A perfect 10
WITH THE RELEASE OF A BOOK CELEBRATING THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE’S STYLE ICON STATUS, KATIE WRIGHT LOOKS AT 10 OF THE ROYAL’S MOST NOTABLE OUTFITS OF THE PAST DECADE
THIS April, William and Kate will celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary, marking the occasion when Catherine Middleton became the Duchess of Cambridge and began her reign as royal fashion queen.
Now a mum of three, Kate’s style has changed considerably over the years, as documented by fashion writer Bethan Holt in her new book The Duchess Of Cambridge: A Decade Of Modern Royal Style.
Here’s a look back at 10 key looks from the past decade, and how Kate’s personal style has evolved...
2011: BRIDAL BLISS
“Kate’s wedding dress was such a clever blend of the personal and historical,” says Bethan, of the gown designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.
“Those long lace sleeves felt very classic and demure, perhaps a nod to Grace Kelly, but then the subtle bustle detail elevated it into something more grand and stately, befitting a future queen.”
2012: PRETTY IN PINK 2014: BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL
2011
The Duchess chose an Emilia Wickstead dress and Jane Corbett hat for a royal garden party.
“This was such a pretty look for Kate’s first Buckingham Palace garden party,” Bethan says.
2013: SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
“When Kate chose a Topshop maternity dress, it was a very relatable moment for women around the world,” says Bethan. “Thousands chose to buy into her look, creating a huge uplift in sales for the high street retailer.”
Kate donned a bright yellow Roksanda frock for a visit to the Sydney Opera House during the official tour of New Zealand and Australia. Bethan says: “Australia’s national colour, yellow, is perhaps not the easiest to wear.
“She could have incorporated it in an understated way, but I love that she just went for it here.” 2012
2015: FULL BLOOM
2013
“With its over-blown floral print and full skirt, this gown proved to be a divisive look,” Bethan says of the colourful Erdem gown seen at the 100 Women in Hedge Funds Gala Dinner. “Some people loved how different it was to anything Kate had worn before, others found it too fussy.”
2016: FEELING BLUE
“There was so much pressure on Kate and William when they visited the Taj Mahal, as it had been the site of one of Princess Diana’s most symbolic photo 2014 2018
2017: LADY IN RED
2015 2019 opportunities,” Bethan says. While Diana wore a bright pink jacket, Kate chose “a calmer, more peaceful shade of blue in the form of an embroidered shift dress by Indian designer Naeem Khan. It was a great tribute to local talent and helped the Duchess to make the moment her own”.
“It’s no surprise that Kate was compared to the dancing lady emoji when she wore this dress on tour to Germany,” says Bethan.
“This was a complete departure from her usual sleek silhouettes and the off-shoulder cut was quite daring, but it was still by one of her most trusted labels, Alexander McQueen.”
2018: TOP COAT
Catherine Walker, the brand that designed this coat, has been popular with royals for years. Bethan says: “The red and white houndstooth print is eye-catching and classic, but I think there was a diplomatic message to it too as the following day, Kate and William arrived in Norway, which has a red, white and blue flag.”
2019: MODERN MOMENT
“This was a major fashion moment for Kate – she looked so polished, modern and elegant wearing a Gucci pussy-bow blouse, which was at once classic and of-the-moment,” says Bethan.
2020: GOING GREEN
“Kate’s Ireland tour was a masterclass in making diplomatic dressing exciting,” says Bethan. “She kicked things off with this dress by Alessandra Rich – one of her new favourite discoveries – in a shade of green which I think could be labelled challenging. But it was a powerful gesture to a shade synonymous with Ireland, whilst still feeling fun and
ladylike.”