Kate Middleton's 10 Most Iconic Looks, Ranked
Extremely elegant and refined, the Princess of Wales continues to influence the world with her impeccable style. On January 9, 2025, she turns 43, celebrating a birthday after a particularly difficult year: Kate Middleton's most beautiful looks, in order.
Kate Middleton's evolution from a "commoner" to a member of the Royal Family has defined a generation, and it's accompanied by a stylistic transformation that has earned her the unofficial title of fashion icon. The Princess of Wales, who was born on January 9, 1982 in Reading, Berkshire, met Prince William at university in St. Andrews, Scotland. They married in 2011, setting a new era into place while keeping a lens closely focused on, as with any princess, her fashions.
Middleton's style, praised for its ability to combine elegance and modernity, has made her very popular. During the years of her engagement to Prince William, she used to create looks with more accessible brand pieces, which reflects her deep attention to royal protocol without sacrificing a personal touch. Fashion, after all, is a powerful tool for communication, and Middleton knows this.
Through sophisticated clothes and curated accessories, Kate not only celebrates the traditions of the English monarchy, but she also conveys messages of cultural sensitivity and diplomacy. Keep scrolling to see ten of her most iconic looks. These have defined her public image, helping to consolidate her status as a point of reference in the world of style.
Kate Middleton Fashion: The Princess of Wales' Best Looks, Ranked
10. Mulberry Cherry Coat (2014)
Throughout 2014 and 2015, Kate Middleton wore a double-breasted Mulberry coat in cerise pink on several official occasions, embracing the trend of colorful coats that winter. On December 9, 2014, during a visit to the National September 11 Memorial Museum in New York, she paired the coat with black suede pumps and a black suede clutch. Later, on March 27, 2015, she wore the same coat to a visit to the Stephen Lawrence Centre in London, completing the outfit with black pumps and a matching bag.
9. Alexander McQueen White Lace Diamond Jubilee Dress (2012)
In 2012, for Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, Kate Middleton chose to wear an elegant lace dress by Alexander McQueen during the royal mass at St. Paul's Cathedral. The dress, characterized by its delicate, pale-hued floral lace, enhanced her figure with a sophisticated and modern design, the look completed with a hat by Jane Taylor.
8. Not just dresses, Alexander McQueen's pink suit (2023)
In May 2023, Kate Middleton wore a pastel pink Alexander McQueen suit during a visit to the Foundling Museum and the Kinship charity in London. She paired the ensemble, which consisted of a jacket and matching trousers, with white Gianvito Rossi pumps and Maria Black earrings. Her pearl belt by British accessory brand Camilla Elphick added a playful touch to the ensemble.
7. Jenny Packham's blush pink dress (2015)
For a gala dinner in aid of East Anglia's Children's Hospices, held in 2015, Kate Middleton decided to show off a blush pink Jenny Packham dress, which she had also worn to an ARK gala dinner in 2011. The British designer, known for her bridal designs and ready-to-wear, is one of the Princess of Wales' go-to labels when it comes to gowns.
6. Yellow Silk Dress by Roksanda Ilincic for the award ceremony at the WImbledon tournament (2022)
In 2014, Kate Middleton enchanted the public with her bright fashions, courtesy of a yellow silk dress by Roksanda Ilincic, worn during an official visit to Australia. This dress, characterized by an elegant and refined silhouette, immediately inspired conversation about the frock's bright color and impeccable design. The Princess of Wales has since shown off the look on several occasions, such as during the Wimbledon awards ceremony in 2022.
5. Elie Saab Powder Blue Dress (2022)
Kate Middleton enchanted with her femininity at the Buckingham Palace Garden Party during the coronation days of her father-in-law Charles III, wearing an elegant custom-made dress by Elie Saab. After having captured attention with dresses designed by Jenny Packham and Alexander McQueen at Westminster Abbey, the Princess of Wales continued to shine with her powder blue dress, that she re-wore after sporting the same garb at the Royal Ascot in 2019.
4. Black Lace Dress by Diane von Fürstenberg (2014)
For the Royal Variety Performance at London’s Palladium Theatre in 2014, Kate Middleton chose to sport a black lace gown by Diane von Furstenberg. The elegant, form-fitting gown showcased the Princess’ ability to incorporate international designers while maintaining an aesthetic befitting of royal engagements.
3. Jenny Pakham's gold cape dress for the red carpet of No Time to Die (2021)
At the London premiere of No Time to Die in 2021, Kate Middleton stunned in a bold Jenny Packham creation, featuring a dramatic cape and gold sequin detailing. It was inspired by a Bruce Oldfield design worn by Princess Diana in 1985, and the look accentuated her figure and made her literally shine on the red carpet.
2. Her Red Midi Dress by Preen (2016)
During a reconciliation ceremony with Canadian First Nations groups in 2016, Kate Middleton wore a red Preen by Thornton Bregazzi dress. The midi dress in stretch crepe featured an asymmetrical neckline and a pleated skirt, combining elegance and modernity. To pay homage to Canada, she pinned a maple leaf brooch to the dress, a jewel given to the Queen Mother during her visit to Canada in 1939.
1. Alexander McQueen Wedding Dress (2011)
One of Kate Middleton's fashion moments for the books came on her wedding day. On April 29, 2011, Middleton married Prince William wearing a wedding dress designed for her by Sarah Burton, then-creative director of Alexander McQueen. The ivory satin gown featured a bodice with long lace sleeves and a full skirt with box pleats, culminating in a 9-foot train. The lace, made by the Royal School of Needlework, included floral motifs representing the four nations of the United Kingdom via roses, thistles, daffodil and shamrock. Her veil, secured with a Cartier Halo tiara lent by Queen Elizabeth II, completed the wedding ensemble, one of the most bridal looks famous of all time.
