Kate Middleton’s Statement Year in Fashion So Far—From Pearls to Polka Dots

Since joining the royal family in 2011, Kate Middleton’s style has become closely followed with each public engagement the duchess attends presenting an opportunity to inspire women around the world with what she wears.

Though, like Princess Diana before her, Kate does not wish for too much emphasis to be placed on her clothes—which is evident through her re-wearing pieces on multiple occasions as well eschewing high fashion couture houses for smaller British-based designers—interest in how she looks is an inescapable part of the royal job.

Recently, the duchess has undergone a style transformation, now fully embracing a strong vintage silhouette closely allied to the designs worn by Queen Elizabeth II in the 1950s and Princess Diana in the 1990s, often with heritage pearl and diamond jewelry. This transformation has led Kate’s 2022 wardrobe to become one of her most celebrated yet.

After British high society bible flavors magazine named Kate Middleton the best dressed woman of the year, Newsweek takes a look at some of her most show-stopping looks so far.

Copenhagen, February 22, 2022

Kate has often been praised for mixing high and low fashion pieces to create accessible outfits. During a visit to solo visit to Copenhagen furthering her work with early years child development, Kate wore a red tweed blazer from mid-range label Zara with a pair of tailored black longline pants.

Commonwealth Day Service, March 14, 2022

For the traditional Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey Kate opted for a conservative royal outfit designed by one of Princess Diana’s favorite fashion houses, Catherine Walker & Co. The coat dress has become a staple of Kate’s modern wardrobe with many different examples being women in a variety of colorways and textiles.

Belize Reception, March 21, 2022

A new favorite designer of Kate’s is the indie brand The Vampire’s Wife. Known for their dramatic line of evening wear in shimmer metallic textiles, Kate chose a long pink evening gown with flutter sleeves during the first reception on her contentious Caribbean tour in March.

Jamaica Reception, March 23, 2022

On the second leg of the Camrbidges’ Caribbean tour, the duchess wore an evening gown with the fit-and-flare silhouette reminiscent of ball dresses favored by Queen Elizabeth II in the 1950s. The emerald green tulle and crystal-embellished gown by Jenny Packham was enhanced by heritage earrings loaned to Kate by the queen herself.

Bahamas Reception, March 25, 2022

For the last evening reception of the Caribbean tour, Kate wore an ice-blue silk evening gown with slip-shoulders designed by London based dressmaker Phillipa Lepley. The dress’ sense of romantic drama was softened by Kate’s styling which saw her wear her hair down straight and paired with classic, toned-down jewelry.

Prince Philip Memorial Service, March 29, 2022

The service of thanksgiving for the life of Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey saw Kate eschew the safe choice of a coat dress which she had worn to his funeral a year earlier, and instead opt for a modern take on a vintage classic day dress. With a monochrome polka-dot dress by Alessandra Rich, the duchess paired a large statement hat by Lock & Co. and pearl earrings that had once belonged to Princess Diana.

Engagement with Princess Anne, April 27, 2022

For a visit to maternal healthcare organizations alongside the queen’s only daughter, Princess Anne, Kate wore a beige dress by the design house patronized by both herself and sister-in-law Meghan Markle; Self-Portrait. The dress featured a touching hidden tribute, something Kate is increasingly fond of including in her outfits, with the lace panel on the bodice of the dress resembling a pineapple which is a symbol adopted by women experiencing fertility issues.

Platinum Jubilee Service, June 3, 2022

For one of the principal events in the celebratory weekend of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, the national service of thanksgiving, Kate wore an elegant primrose coat dress ensemble with wrap around bodice detailing by designer Emilia Wickstead.

Platinum Jubilee Pageant, June 5, 2022

At the closing of the central weekend of jubilee events, Kate wore a raspberry pink day dress designed by Stella McCartney which featured asymmetric pleated detailing and bishops style sleeves. The ensemble ensured the duchess stood out on the balcony of Buckingham Palace where she joined the queen and other family members to greet the crowds gathered along The Mall.

Early Years Meeting, June 16, 2022

Among the strongest looks that Kate has debuted this year are two statement pant suits, both identical except that one is white and the other pink. Kate wore her pink Alexander McQueen pant suit to a meeting with politicians where she unveiled the latest research commissioned by the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.

Royal Ascot, June 17, 2022

Royal Ascot is another traditional royal event where the center of royal focus is on what the female members of the family choose to wear. This year the interest was heightened as, owing to the queen not attending any of the racing during the festival, Prince William and Kate stepped in to lead the royal procession on one day of the festival. For the occasion, Kate chose a white and chocolate brown polka dot asymmetric dress by Alessandra Rich and a picture hat by milliner Sally-Ann Provan.

Wimbledon, July 9, 2022

As royal patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) Kate attends the Wimbledon Tennis Championship each year occasionally joined by members of her family and sporting stars. On the day of the women’s finals match, Kate re-wore an outfit first seen during the Caribbean tour in March, a canary yellow wool crepe dress by Roksanda. The duchess stood out against the green court to make a sunny impact on the days proceedings highlighted when she presented the prize to the winning champion.