How Kate Middleton’s style changed over the years

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Over the past 15 years, Catherine has become one of Britain’s leading fashion conscious women. Predictably, she has traded in the style of clothing she wore in her early years as a royal for something more refined, which is a testament to her own maturity and growing self-confidence as a future queen.

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The change has been slow and gradual, without any noticeable fashion interventions. Instead, there is a deliberate attempt to move with the changing seasonal trends, as well as her growing confidence and understanding of what looks good on her in the public eye.

Below are the seven significant fashion changes that marked the style development of Catherine, Princess of Wales, in her first 15 years as a member of the Windsors.

How Kate Middleton’s style has changed over the years

Then: Nude platform pumps

Now: 105 mm matching pointed pumps

If the young Duchess of Cambridge was known for one item of clothing, it was these her nude LK Bennett pumps. The shiny patent leather platform shoe was her favorite choice in her first years in the public eye and was as characteristic of the era as her position in the spotlight.

The silhouette was regularly worn by young British women at formal occasions (including student parties), while the nude shade added an understated finishing touch. Nowadays, Catherine prefers a very high, pointed suede shoe that often matches her clothes perfectly to complete the look with a precise, coordinated style. She always wears the sky-high heels with admirable nonchalance.

Then: A-line dresses

Now: Contemporary cut

The Princess of Wales has traded in the A-line dresses that once dominated for more fitted models with a streamlined silhouette. Whether classic suits or stately coat dresses, Catherine has left out the unnecessary frills and opted for a minimalist style which was previously less obvious. The result is a dress that looks more like a business dress than the typical princess dresses she wore during the day in the 2010s.

Then: Short skirts

Now: Longer lengths

Another change that signals increasing maturity is Catherine’s choice of shorter hems. When she first married into the royal family, Catherine often wore skirts and dresses that fell above the knee, but she now has exchanged for medium length skirts that reach just above the ankle. The result is not only a more subdued look, but also fits in with the general trend for intermediate lengths.

Then: Clutch bags

Now: Handbags with handles

Kate Middleton still uses her clutch bags, but there’s a new shape vying for the spot as the most worn bag in her wardrobe: handbags with a handle. Catherine’s new style fits better with general fashion trends, but at the same time remains suitable for royal occasions. Her favorites include Chanel, as well as more affordable options from newer brands like De Mellier.

Then: Blue skinny jeans

Now: Khaki skinny cargo pants

Like many of her millennial peers, Catherine can’t let go of the skinny pants, especially for more relaxed or active pursuits. Where she used to combine her wedges with blue skinny jeans, Catherine now opts for khaki cargo pants. It feels more modern, fits better with her surroundings and combines perfectly with her favorite walking shoes.

Then: Fascinators

Now: Impressive hats

What Kate in terms of clothing style What sets her apart from other women of her age is the regular need to wear a hat. While some may opt for a hat for Royal Ascot or a particularly fancy wedding, there is rarely an occasion where a hat is truly necessary. Catherine has embraced this need by say goodbye to the old-fashioned fascinators which she once wedged into her voluminous blow-dry hairstyle and replacing them with a variety of hat shapes that show she feels more comfortable in them.

From wide-brimmed hats to pillbox hats and hats decorated with bows, flowers or ruffles, Catherine has become a major name in the hat world.

Then: Diamonds from the Middleton family

Now: Heirlooms from the royal family

The Princess of Wales showed up at her 2011 wedding wearing Queen Elizabeth II’s Cartier Halo tiara, as well as a pair of earrings from her parents. Since then she has had the royal jewelry collection further embraced (who wouldn’t?), and regularly wears pieces worn by her husband’s ancestors for hundreds of years. Whether it is Diana, Princess of Wales, with her love of sapphires or Queen Elizabeth’s pearls, the princess has become a loyal lover of the family shine.