How Kate Middleton Dramatically Changed Her Wardrobe Ahead of Her Prince William Engagement

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Kate Middleton’s fashion has always been a hot royal topic, but her sense of style has evolved over the years. When she first met Prince William at St. Andrew’s University in 2001, she didn’t dress as refined as she does now — she was a typical college student riding the wave of fashion trends.

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A new British documentary, William & Kate: Too Good To Be True, revealed just how dramatic the shift in her wardrobe was once it became clear that Kate was going to be William’s fiancée. She was known to favor crop tops with spaghetti straps, low-rise jeans, and denim skirts, but those silhouettes were pushed to the back of her closet once an engagement was on the horizon. A polished young woman in more grown-up designs suddenly emerged.

This change was noted by royal author Tom Quinn, per the Mirror, who pointed out that “her clothing almost began to reflect what people saw in her character, a kind of restraint, kind of modesty almost.” He added, “I think that did come about because William and Kate were coming towards the point where they would announce their engagement. It was Kate starting to behave in ways which would be seen as more appropriate for a future Queen.”

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When the now-Princess of Wales emerged as William’s fiancée on Nov. 16, 2010, the first version of her royal fashion was also launched. Her navy-blue Issa wrap dress is one of her most iconic looks, and it matched the stunning oval Ceylon sapphire engagement ring that was once Princess Diana’s. It was the start of her fashion era, where many of her pieces would immediately sell out online — a boon to designers everywhere. Over the years, the Princess of Wales has gone from favoring sweet, youthful dresses to her more tailored and elegant look today. She’s come a long way from her casual university days to a royal-style icon.

Before you go, click here to see more of Kate Middleton’s best royal fashion moments.

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