Kate Middleton has a knack for maintaining her modesty and enhancing her elegance during public appearances.
Kate follows in the footsteps of other royals, including the trendsetting Princess Diana, who was the first royal to experiment with designs. Royals often adjust their outfits to adhere more closely to protocol.
This can be as simple as altering a neckline or eliminating a side slit. However, for Kate, it’s not just about complying with the rules; she sometimes changes her outfits so she can wear them again on different occasions.
The mother of three is often spotted turning heads with her familiar yet altered outfits, which she is known for recycling, such as her Alexander McQueen gown. This year, when Kate made her public comeback at the Trooping the Colour, she elegantly re-wore a Jenny Packham dress from 2023.
She revamped the black-and-white design with a striped ribbon belt and a matching bow on the shoulder. On another occasion, for the wedding of Crown Prince Al-Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif in Jordan, Kate replaced a sheer panel in the bodice and skirt with opaque fabric, reports the Mirror.
The breathtaking dress was from Elie Saab’s autumn/winter 2017 collection.
Fans have long considered Kate a fashion icon since she became part of the royal family, often choosing outfits that align with the public’s perception of her.
In the Channel 5 documentary William and Kate: Too Good To Be True, author Tom Quinn shared insights into Kate’s wardrobe choices, saying, “Her clothing almost began to reflect what people saw in her character, a kind of restraint, kind of modesty almost. I think that did come about because William and Kate were coming towards the point where they would announce their engagement.”
Fashion expert Anthony McGrath, a senior lecturer at the Fashion Retail Academy, previously praised Kate’s approach to fashion in an interview with Insider, noting: “Kate enjoys adjusting outfits to suit current trends. She will quite often add a bow, remove a keyhole, or change the length of skirts or sleeves to make them her own.”
