Kate’s style has evolved with her titles from Duchess to future Queen

Kate, Princess of Wales often steps out in designer labels but it’s her exquisite taste that makes her style so sought after.

Though Kate has a clear go-to style for day-to-day appearances, the mother of three has donned some more intricate looks for special royal occasions.

While her collection of jewels, outfits, and accessories has undoubtedly grown over the years, some of the most notable moments in Kate’s fashion evolution came before she married Prince William in 2011.

Before she coined her current signature style, which often consists of a knee-length coat dress and court-shoe heels, the 41-year-old wore a more casual wardrobe.

But whether she’s repeating her favourite threads, showcasing new high-street favourites or wowing in British designers, timeless Kate never fails to look the part. Express Lifestyle takes a look at the Princess of Wales’ incredible wardrobe through the years, and how her style has changed.

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Back in her St Andrews University days when she was first linked to Prince William, Kate sported her “it girl” style. In a previous interview with Express.co.uk, vintage fashion expert and founder of Modes & More, Susie Nelson, said: “Kate’s outfits at St Andrew’s were very much ‘public school girls at Marlborough College’ – I think it’s fair to say, quite Sloane Ranger style.”

Slim jeans, unbuttoned shirts, and thigh-skimming skirts were all a go-to for a young Kate, who back then, was not bound by royal protocol.

Some of her most iconic ensembles of the era include a plethora of daring party outfits, outdoorsy race-day attire, and of course, various combinations of knee-high boots over blue jeans.

Prince William and Kate reportedly became a couple in 2003, and three years later, in 2006, her style changed as a mature 26-year-old. The now mother-of-three started to wear long coat dresses which mirror her fashion today.

Channelling her inner royal, Kate stepped out in similar styles to those donned by the late Princess Diana, including the iconic red coat and all-black ensemble that she wore to the passing-out parade at Sandhurst Military Academy in December 2006.

The large hat and bright colour of her jacket were far from her more subdued style which had previously revolved around a mixture of neutral shades.

Later in 2008, Kate’s style took a step closer to those worn by women in the Royal Family, when she was spotted in a simple white coat and black boots while she accompanied William to earn his Royal Air Force wings. In the same year at Windsor Castle, her sophisticated style evolved further as she attended more royal events as William’s official guest.

Kate and Prince William announced their engagement on November 16, 2010, at which point the 28-year-old reached a turning point in her style evolution.

The Princess’s iconic engagement dress was a blue silk wrap number by Issa (£430) and marked the start of her regal style – which to this day, consists of many different shades of blue.

Kate and Prince William announced their engagement on November 16, 2010, at which point the 28-year-old reached a turning point in her style evolution.

The Princess’s iconic engagement dress was a blue silk wrap number by Issa (£430) and marked the start of her regal style – which to this day, consists of many different shades of blue.

Of course, the most notable style moment for Kate in 2011 was her Alexander McQueen wedding dress and the elegant evening gown that she wore at the reception – both of which were designed by Sarah Burton.

After she gained the official title of the Duchess of Cambridge, newly-married Catherine established her trademark royal style.

Bound by royal style rules since she became a part of the Royal Family, Kate is not allowed to show cleavage or wear hemlines too far above the knee. While her style has many variations, the former Duchess’s go-to ensembles have consisted of form-fitting midi dresses and court shoes on most occasions.

Spotted in a range of colours, including her favourite shade of red, the Princess of Wales is often seen in cap, three-quarter, or long-sleeved dresses. Her staple silhouette often involves a fitted top with a soft a-line skirt and a belt to highlight her slim frame.

Some of Kate’s most memorable fashion moments between 2011-2019 include her chiffon lavender BAFTA gown, teal Jenny Packham gown worn to the London Olympics gala, and her peach ensemble worn while pregnant with Prince George in 2013.

After giving birth to Prince George in 2013, Princess Charlotte in 2015, and Prince Louis in 2018, Princess Kate opted for colourful shift dresses rather than her usual form-fitting styles. These were worn along with a number of bright, a-line coat dresses during each pregnancy.

Despite following a clear style throughout most of her time as a royal, subtle change to Kate’s fashion reflect how her role has changed over the years. The mother-of-three is often spotted wearing elements of her 2000s style when pictured in private with her young family, often consisting of knitwear, jeans, and nautical-inspired tops.

Her mature wardrobe has evolved in other ways too, with sophisticated blazer-trouser combos now a go-to for the Princess of Wales. Though colour-blocking is not a new technique for the 41-year-old, Kate has stepped out in bolder styles since earning her new title.

As the wife of the second heir to the British throne, it’s only right that the Princess’s style reflects her senior position in the Royal Family.

Nevertheless, Kate often recycles old items, including luxurious jewellery, accessories, and designer clothing including military-inspired pieces, tailored coats and custom gowns.

In summer, the Princess of Wales’s “go-to” pieces include cardigans and floaty summer dresses by Boden, along with staple pieces from Marks and Spencer, L.K. Bennett, and Hobbs London.

To this day, Kate still has a special relationship with Alexander McQueen because of her close connection to Sarah Burton, who designed her wedding dress.