Kate Middleton is as practical as she is posh, investing in classic, well-tailored pieces that she isn’t afraid to reuse.
But the Duchess of Cambridge doesn’t just repeat a casual dress, a winter coat, or her trusty L.K. Bennett pumps. Unlike most starlets, who won’t be caught dead in the same red carpet look twice, the thrifty royal even repeats evening gowns.
Accompanying Prince William to a gala on Thursday at the site where it all began, the University of Scotland (the two met as undergrads there), the Duchess of Cambridge wore the same Alice Temperley gown she had worn to the London premiere of War Horse last January — and pulled it off with panache.
How did Middleton make what was previously considered a fashion faux pas into the pinnacle of modern style?
When you choose timeless elegant styles, like Middleton’s long black lace gown, you can get away with repeating outfits, even a statement-worthy evening gown.
Plus, it’s easy to have great style when you have an unlimited budget — and a stylist — but the down-to-earth Duchess hasn’t let the royal riches go to her head or style.
Like a real woman of true style, she understands how to choose an evening gown worth investing in. And Middleton looked just as chic in her off-the-rack Alice Temperley gown for the couple’s trip back to their university as she did when she originally wore it nearly a year ago.
Though unlike other pieces the princess has reworn, it’s much harder to restyle an evening gown to look completely new. But we love how the style icon added a pop of color to the noir number with a crimson clutch for a chic update.
See more pictures of Kate and Wills during their stylish return to their alma mater here.
What do you think of the Duchess’ repeat gown?
For more on Kate Middleton’s chic style, tune into the latest episode of the Duchess Diaries.
