Kate Middleton is renowned for her thoughtful approach to fashion, often re-wearing her favorite clothes and shoes with effortless elegance.
At the 2019 Portrait Gala, the Duchess of Cambridge exemplified her commitment to sustainability, showcasing her flair for recycling outfits. For more examples of her recycled wardrobe moments, visit this collection of Kate Middleton’s most iconic re-worn looks.
Kate Middleton’s Alexander McQueen Gown: A Masterclass in Outfit Recycling
The beloved British Royal not only repeated her Alexander McQueen Resort 2016 gown but also reworked it into a new, almost entirely different dress.
Kate Middleton re-wearing the Alexander McQueen Resort 2016 black floral gown she previously wore to the 2017 EE British Academy Film Awards
From Off-Shoulder to Square-Neck: How Kate Updated Her McQueen Dress
While the black floral gown was previously off-shoulder, it was now square-necked and cap-sleeved. If you think about it, it’s not much of a change, but Kate’s choice to wear her hair down in loose waves really made all the difference.
Kate Middleton in her recycled Alexander McQueen dress that she changed up with cap sleeves and a loose waves hairstyle
Even if Kate accessorized with a similar black satin clutch and black Jimmy Choo pumps, she gave off a totally different and more relaxed romantic vibe.
Kate Middleton’s enduring relationship with Jimmy Choo footwear has solidified her status as a modern fashion icon. From the glittering ‘Vamp’ sandals that have graced numerous royal engagements to the versatile ‘Romy’ pumps that seamlessly transition from day to night, the Duchess consistently showcases the brand’s elegance and versatility.
Kate Middleton or Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, arrives at The Portrait Gala 2019 held at the National Portrait Gallery in London, England, on March 12, 2019 (Credit: Daniel Deme / Lia Toby / WENN)
Reliving Kate Middleton’s Glamorous 2017 BAFTA Red Carpet Look
The Duchess of Cambridge debuted her elegant Alexander McQueen gown at the 2017 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards, showcasing her signature blend of timeless sophistication and royal glamour.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge attend the 2017 EE British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards at the Royal Albert Hall, London, England, on February 12, 2017
She styled the gown with an elegant chignon and opulent diamond drop earrings to match her husband Prince William’s dapper look.
Kate Middleton wearing opulent pear-shaped diamond drop earrings
Jimmy Choo vs. Prada: A Royal Shoe Showdown
As much as we admire Kate’s eco-friendly, fashion recycling principles, we do, however, prefer the first pair of shoes she wore with the Alexander McQueen dress.
Kate Middleton taking a step in her Prada cutout suede pumps
The Prada wavy-cut pumps featuring cutouts along the toes make them much more interesting than the Jimmy Choos.
Prada Wavy-Cut Suede Pumps
Kate Middleton’s affinity for Prada footwear is evident in her sophisticated style choices. Notably, during a visit to Berlin’s Clärchens Ballhaus, the Duchess opted for nude suede scalloped Prada sandals, adding a modern twist to her attire.
Vote for Your Favorite Kate Middleton Look: 2017 vs. 2019
Which do you prefer, Kate’s wearing of the dress in 2017 or 2019?
Kate Middleton stuns in her recycled Alexander McQueen black floral gown, transformed from an off-shoulder design in 2017 to a square-necked style in 2019
Kate Middleton’s Commitment to Sustainable Fashion: Lessons in Timeless Style
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, is the epitome of sustainable fashion, skillfully re-wearing and reinventing pieces from her wardrobe with timeless elegance.
During her 2016 visit to Luton, she donned a chic blue-and-white LK Bennett dress paired with her trusty nude pumps from the same designer—an ensemble she’d previously worn on other occasions, demonstrating her knack for combining sustainability with sophistication.
In another display of her sustainable style, Kate attended the 2023 BAFTAs in a reworked white Alexander McQueen gown, first worn to the same event in 2019. She updated the look by replacing the floral detailing on the shoulder with an elegant draped cape, showcasing her ability to refresh past outfits for new occasions.