Kate Middleton Recycled One of Her Most Stunning Dresses for the Portrait Gala in London

Even a Duchess knows how to execute a good recycle-and-reuse moment. Last night, Kate Middleton attended the 2019 Portrait Gala in London, England, a star-studded affair that saw celebrities such as Kate Moss, Victoria and David Beckham, and more in attendance. For the occasion, Middleton wore a black Alexander McQueen gown printed all over with green florals, its tiered skirt extending right down to the floor. If the dress looks familiar, it’s because she originally wore it to the BAFTAs in 2017, only this year Middleton made a slight alteration to it.

The Duchess stepped out in the elegant style with a completely new upper half: she had cap sleeves added to the original off-the-shoulder shape, giving the gown a fresh new silhouette. (After all, with a dress that nice hanging in the closet, it deserves a second appearance.) She styled it with a simple black clutch and left jewels to a minimum: nothing more than a pair of diamond-drop earrings and her engagement ring.

The takeaway? The next time you’re debating re-wearing a garment that you’ve, say, been photographed in at a major event, just consider bringing it to a tailor for an update. The strategy is clearly royal approved.