As she has evolved through the years, Kate Middleton has become something of a style icon for this era. Her style is classic and elegant without being pretentious or appearing unreachable. But she wasn’t always at the height of high fashion. Well before she was a member of the Britsh royal family, she dressed more like the typical civilian that she was a duchess. Since becoming the Duchess of Cambridge and the wife of Prince William, her style has grown, changed and matured with elegance and timelessness. For the best look at her amazing transformation, here is a glance at Kate Middleton’s style from young till now.
When Kate Middleton first became acquaintances with Prince William, they were both enrolled at the University of Saint Andrews. During this time, Kate’s style was a little more risque. She is known for having modeled for Charlotte Todd in a transparent dress in March of 2002, which many sources say is when she initially caught the eye of Prince Williams in a more romantic way.
In 2003, Kate and Prince William began officially dating, and the two began appearing in the media together in 2004. Having actually gone public that year, Kate’s style became more highly photographed. She could be seen wearing typical “college girl” attire. On any given day, Kate would wear something like a t-shirt, knee-high boots and a knit skirt.
During the mid-2000’s Kate’s style began to change into a big more elegant formal wear. She attended two royal weddings, where she showed off stylish pieces, but still remained casual with a natural, fresh-faced look. In 2006, she could even be seen wearing a super casual outfit featuring a pair of plush Ugg boots.
With the first major break between Prince William and Kate, she was spotted out in London partying with friends, wearing typical, casual pieces for a night out. By 2008, the pair were back together and appeared stronger than ever. Making their first appearance at a formal royal event together that year, Kate dresses formal and conservative for the occasion.
When Kate and Prince William got engaged in 2010, Kate made her debut as a royal fiance’ at a charity event in Norfolk, Britain – where she dressed the part of her pending royal status. She wore a sophisticated black and white dress, paired with a velvety black jacket and designer handbag.
Beginning with the pregnancy with Prince George in 2013, Kate embarks on a more refined, polished look. During and after both pregnancies, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, Kate appears in elegant, artfully chosen attire that reflects the mature, matriarchal figure she is becoming. From 2013 to 2015, she wears pieces like a pale pink Alexander McQueen coat, a double breasted dress and matching pillbox hat by Jenny Packham, and a mint green tweed Mulberry coat.
From 2016 to present, Kate has continuously kicked her style up a notch, reaching icon status with a greater incorporation with classic, but stunningly gorgeous wardrobe choices. She has been seen in pieces like a form-fitting cream midi dress, a Gucci textured tweed dress, and a deep-green, fur-collared coat by Catherine Walker.