As fashion editors, we're constantly searching for style inspiration. And one of our go-to sources is none other than our favorite celebrities — royalty include. Princess Diana gave us plenty of memorable fashion moments (many of which are trending today) and her daughter-in-law Kate Middleton seems to be following in her footsteps.
In fact, any time the Princess of Wales steps out, we take notice. From her colorful smocks to her haute couture evening gowns — and everything in between — her wardrobe is nothing short of a royal flush.
Keep scrolling as we take a look at Kate Middleton's style evolution over the years.
January 26, 2023
Magenta might not be the first color that comes to mind when you think "winter wardrobe" — but it should be. Middleton proves that incorporating a bold color into your outfit is an instant mood booster. In other words, it will help to brighten your day — literally.
December 02, 2022
It only seems fitting that Princess Kate would wear green to attend an event celebrating environmentalism, namely, the Earthshot Prize. Still, the neon hue was next level, as was her dazzling diamond and emerald jewelry.
November 03, 2022
Color palettes don't always have to be loud to attract attention. Dressed in head-to-toe camel, the Duchess showed us that a muted monochrome outfit can make quite the statement.
October 13, 2022
At the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Coach Core in London, the royal aptly wore royal blue. The color adds interest and a modern twist to the classic Chanel blazer.
October 06, 2022
Visiting Belfast, Middleton paired a light blue equestrian coat with a lovely lavallière blouse. The result is very Princess Charming.
July 31, 2022
During a visit to the 1851 Trust and the Great Britain SailGP Team, the Duchess wore a nautical-themed ensemble that felt very Cape Cod (or in her case, Plymouth, England).
June 13, 2022
At the Order of The Garter service, the Duchess of Cambridge was a vision in full-on blue — from her Juliette Botterill floral leaf teardrop hat to her Alexander McQueen coatdress.
May 19, 2022
We're deeming this look Red Carpet Royalty (for obvious reasons). Middleton exuded elegance in a Roland Mouret black and white off-the-shoulder gown at the Top Gun: Maverick U.K. premiere.
March 23, 2022
Green is definitely this duchess's color. And when combined with tulle, sparkles, and the genius of designer Jenny Peckham, it gives us this head-turning number, worn during Middleton's Caribbean tour.
March 21, 2022
At a special reception in Belize, Middleton was simply show-stopping. Her sparkly pink gown by The Vampire's Wife was eveningwear at its finest.
October 19, 2021
The Duchess attended Forward Trust's "Taking Action on Addiction" campaign at BAFTA in a monochromatic all-red look that included a turtleneck sweater and matching, flowy pleated skirt. She paired the look with a neutral beige handbag and matching pointed-toe pumps.
October 17, 2021
Kate re-wore one of her iconic gowns to the first-ever Earthshot Prize event in London. The Duchess first wore the Grecian-inspired lavender gown during her and Prince William's 2011 trip to Los Angeles. This time, she paired the pleated dress with a different gold belt and wore her signature dark brown locks in a deep side part.
October 5, 2021
Kate wore a black-and-white plaid dress from Zara for a visit to the University College London's Centre for Longitudinal Studies. The Duchess paired the dress with a loosely curled hairstyle and silver snakeskin pointed-toe pumps.
September 29, 2021
For a trip to the Ulster University Magee Campus in Londonderry, Ireland, the Duchess of Cambridge chose a chic, monochromatic vibrant purple-hued suit, which she paired with a navy blue turtleneck and matching suede pumps. She completed the look with a sophisticated ponytail and a navy blue clutch.
September 28, 2021
Kate looked absolutely radiant for the No Time to Die premiere at London's Royal Albert Hall. For the debut of the new James Bond film, she wore a stunning sequin and crystal embellished dress, which included a plunging neckline, sheer skirt, and floor-grazing cape. She opted for statement earrings and an intricate updo.
March 3, 2020
Just weeks before the COVID-19 shutdown began, Kate and Prince William visited the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, where the Duchess even sipped on her own pint of Guinness. For the event, she went with a festive, sparkling emerald-colored midi-dress that she accessorized with matching pointed-toe suede pumps, a gold clutch, and gold drop earrings.
February 2, 2020
The Duchess of Cambridge attended the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards in an ivory gown with gold embellishments and a sweetheart neckline. She paired the look with sparkling pointed-toe pumps and a matching clutch handbag.
July 13, 2019
Kate attended the Women's Final for the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club alongside her sister, Pippa Middleton, and her sister-in-law, Meghan Markle. She wore an A-line, forest green high-neck dress accented with gold buttons, a bow, and puffy sleeves. She paired the sophisticated outfit with an ivory handbag and matching pointed-toe pumps.
March 19, 2019
The Duchess visited the Foundling Museum in a super chic belted, collared wool dress, which she paired with black opaque stockings, black suede pumps, and a matching handbag.
February 13, 2019
Kate wowed in a Gucci tulle gown with multiple shades of pink, a maroon velvet belt, and off-the-shoulder detailing for a gala dinner to benefit the "Mentally Healthy Schools" initiative at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
April 1, 2018
On Easter Sunday, Middleton made her last public appearance before giving birth to her third child. The Duchess of Cambridge attended services at St. George's Chapel in a deep brown coat, a matching fascinator, and her go-to nude pumps.
February 18, 2018
Pregnant Kate walked the red carpet at the 2018 BAFTAs wearing a dark green empire-waist Jenny Packham gown and stunning emerald jewels.
January 23, 2018
Middleton paid a visit to the Roe Green Junior School to give a poignant speech on children's mental health. The royal looked elegant in a dusty blue Sportmax coat, Seraphine maternity dress, patterned scarf, and matching suede pumps.
November 28, 2017
Middleton's polka-dot belted dress by Kate Spade was both stylish and practical (read: maternity wear) She paired the bold frock with maroon pumps and a bouncy blowout.
November 24, 2017
The Duchess looked radiant in a sparkly sheer-illusion light blue gown for the Royal Variety Performance at the Palladium Theatre.
November 22, 2017
Middleton seemed to have been inspired by nautical wear in her swingy black coat with gold detailing. She paired her outerwear with black skinny jeans and matching boots.
November 22, 2017
The royal looked sporty at the Aston Villa Football Club in a black turtleneck, skinny jeans, and New Balance sneakers. She paired the monochrome look with a bright red puffer coat.
November 8, 2017
Middleton wore a maroon-colored sheath dress with black tights for the annual Place2Be School Leaders Forum.
November 7, 2017
The royal looked elegant in a floor-length black Diane von Furstenberg lace dress with a scalloped neckline, three-quarter length sleeves, and a low back at the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families Gala Dinner held at the Orangery at Kensington Palace.
October 31, 2017
The Duchess donned her best athletic wear to play tennis with kids. Middleton looked sporty chic in a black zip-up, black and white track pants, and Nike sneakers.
October 18, 2017
Middleton added a military-inspired touch to her look at a graduation ceremony for more than 150 Coach Core apprentices. The pregnant royal wore a blue double-breasted blazer, dark skinnies, and suede booties.
October 16, 2017
The expectant royal looked radiant in a pink dress with black detailing and matching block-heel pumps at the Charities Forum Event in London's Paddington Station.
October 10, 2017
Middleton wore a baby blue lace Temperley London dress with black buttons to attend a reception on World Mental Health Day. She paired it with black pumps and a coordinating clutch.
August 30, 2017
The Duchess chose an elegant green Prada tea-length dress with a high neck and long sleeves for a visit to Princess Diana's memorial garden with Princes William and Harry.
July 17, 2017
The Duchess of Cambridge started off her royal tour of Poland on a stylish foot in a white Alexander McQueen peplum ensemble and Gianvito Rossi suede nude heels. She added a pop of color with a red clutch and styled her new short 'do in bouncy curls.
June 20, 2017
The Duchess stepped out for the Royal Ascot in a white, all-lace Alexander McQueen dress with a high neckline, long sleeves, and a pleated skirt. She paired the gorgeous frock with a matching fascinator, pearl drop earrings, and her classic nude pointed-toe pumps.
May 11, 2017
Middleton looked like a real-life princess on a royal visit to Luxembourg in a baby blue coatdress by Emilia Wickstead that cinched at her waist and finished with an A-line skirt. She paired the coat with a nude clutch and matching pointed-toe pumps, accessorizing with drop earrings and her stunning engagement ring.
April 21, 2017
Middleton stunned in a ruffled Alice Temperley blouse and black pants for an appearance at BBC Radio 1, where she and husband Prince William filled in as radio DJs.
April 20, 2017
Kate Middleton stepped out for a Heads Together event with Princes Harry and William looking flawless in a poppy-hued Armani skirt suit. The fitted zip-up blazer featured flattering ruching along the bust and an elegant split round neck. She teamed it with a matching knee-length pencil skirt, a pair of timeless nude pumps, and a slim leather clutch — also nude.
April 5, 2017
The Duchess attended the Service of Hope to honor London attack victims in a black and gray patterned coat dress, and a stylish black fascinator perched atop an elegant chignon. Sheer black tights, black pumps, and a pair of pearl drop earrings finished her look.
April 4, 2017
The Duchess attended the opening night of 42nd Street in London wearing a crimson Marchesa Notte honeycomb dress that stole the show. Princess Kate accessorized with statement Kate Spade New York pompom tassel earrings, a sleek envelope clutch, and chic suede pumps—all crafted in the same scarlet hue as her frock.
March 28, 2017
The Duchess of Cambridge attended the 2017 Portrait Gala in London wearing an elegant green lace Temperley London gown. She paired the dress with Kiki McDonough drop earrings, a beaded Wilbur & Gussie envelope clutch, and metallic Jimmy Choo platform sandals.
March 23, 2017
Middleton arrived at the launch of Best Beginning's "Out of the Blue" film series wearing a Jackie Kennedy-esque Eponine London jacket and matching skirt, paired with beige suede pumps.
March 18, 2017
Middleton embraced Paris on her weekend visit, wearing a chic printed blue coatdress from Chanel, accented with a double-C belt and quilted handbag from the historic brand. She wore the stylish ensemble on a visit to Les Invalides and Musée d'Orsay.
March 17, 2017
While attending a dinner at the British Embassy in Paris, the Duchess wowed in a dazzling metallic Jenny Packham gown that featured delicate embellishments. She completed her look with a perfectly styled blowout, sparkling earrings and matching bracelet, silver pumps, and a glittering clutch.
March 17, 2017
Middleton stunned at a gala in Paris in a textured, mermaid-cut black Alexander McQueen gown, which she paired with a set of ankle strap pumps, a bow-adorned leather waist belt, a bold drop pearl necklace and a pair of oversized pearl studs.
March 17, 2017
The fashionable duchess paid sartorial homage to the Irish holiday in a dark green, double-breasted coat with chic black trim and gold buttons designed by Catherine Walker. Middleton accessorized her festive look with matching green pumps, a stylish fascinator secured atop her low chignon, and gold and green onyx Monica Vinader earrings.
February 28, 2017
Kate donned a figure-hugging Rebecca Taylor skirt suit to visit with children at the Ronald McDonald House Evelina London.
February 22, 2017
While visiting children and adolescents' mental health project MIST in South Wales, Kate brought back her burgundy Paule Ka skirt suit.
February 14, 2017
The Duchess of Cambridge joined the Royal Air Force cadets, dressing warmly for the occasion in a double-breasted red wool blazer, black turtleneck, black skinnies, and black knee-length boots.
February 6, 2017
To give a speech to children at London's Mitchell Brook Primary School, the Duchess recycled a favorite red Luisa Spagnoli suit.
January 24, 2017
Going bold in a green skirt suit from Hobbs, Kate Middleton made a touching visit to East Anglia's Children's Hospices. A Gerard Darel blouse with a sweet Peter Pan collar gave her look added flair, while black pumps anchored the ensemble in timelessness.
January 17, 2017
The Duchess stepped out in a floral-print Erdem dress as she prepared to deliver a speech for Heads Together, an organization she, Prince William, and Prince Harry stand behind in their effort to promote mental health awareness.
January 11, 2017
Kate donned a vibrant double wool crepe coat by British brand Eponine London and navy pointed-toe pumps for a visit to the Anna Freud Centre in London.
December 19, 2016
She took to The Mix Christmas Party in London in a festive frock from Vanessa Seward, with a gorgeous floral print, offset by a timeless black, waist-cinching belt and black pumps.
December 8, 2016
Middleton wowed in a sparkling floor-length custom Jenny Packham gown (that she has worn once before) and the dazzling Cambridge Lovers Knot Tiara at Buckingham Palace's annual Diplomatic Reception.
November 22, 2016
Middleton stepped out at the Natural History Museum in a black and blue printed L.K. Bennett dress and pointed-toe pumps. She paired the floral frock with her signature wavy blowout and drop earrings.
November 4, 2016
During an autumnal outing, she looked perfectly polished in a black turtleneck top, a button-bearing tweed skirt, and a pale blue Mulberry coat. Middleton paired her look with an autumn-ready set of black pumps and matching tights, her rich brunette locks billowing in loose waves at her shoulders.
November 3, 2016
The Duchess of Cambridge hit the red carpet at the premiere of A Street Cat Named Bob in London, and she stunned in a white Self-Portrait gown that featured a floral crochet bodice and pleated high-slit skirt. She accessorized with a red clutch, black suede pumps, and a remembrance poppy pin.
Oct. 11, 2016
The Duchess looked pretty in periwinkle in a belted coat and pencil skirt by Catherine Walker & Co. while on a solo trip abroad to the Netherlands.
Oct. 10, 2016
Middleton paired a Kate Spade floral dress with nude pumps and a matching box clutch to celebrate World Mental Health Day in London.
Oct. 1, 2016
The stylish duchess departed Victoria, Canada, in a polished ivory coat and nude pumps and waved goodbye with little Charlotte on her arm.
Sept. 29, 2016
For an afternoon outing with Prince George and Princess Charlotte in Victoria, Canada, the Duchess wore a cream pointelle-knit See by Chloé dress with a demure collar and long sleeves and beige Monsoon wedges.
Sept. 28, 2016
Middleton wore a cozy gray Sentaler alpaca wrap coat with the Canadian brand's signature ribbed sleeves, a pair of dark skinny jeans, and brown leather cowboy boots for a visit to the town of Carcross in Yukon, Canada.
Sept. 28, 2016
The Duchess looked radiant in a red CH Carolina Herrera double-breasted coat and dark pumps for a visit to the MacBride Museum in Canada's Yukon territory.
Sept. 27, 2016
Middleton stunned in a tailored emerald green Hobbs coat after landing in chilly Yukon.
Sept. 26, 2016
For the occasion, the mom of two opted for a red Preen by Thornton Bregazzi gown that showed off her toned arms accessorized with a diamond-encrusted maple leaf brooch. She wore red pointed-toe pumps and carried a clutch in a matching shade.
Sept. 25, 2016
The Duchess brought out her signature royal flair in a stylish piece that paid homage to Canada's flag: a red and white dress by Alexander McQueen, a crimson clutch, and a vibrant pair of red pointed-toe pumps.
Sept. 24, 2016
Middleton was the picture of elegance on the first day of her Canadian tour in a collared blue sheath dress and matching hat. The royal accessorized with a leaf brooch and nude pumps that elongated her frame.
Sept. 16, 2016
The Duchess stepped out in a blue polka-dot dress and nude pumps for a trip to the Stewards Academy with Prince William.
Sept. 2, 2016
The Duchess of Cambridge went casual on her second day in Cornwall, donning printed Gap trousers, a pair of nude L.K. Bennett wedges, a fitted navy Smythe blazer, and a white crewneck top for a visit to the Eden Project.
Sept. 1, 2016
Kate Middleton was pretty in pink for a royal visit to Cornwall, where she and Prince William took the day for a series of engagements at local youth organizations in the coastal county. Middleton looked radiant in a pale pink fit-and-flare dress by Lela Rose and a summery pair of Monsoon espadrille wedges, wearing her hair in loose, effortless waves and keeping her makeup on the natural side.
August 25, 2016
Middleton visited a helpline center run by the U.K.'s YoungMinds charity and stood out in a red L.K. Bennett dress that featured short sleeves and a flattering A-line skirt. She accessorized with neutral pieces, including her heels and clutch.
August 24, 2016
She took one of her favorites—her blue floral-print L.K. Bennett LWD—out for a spin during a visit to the national youth charity Youthscape and smartly styled the dress with pared-back neutral accessories.
July 10, 2016
Middleton raised the stakes on courtside style as she took in the Wimbledon final from the Royal Box wearing Alexander McQueen. The talisman printed number is adorned with butterflies, hummingbirds, lips, and lipsticks, as well as the signature McQueen skull. She completed her ladylike look with her LK Bennett Natalie box clutch and delicate gold charm earrings.
July 7, 2016
The Duchess made a statement at Wimbledon in a recycled yellow Roksanda dress accessorized with nude pointed-toe pumps. Middleton made her first Snapchat appearance after the match, taking a selfie with match winner Serena Williams in a funny video.
July 6, 2016
For a dinner at the Natural History Museum in London, Kate wowed in a white off-the-shoulder Barbara Casasola dress and ankle-strap sandals.
June 30, 2016
The Duchess of Cambridge traveled to Albert, France, to attend the Somme Centenary commemorations at the Thiepval Memorial, opting for a black, white, and gray Missoni coat in the label's signature zigzag print. She completed her ensemble with black accessories, including a chic bow-adorned fascinator, sleek clutch, and suede pumps.
June 22, 2016
The Duchess attended a charity gala in a sparkling Jenny Packham gown, which featured fluttery chiffon sleeves and beautiful silver beading throughout. She styled her hair in a chic low bun, and added delicate jewelry, nude pumps, and a sleek clutch to complete her winning look.
June 15, 2016
At England's Royal Ascot, Middleton wore a cream long-sleeve lace Dolce and Gabbana midi-length dress and an off-white Jane Taylor fascinator adorned with a large flower. Another notable accessory, which stood out from her monochromatic ensemble: a purple name tag that Kate wore on her chest.
June 14, 2016
Kate Middleton kicked off the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland's annual Garden Party at Hillsborough Castle by planting a tree while wearing a cream brocade Day Birger et Mikkelsen coat dress. The Duchess accessorized her impromptu gardening outfit with a gold clover brooch, a wedding gift from the Irish Guards. She topped off her look with a coordinating rose-shaped fascinator.
June 10, 2016
The It royal was a vision in light blue and cream for a special service celebrating Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday with the British royal family at St. Paul's. She wore a light blue Catherine Walker cream-embroidered coat dress and a Jane Taylor hat accented by a cream fascinator studded with corsages.
June 9, 2016
Middleton embraced the season's cutout trend, wearing a blue shoulder cutout gown by Roland Mouret to SportsAid's 40th-anniversary dinner at Kensington Palace.
May 24, 2016
For the garden party at Buckingham Palace, the Duchess of Cambridge wowed in a cream Alexander McQueen skirt suit that she previously donned for Prince George's christening back in 2013, and it looked just as good the second time around.
May 23, 2016
Kate Middleton wowed at the Chelsea Flower Show in an emerald green dress with a matching wide belt at the waist. She accessorized her ensemble with nude leather heels and her signature delicate jewelry.
May 21, 2016
The 34-year-old beauty embraced casual Friday by pulling her brunette locks back in a low messy bun and stepping out in a black cable-knit sweater, black jeans, and black Adidas sneakers with teal shoelaces.
May 20, 2016
The Duchess stepped out in Portsmouth, England, to open the 1851 Trust visitor center in a chic nautical look before changing into something more casual to set sail. Middleton hopped aboard the Land Rover BAR T1 boat for a training session on the Solent River in a black jacket and matching pants, life vest, and sneakers.
May 20, 2016
The Duchess of Cambridge wore a nautical Alexander McQueen outfit for a charity event by the coast. She paired the classic look with a quilted clutch and blue pumps.
May 16, 2016
To launch the Heads Together Campaign in London with Prince William and Prince Harry, the Duchess wore a cream blouse, a patterned Banana Republic skirt, and navy heels. She even put on boxing gloves to promote the benefits of physical activity for mental health.
May 4, 2016
The beauty nailed it in a gray-blue dress, nude pumps, and a matching clutch while celebrating the opening of Magic Gardens in Hampton Court.
April 22, 2016
The Duchess opted for L.K. Bennett's jewel-toned silk cocktail dress, which she paired with coordinating navy pumps while hosting President and First Lady Obama at Kensington Palace.
April 15, 2016
Kate opted for a fiery red Beulah London gown for a cocktail reception in Bhutan, pairing the look with black strappy heels and loose waves.
April 15, 2016
For a three-hour hike of the Himalayas, Middleton wore knee-high tassel detail boots with khaki jeans and a brown leather vest over a white collared shirt. She topped off the equestrian-inspired look with Ray-Ban Wayfarers.
April 14, 2016
For dinner with the King and Queen of Bhutan, Middleton opted for a colorful embroidered gown which she paired with black strappy shoes, a red shawl, loose curls, and gold earrings.
April 14, 2016
Not long after stepping off the airplane, Middleton changed into a floor-length kira (a patterned wrap skirt) and a Bhutanese-inspired blouse and embroidered cape by Paul & Joe).
April 14, 2016
Middleton arrived in Bhutan wearing a long-sleeve, pale yellow coat dress by Emilia Wickstead, cinched at the waist by a matching belt and accessorized with a pair of nude pumps and gold drop earrings.
April 13, 2016
For a safari in Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India, the Duchess combined simple but chic khaki Zara jeans, a polka-dot blouse, and boat shoes.
April 12, 2016
Middleton capped off her trip to India with a gorgeous green and blue printed Anna Fui gown while attending a Bihu Festival Celebration in Kaziranga.
April 12, 2016
For a meeting with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, the Duchess wore a jade lace Temperley London dress accessorized with nude pointed-toe heels and a corresponding clutch.
April 12, 2016
The Duchess wowed in a printed red maxi dress during her trip to India, topping off her look with an atypical choice of footwear — chic criss-cross nude ballet flats.
April 11, 2016
The Duchess stunned in black and white Temperley London when she attended a party celebrating Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday in India.
April 11, 2016
During her India tour, the Duchess opted for a white-hot Emilia Wickstead dress, which she wore during a visit to the India Gate memorial in New Delhi.
April 10, 2016
For a charity gala in India, the Duchess wowed in a royal blue Jenny Packham gown and styled her hair in a chic chignon.
April 10, 2016
During their time in India, Middleton wore a pretty printed dress and wedges to meet with local children and try her hand at cricket.
April 6, 2016
The Duchess of Cambridge stuns in a blue dress by Indian designer Saloni for a reception before her milestone trip to India and Bhutan with Prince William.
March 18, 2016
The Duchess of Cambridge looked flawless in a familiar slate blue tweed M Missoni coat to open a charity consignment shop in Norfolk, England, for one of her favorite causes: EACH (East Anglia's Children's Hospices). She paired the piece with navy pointed-toe pumps.
March 11, 2016
For a visit to the XLP project in London, the Duchess donned a tweed checked skirt and top by small British label Epinone. She finished off her outfit with her trusty black suede heels and a matching clutch.
February 24, 2016
The Duchess braved the Edinburgh cold in a glamorous green ensemble for her first solo engagement to Scotland.