Top 9 Kate Middleton Fashion Risks That Ended Well

While she didn’t take as many risks as her sister-in-law, Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton is still undeniably a fashion icon who has influenced people around the world with the “Kate Effect.” Every time she wears something, it sells out online, and millions of cheaper dupes are replicated. But while she has access to the top designers, she must follow a strict royal dress code. In an attempt to forge her own royal path, she’s taken some risqué choices, but they’ve paid off.

1. Full-length opera gloves

Fans have celebrated Middleton’s commitment to reducing her carbon footprint by re-wearing her outfits nearly 100 times. In 2019, she did exactly this but made a surprising move when she added full-length black opera gloves to contrast with her white Alexander McQueen gown at the 2023 BAFTA Awards. Some people hated it, while others called it “transformative” and made the dress a “statement.”

2. A Gucci blouse worn backward

Wearing your shirt backwards might be seen as sloppy by some, but in 2019, it worked for Middleton, who wore a Gucci purple bow blouse backward to the Henry Fawcett Children’s Centre in London. Although the buttons were meant to be worn on the back of the shirt, we’ll never know whether this faux pas was intentional or not. A fashion journalist said she will often adjust a look to fit trends, and she re-wore the look the same way in 2020 for an IG Q&A.

3. Wearing wedges

The late Queen Elizabeth II believed in comfortable shoes and even hired someone else to break them in for her. She also didn’t love wedged shoes, but Catherine defied the rules by wearing wedges instead of heels since they are more stable and protective of the ankles. We love a sensible but chic shoe and don’t think a wedge is that scandalous!