32 Kate Middleton Fashion Moments That Highlight Her Timeless Royal Style

Since becoming a royal (and even before), Catherine, Princess of Wales—also known as Kate Middleton—has established herself as a fashion icon. Following in Princess Diana's footsteps, Kate has carved out a definitive sense of royal style, and it's easy to see why she's become so influential. For one, she often recycles old looks, and if a literal princess isn't afraid to be an outfit repeater, we shouldn't be either. We also admire her high-low approach to fashion: Kate could easily adopt a strictly designer wardrobe, but she often opts for a mix of affordable and luxury pieces. Her more accessible fashion moments have sparked what's known as the "Kate effect," with pieces that she's worn selling out instantly. Whether wearing Sarah Burton's designs for Alexander McQueen or off-the-rack looks from Topshop, Kate is always dressed to impress. Ahead, we've rounded up 32 of the best Kate Middleton fashion moments of all time.

BAFTAs (2023)

Kate may be a princess, but she's a queen when it comes to reinventing her go-to pieces, like this white one-shoulder Alexander McQueen gown that she first wore to the 2019 BAFTAs. While the original dress had a floral appliqué near the shoulder, she updated it to a long draped bow, plus added black gloves and statement earrings for an edgier feel.

Foundling Museum Visit (2023)

One style choice Kate loves to wear is a monochrome suit moment. She sported this pastel pink set while visiting the Foundling Museum, pairing the look with a statement pearl-embellished white belt and white heels.

Wimbledon (2023)

Kate stepped out for Wimbledon in a look fit for watching a tennis match—if you're a princess, that is. She made a statement in a mint green Balmain blazer and an ankle-length white pleated skirt.

Wedding Day (2011)

Who could forget Kate Middleton's wedding dress that she wore the day she married Prince William? The Alexander McQueen gown, which featured a dramatic, eight-foot-long train, was designed by Sarah Burton and has become a reference point for brides ever since.

The National Portrait Gallery Reopening (2023)

While attending the National Portrait Gallery's reopening in London, Kate wore a black-and-white look from Self-Portrait. She added a black Chanel clutch and black pumps to complete the ensemble.

Visiting Oxford House Nursing Home (2023)

While Kate has worn countless incredible formal looks, her everyday wear is just as memorable. A classic style is key when the Princess of Wales steps out, as this "quiet luxury" look proves.

Engagement Shoot (2010)

On the evening of her engagement announcement to Prince William, Kate wore a dark blue Issa wrap dress, which began what's now known as the "Kate effect." The dress sold out immediately and became Kate's first iconic look as a royal-to-be.

Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey (2023)

Kate's Commonwealth Day ceremony look balanced style with family meaning, as she wore an Erdem peplum blouse with a matching skirt and added the Prince of Wales feather pendant as a brooch. She also accessorized with a pair of diamond and sapphire earrings that previously belonged to Princess Diana.

Easter Mass (2023)

While walking into Easter Mass with son Prince Louis, the Princess of Wales was all smiles wearing a royal blue Catherine Walker coat dress and pillbox hat. She pulled together the monochromatic moment with a blue clutch.

Caribbean Tour (2022)

Kate was a ray of sunshine while arriving in Jamaica in 2022, wearing this Roksanda yellow midi dress. She paired the brightly colored look with a white clutch and Aquazzura heels.

Visit to Belize (2022)

Most royals stick to understated outfits, but Kate often pushes the boundaries, which is what we love most about her style. During a trip to Belize, the Princess wore a shimmering ruby midi dress from The Vampire's Wife, pairing it with a white clutch.

Earthshot Prize Ceremony (2022)

The princess fittingly wore a bright green gown to the Earthshot Prize ceremony, but she backed up the look with a nod to sustainability: The Solace London dress was rented from the U.K.-based platform HURR, a designer rental service. She also wore an emerald and diamond choker that had belonged to Princess Diana.

Commonwealth Day Service Observance (2015)

During her pregnancies, Kate became known for her maternity fashion moments. At the observance for Commonwealth Day service while pregnant with Princess Charlotte, she stepped out in a light pink Alexander McQueen coat dress, which she recycled from another appearance in 2013.

State Banquet at Buckingham Palace (2022)

During a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, the Princess of Wales stunned in a white embellished Jenny Packham gown. This fashion moment also marked the first time Kate had worn a tiara in three years, and she opted for the Queen Mary's Lover's Knot tiara, one of Princess Diana's favorites.

Dinner with Governor General of Jamaica (2022)

Never shying away from a statement-making ballgown, the Princess of Wales wore a green Jenny Packham look to pull out all the stops for dinner with Jamaica's governor general. She styled the look with emerald jewels loaned from Queen Elizabeth II.

"No Time To Die" World Premiere (2021)

Kate certainly brought major red carpet glamour while attending the premiere of the James Bond "No Time To Die" movie. She shimmered in a gold-embellished Jenny Packham gown paired with gold earrings.

Inauguration of Warner Bros. Studios in London (2013)

The "Kate effect" struck again when the then-duchess stepped out wearing a black and white polka dot dress from Topshop. The look was yet another stylish maternity moment.

First Appearance with Prince George (2013)

Many of the royals traditionally pose for photos to debut their newborn children, and just like Princess Diana, Kate's outfits for these appearances have been nothing short of iconic. Following the birth of Prince George, she wore a blue and white polka dot dress by Jenny Packham.

Ireland Visit (2020)

Kate has a few go-to brands, and The Vampire's Wife is undoubtedly one of them. For a reception at the Guinness Storehouse, the Princess chose this green metallic midi dress from the U.K.-based brand. She finished off the look with a gold clutch and a pair of gold statement earrings.

The Royal Ascot (2019)

Kate Middleton looked elegant in a cornflower blue, polka-dotted dress with sheer sleeves by Elie Saab while attending the Royal Ascot. She finished the look with a flower-adorned Philip Treacy hat and a gold clutch.

Jerudong Park Trophy (2014)

One of Kate's go-to pieces is a classic Breton stripe top—she's been spotted wearing versions from the likes of Ralph Lauren, J.Crew, and Me + Em over the years. For a polo match in Cirencester Park, the then-duchess subtly switched it up by opting for blue stripes instead of black, keeping it simple with jeans, sunglasses, and a silver watch.

Chelsea Flower Show (2019)

We're always guaranteed a great floral look from Kate when she attends the Chelsea Flower Show. Here, she opted for an on-theme dress from Erdem, which she paired with espadrille wedges and flower-shaped pearl earrings.

Henry Fawcett Children's Centre Visit (2019)

Kate gave us a stunning example of a high-low look during a visit to the Henry Fawcett Children's Centre. She paired a Gucci bow blouse with a pair of Jigsaw trousers, then styled the ensemble with a purple purse and simple black heels.

Bletchley Park Visit (2019)

Once again, Kate went back to her archives and recycled this navy polka-dotted Alessandra Rich midi dress while visiting an exhibit at Bletchley Park. She paired the dress with blue suede shoes and a navy clutch.

National Portrait Gallery Gala (2019)

Florals at night can be tricky, but Kate effortlessly pulled it off in this Alexander McQueen gown. The Princess of Wales wore the dress to a gala at the National Portrait Gallery and paired it with a simple black clutch.

Visit to Sweden (2018)

While Kate is a fashion icon in her own right, she has taken a few pages out of Princess Diana's book when it comes to her looks. Here she wears a custom red-and-white houndstooth coat from Catherine Walker, similar to a Moschino jacket Princess Diana wore in 1990.

Princess Eugenie's Wedding (2018)

Kate Middleton's timeless wedding guest style is a topic in itself. For Princess Eugenie's wedding, she opted for a fuchsia knee-length dress from Alexander McQueen with a matching fascinator.

Buckingham Palace State Banquet (2018)

Even though she was "only" a duchess at the time, Kate gave Cinderella-esque princess vibes in this light blue Alexander McQueen gown. She also wore the Lover's Knot tiara, which has become one of her go-to pieces at formal events.

Royal Tour of Canada (2016)

For a reception while on a Royal Tour of Canada, Kate embraced the color red with a Preem midi dress that featured an asymmetrical neckline. She also pinned a maple leaf brooch to the dress in honor of the occasion.

RAF Air Cadets 75th Anniversary (2016)

While attending the 75th anniversary of the RAF Air Cadets, Kate wore this military-inspired coat dress from Alexander McQueen. She paired the style with a dark blue fascinator and a matching suede clutch and gloves.

BAFTA Event in LA (2011)

Kate stunned crowds in this lilac number, which she accessorized with a gold clutch and an embellished white belt, while in LA attending a BAFTA event. The gown, designed by Alexander McQueen's Sarah Burton, made another red carpet appearance in 2021 when the princess attended the Earthshot Prize ceremony.

ARK 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner (2011)

During her newlywed era, Kate shimmered in this blush-colored Jenny Packham number. As for accessories, she kept it simple and let the dress take center stage against a pair of light pink heels and a blush clutch.

Up Next: Sofia Richie's 16 Best Fashion Moments—From Red Carpets to Luxe Bridal

Read the original article on Byrdie.