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<\/p>\n Read in app<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n This story is available exclusively to Business Insider When Kate Middleton first met Prince William<\/a>, she was a college student enjoying everything that university life had to offer.<\/p>\n Over 20 years later, Kate is not only William’s wife<\/a> and the mother of their three children but also the Princess of Wales<\/a>, one of the most senior members of the royal family.<\/p>\n Kate’s style has changed with her position in the monarchy, going from simple streetwear to cohesive and elegant.<\/p>\n Take a look back at Kate’s style evolution.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton dressed like a typical college student when she entered the public eye.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton at her graduation from the University of St Andrews in 2005.<\/p>\n Anwar Hussein Collection\/ROTA\/WireImage<\/p>\n Kate was on the public radar while she was in college at the University of St Andrews<\/a>, as she and Prince William first became romantically involved when they were students there in 2002.<\/p>\n When she was spotted in public at the time, Kate dressed like an average college student, wearing casual looks like jeans or relaxed dresses.<\/p>\n For instance, at her college graduation in 2005, Kate wore a simple white blouse and black miniskirt with sheer, black tights and black heels. She carried a brown Longchamp bag, making the look feel casual.<\/p>\n Kate’s style was more relaxed and daring before she became a royal.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton and Pippa Middleton on a night out in February 2007.<\/p>\n Niki Nikolova\/FilmMagic\/Getty Images<\/p>\n As she and William figured out their adult relationship, Kate lived a fairly normal life for a woman in her early 20s, wearing casual looks and slightly elevated outfits for nights out.<\/p>\n When she was out on the town in London in February 2017 with her sister Pippa Middleton<\/a>, Kate wore a floral-patterned halter dress that hit her mid-calf and had a slightly open back.<\/p>\n The dress had a low neckline, which Kate emphasized with a beaded necklace. She carried a chunky black bag that didn’t exactly match the look.<\/p>\n Kate looked every bit the royal when she and William announced their engagement in 2010.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton and Prince William announcing their engagement in 2010.<\/p>\n Chris Jackson\/Getty Images<\/p>\n As Kate prepared to become a member of the royal family<\/a>, her style became more professional and traditional.<\/p>\n For Kate and William’s engagement announcement, she wore an Issa dress with long sleeves, a V-neckline, and a knee-length skirt that flared slightly. It cinched at her waist with ruched fabric. Black, close-toed heels completed the look.<\/p>\n The dress also matched her sapphire engagement ring<\/a>, which Princess Diana previously wore.<\/p>\n Kate mixed shades of brown at her first royal engagement in February 2011.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton and Prince William at a royal engagement in February 2011.<\/p>\n REUTERS\/Phil Noble<\/p>\n Kate’s first royal engagement as a future member of the royal family was a naming ceremony at the Trearddur Bay Lifeboat Station in Wales. <\/p>\n She arrived in a taupe Katherine Hooker coat, which she paired with brown accessories, including tights, ankle boots, gloves, and a clutch.<\/p>\n The ensemble already felt more cohesive than her pre-engagement looks, as all her accessories matched.<\/p>\n A feathered fascinator designed by Vivien Sheriff added a royal touch to the outfit, though it was a bit flashier than the headpieces she wore later in her royal career.<\/p>\n Kate’s 2011 wedding dress is arguably her most iconic look of all time.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton arriving at her April 2011 wedding in a statement gown.<\/p>\n Antony Jones\/Julian Parker\/Mark Cuthbert\/UK Press via Getty Images<\/p>\n Kate married Prince William on April 29, 2011, in a custom dress from Alexander McQueen<\/a>, designed by Sarah Burton.<\/p>\n The form-fitting bodice had a sweetheart neckline and long sleeves, overlaid with intricate, floral lace in a pattern that honored the United Kingdom<\/a>.<\/p>\n Its full skirt formed a dramatic train that was nearly nine feet long. Kate also wore a tiara and a veil to the nuptials, looking every bit the princess.<\/p>\n The dress became iconic immediately, as brides around the world tried to emulate the look on their own wedding days.<\/p>\n She changed into a simpler dress for her reception.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton changed into a different dress for her wedding reception in 2011.<\/p>\n John Stillwell\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Sarah Burton also designed Kate’s Alexander McQueen reception dress.<\/p>\n The gown had a similar silhouette to her ceremony dress, with its strapless, sweetheart neckline and full skirt. However, the satin dress didn’t feature any lace, creating a cleaner look, and it didn’t have a train either.<\/p>\n A fuzzy shrug with quarter-length sleeves and a sparkly belt brought some glamour to the look.<\/p>\n Kate wore another Alexander McQueen dress to the 2011 BAFTAs.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton wore a lilac gown to the BAFTA Brits to Watch event in 2011.<\/p>\n Kevork Djansezian\/Getty Images<\/p>\n As she settled into her role as a royal, Kate seemed to have no problem elevating her wardrobe. Her glamorous dress for the BAFTAs was made of a pale-purple chiffon fabric, and a sparkly white belt cinched her waist.<\/p>\n Details like a boat neckline, short sleeves, and a subtle ruffle on the hem added a romantic feel to the gown.<\/p>\n She paid homage to Princess Diana during a royal tour of Malaysia in September 2012.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton on a royal tour of Malaysia in September 2012.<\/p>\n REUTERS\/Samsul Said<\/p>\n Since she married Prince William, Kate has occasionally nodded to Princess Diana<\/a> with her fashion, highlighting their shared role in the royal family.<\/p>\n For instance, in 2012, Kate and William went on a royal tour of Southeast Asia as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. At a stop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Kate wore a pale-blue dress from Beulah London and a coordinating headscarf.<\/p>\n Princess Diana wore a similar headscarf in 1996 during a visit to Pakistan, and her ensemble also featured button detailing.<\/p>\n She honored Diana again after Prince George was born in July 2013.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton and Prince William posed for photos at St Mary’s Hospital after she gave birth to Prince George in 2013.<\/p>\n Ruaridh Connellan \/ Barcroft via Getty Images<\/p>\n After William was born on June 21, 1982, Diana and then-Prince Charles posed outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital in London with their newborn son.<\/p>\n Kate and William did the same after Prince George<\/a> was born on July 22, 2013, and they went on to do the same after the births of Princess Charlotte<\/a> and Prince Louis. Like her mother-in-law, Kate wore a polka-dot dress for her first photo call as a mother.<\/p>\n Jenny Packham designed the blue-and-white dress, which had a shift silhouette and short sleeves.<\/p>\n Kate sometimes coordinates her looks with her kids’ outfits, as she did during a 2016 royal tour.<\/p>\n Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte arriving in Canada in September 2016.<\/p>\n Getty Images\/Chris Jackson<\/p>\n Jenny Packham designed the structured, knee-length dress Kate wore when she and her family arrived in Canada in September 2016.<\/p>\n The blue dress had quarter-length sleeves, puffy shoulders, and a folded collar. Her matching hat from Sylvia Fletcher for Lock & Co. featured maple leaves, as did her diamond brooch, nodding to the Canadian flag.<\/p>\n Prince George and Princess Charlotte also wore blue ensembles, so Kate had a sweet matching moment with her family.<\/p>\n On the same trip, Kate put a subtle, modern spin on a classic silhouette.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton at a reception in Canada in September 2016.<\/p>\n Samir Hussein\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Preen designed Kate’s tea-length dress, which had a slightly flared, pleated skirt and was cinched at her waist.<\/p>\n The square neckline was subtly asymmetrical, making the dress feel modern. Kate completed her look with red, pointed-toe shoes, a red purse, and the same diamond brooch.<\/p>\n Kate’s floral dress for the 2017 BAFTAs had a daring neckline for a royal.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton and Prince William at the BAFTAs in 2017.<\/p>\n Karwai Tang\/WireImage\/Getty Images<\/p>\n The black, floral Alexander McQueen gown had an off-the-shoulder, scooped neckline.<\/p>\n It cinched at Kate’s waist and flowed into a dropped-waist, tiered skirt. She later rewore the dress<\/a> in 2019, adding sleeves to make the look feel new.<\/p>\n Kate’s coatdress for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s May 2018 wedding embodied her style.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in May 2018.<\/p>\n WPA Pool\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Coatdresses are a staple of Kate’s royal wardrobe, so it wasn’t surprising that she wore one to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding<\/a> at Windsor Castle.<\/p>\n Alexander McQueen designed the white dress, which Kate first wore to Princess Charlotte’s christening<\/a> in 2015. She paired the dress with a large, floral hat designed by Philip Treacy.<\/p>\n The simple silhouette and recycled nature of the garment are hallmarks of Kate’s style.<\/p>\n In March 2019, Kate experimented with trousers.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton arriving at the Henry Fawcett Children’s Centre in March 2019.<\/p>\n Neil Mockford\/GC Image\/Getty Images<\/p>\n When she visited the Henry Fawcett Children’s Centre in London, Kate wore a blouse and trousers, a marked departure from her usual style.<\/p>\n Her purple Gucci top had bow detailing on the collar, and she paired it with black, wide-legged pants from Jigsaw and black pumps.<\/p>\n The outfit could have been a business-casual look in an office.<\/p>\n Kate recycled a dress she first wore in 2012 at the 2020 BAFTAs.<\/p>\n Prince William and Kate Middleton at the 2020 BAFTAs.<\/p>\n David Benett\/Getty Images<\/p>\n The 2020 BAFTAs had a “sustainable fashion” theme, so Kate pulled out a dress she first wore to a state dinner during her 2012 visit to Malaysia for the occasion.<\/p>\n The white dress had an empire waistline and was overlaid with sheer fabric adorned with gold embellishments. Kate’s sparkly gold shoes and clutch added to the glamorous ensemble.<\/p>\n Some of Kate’s best looks are monochromatic, like an all-red outfit she wore in October 2021.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton wore an all-red look in October 2021.<\/p>\n Karwai Tang\/WireImage\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Kate often pairs modern touches with familiar silhouettes for her royal looks, as she did with an all-red look for the Forward Trust in October 2021.<\/p>\n She wore a form-fitting Ralph Lauren turtleneck with a midi-length skirt by Christopher Kane, which she paired with a beige clutch and coordinating heels. The top was tucked into the skirt, so the ensemble almost looked like a dress at first glance.<\/p>\n The tea-length dress worked perfectly for a modern royal.<\/p>\n She also embraces regal touches, like the cape on a dress she wore in September 2021.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton at the UK premiere of “No Time to Die” in September 2021.<\/p>\n Chris Jackson\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Jenny Packham designed Kate’s glittering gown for the premiere of “No Time to Die.” The gown was form-fitting and covered in reflective sequins.<\/p>\n A cape was built into the back of the dress, trailing behind Kate as she walked. Kate wore her hair up, spotlighting the regal detail.<\/p>\n Kate’s dress for another film premiere in May 2022 was among her most daring looks to date.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton attends the “Top Gun: Maverick” Royal Film Performance in May 2022.<\/p>\n Dan Kitwood\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Kate arrived at the premiere of “Top Gun: Maverick” in a black Roland Mouret gown. A stripe of white fabric created an off-the-shoulder neckline, and the figure-hugging dress cinched at Kate’s waist.<\/p>\n The tight silhouette and sleeveless neckline brought a sexy edge to Kate’s look.<\/p>\n Kate looked effortlessly chic as she became the Princess of Wales in September 2022.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton and Prince William met troops who participated in Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral in September 2022.<\/p>\n JONATHAN BUCKMASTER\/POOL\/AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n After King Charles III ascended the throne<\/a> in September 2022, he made William and Kate the Prince and Princess of Wales<\/a>. Kate is the first person to hold the title Princess of Wales since Princess Diana.<\/p>\n Kate’s first appearances with her new title came amid Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral<\/a> services, and she opted for structured, chic outfits at the events that subtly honored the late Queen.<\/p>\n For instance, on September 16, 2022, when she and William met with soldiers who would participate in the Queen’s state funeral, Kate wore a black coatdress designed by Catherine Walker. The silhouette looked similar to a military uniform with buttons down the center and shoulder detailing, making it a fitting ensemble for the occasion.<\/p>\n Kate completed the outfit with a hat with subtle swirled detailing and pearl earrings that belonged to the Queen.<\/p>\n She showed off a new side of her style during a visit to Boston in December 2022.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton wore a maroon suit during a visit to Boston in December 2022.<\/p>\n Samir Hussein\/WireImage\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Just a few months after becoming the Princess of Wales, Kate struck a new tone with her style, donning a suit instead of a dress or skirt during a trip to Boston.<\/p>\n Designed by Roland Mouret, the burgundy suit included a slim jacket and flared trousers. The suit had a professional vibe, while the pale-pink blouse Kate wore added a feminine touch thanks to the bow on its collar.<\/p>\n Burgundy, pointed-toe heels completed the look.<\/p>\n Kate continued to blend traditional royal styles with modernity in May 2023.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton at a reception at Buckingham Palace in May 2023.<\/p>\n JONATHAN BRADY\/POOL\/AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n Kate wore a pale-blue dress designed by Elie Saab to a garden party at Buckingham Palace ahead of\u00a0King Charles’ coronation<\/a>.<\/p>\n The dress had a classic tea-length silhouette, but it was overlaid with semi-sheer fabric covered in sequins that made it feel fresh. Lace detailing embroidered the bodice, and a bow adorned the collared neckline.<\/p>\n She paired the dress with matching shoes and a coordinating hat from Philip Treacy with a large flower on it.<\/p>\n The outfit was also among Kate’s recycled ensembles, as she first wore it to the Royal Ascot in 2019.<\/p>\n She wore one of her best looks to date, a monochromatic set, in October 2023.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton at an event at Nottingham Trent University in October 2023.<\/p>\n Chris Jackson\/Getty Images<\/p>\n For a visit to Nottingham Trent University, Kate wore a cream sweater and matching, midi-length skirt designed by S\u00e9zane.<\/p>\n Button detailing on the sleeves added a touch of color to the outfit, which Kate paired with a matching clutch and heels.<\/p>\n The outfit felt cohesive and effortlessly chic.<\/p>\n However, Kate also wore more traditional royal looks in 2023, like a red coatdress in November.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton at Buckingham Palace in November 2023.<\/p>\n Karwai Tang\/WireImage\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Kate donned the Catherine Walker coatdress for a ceremonial welcome at Buckingham Palace when the president and first lady of the Republic of Korea arrived in the UK.<\/p>\n The loose-fitting garment featured an oversize bow on the neckline for a fashion-forward touch, and Kate paired the garment with a matching hat and heels.<\/p>\n It was a timeless royal ensemble.<\/p>\n Kate’s white dress for Trooping the Colour was a stylish choice for her first appearance of 2024.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton at Trooping the Colour in June 2024.<\/p>\n JUSTIN TALLIS\/AFP\/Mark Cuthbert\/UK Press via Getty Images<\/p>\n Kate was absent from the public eye for the first six months of 2024, quietly undergoing surgery and chemotherapy for cancer. After public scrutiny reached a fever pitch, Kate revealed her cancer diagnosis<\/a> in March 2024, but she didn’t attend a royal engagement until Trooping the Colour<\/a> in June.<\/p>\n For the event, Kate turned to familiar designers. She wore a white Jenny Packham dress with a navy belt at the waist and a matching bow on the neckline. Her Philip Treacy hat coordinated with the look.<\/p>\n Jimmy Choo designed her white pumps, and she carried a navy clutch from Mulberry. The look was stylish and subtly festive, striking the right tone for the Princess of Wales’ first event after her diagnosis.<\/p>\n She attended her first solo royal engagement of 2024 in a purple dress with ruching.<\/p>\n Kate Middleton attends Wimbledon in July 2024.<\/p>\n Karwai Tang\/WireImage\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
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