueen gown at the 2023 BAFTAs to re-wearing Chanel, Mulberry and Stella McCartney
To celebrate Middleton’s sustainable fashion choices, we’ve rounded up her top 10 most iconic repeated outfits, ranging from her stunning Oscar de la Renta suit skirt to that vintage Chanel coat …
1. Roksanda Ilinčić’s lilac shift dress: 2011, 2012 and 2016
Middleton wore the London-based, Serbian fashion designer’s lilac dress, not once, not twice, but three times in different years.
She first sported the gorgeous peridot crepe dress in 2011 in Los Angeles, before donning it again in 2016. The dress features draped neck details, cap sleeves and a full-length zip at the back.
2. Stella McCartney blue shift dress: 2012, 2016 and 2020
She has worn the dress four times so far, starting from 2012 at the National Portrait Gallery event. She was last seen in the outfit during her Instagram video message for the “Hold Still” project in 2020, where she rounded off her look with a pair of delicate earrings.
3. Another Roksanda Ilinčić dress: 2014, 2016 and 2020
Middleton wore the 1950s-inspired dress again at the 2016 Wimbledon and in 2020 for a video message in support of the first responders in Australia’s “Thank a First Responder Day”.
4. Oscar de la Renta suit skirt: 2017 and 2019
For a conference hosted by The Guild of Health Writers in 2017, Middleton opted for a chic Oscar de la Renta suit skirt in purple that exudes sophistication and grace.
She then rewore the vibrant ensemble for a visit to the Royal Opera House in 2019. The classy purple jacket and skirt are from Oscar de la Renta’s autumn 2015 collection and are made of wool-blend fabric.
5. Alexander McQueen’s military-inspired blouse: 2011, 2014, 2016 and 2021
Many of us have treasured pieces of clothing that we hang onto even though they’re a decade old, or more … and the Princess of Wales does too.
Middleton first wore Alexander McQueen’s military-inspired silk blouse during a visit to Birmingham in 2011 where she paired it with a structured skirt, also by the brand. She donned it again in 2016 for the 1851 Trust event in Portsmouth.
A decade later, she paired her favourite blouse with tailored trousers at the Imperial War Museum event in 2021.
6. Catherine Walker’s bespoke dress: 2019, 2020 and 2022
Middleton also knows how to stay classy with her bespoke grey collared coat dress, which she first wore in 2019 and 2020 for a series of royal engagements.
In 2022, the royal mum again donned the same piece for the Prince’s Foundation event. This Catherine Walker tweed dress features a black pointed collar and pleated full skirt that falls at knee length.
7. The Alexander McQueen BAFTAs dress: 2019 and 2023
Recently, the princess made headlines when she rewore her signature Alexander McQueen white one-shoulder gown for the 2023 BAFTAs.
The flowing chiffon dress, which she had previously worn at the 2019 BAFTAs, features an updated extended sleeve and black opera gloves that added a modern touch to the classic design.
8. Vintage Chanel coat: October and December 2022
Our fashionable princess also adores vintage items! At the 10th anniversary of Coach Core in October 2022, she caught everyone’s attention with her vintage cobalt-blue tweed Chanel jacket from 1995, complete with black trimmings and buttons.
She then wore the classic piece again during a Celtics game with her husband in December of the same year.
9. Jenny Packham’s sparkling emerald evening gown: 2019 and 2021
Who can forget Middleton’s sparkly emerald Jenny Packham evening gown? The princess has worn it twice: in 2019 during a visit to Pakistan and again in 2021 at the Royal Albert Hall.
10. Mulberry pink coat: 2014 and 2018
In 2018, Middleton seen again in the comfy coat at Coventry Cathedral with an all-black base layer, a pair of cushion drop earrings and Tod’s black suede pumps, which makes this ensemble one we’ll always remember.
- Prince William’s wife made headlines recently for choosing the same dress she wore years ago for the 2023 BAFTAs – it’s not the only time she’s gone for old-timers from her wardrobe though
- She’s shone in Oscar de la Renta and Catherine Walker ‘fits, wore a Mulberry coat while she was pregnant with Princess Charlotte, and Roksanda when out and about in Sydney with son Prince George