From Kate Middleton’s iconic BAFTA gown to Princess Beatrice’s much-loved coat that she has worn over ten times, these are some of the most memorable times Royals have reworn outfits
Many members of the Royal Family are avid fashion enthusiasts and, just like the rest of us, they have go-to wardrobe picks that they just can’t get enough of. And as much as we love to see Royals wear brand outfits to give us inspiration, we equally love it when they serve up fashion inspiration by recycling a previous look.
Kate Middleton’s recent appearance at a festive December event also reminded us of how many recycled style moments Royals have shown off over the years, so we’re taking a look back through some of our favourites.
From Kate’s go-to Breton top that has seen her through big moments, to Princess Eugenie’s trusty floral dress, here are some re-worn outfits worth remembering.
Royal recycled style moments to remember
Kate’s Alexander McQueen coat
SHOP KATE’S LOOK:
Nobody’s Child Oversized Red Double Breasted Wool Blend Coat, now £130
We haven’t seen much of the Princess of Wales this year with the Royal stepping back from public duties to focus on her health and family, but she delighted us all earlier this month when she wore a gorgeous red outfit for the annual Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey.
Wearing a vibrant red, long-line coat from one of her go-to designers, Alexander McQueen, some fans were quick to notice it was a look she’d worn previously. The princess first wore the red double-breasted coat in 2020 for the launch of her Hold Still photography project, before re-wearing it with a black turtleneck and an Emilia Wickstead tartan skirt just two months later.
SHOP KATE’S LOOK: Boden Ella Long Sleeve Breton, £28
Kate has frequently been seen wearing the cosy Erdem Lotus Striped Sweater over the years. Notable appearances include her 2021 visit to St. Andrews University, Prince Louis’s fifth birthday photos, and a pub meet-up with the ‘Dadvengers.’
Most recently, she wore this sentimental piece in her poignant video addressing cancer, a moment that deeply resonated with many.
Kate’s Alexander McQueen gown
SHOP KATE’S LOOK: Asos Lace & Beads Bow Off Shoulder Tulle Maxi Dress, £110
Another item of Kate’s that we were beyond thrilled to see her wear again was the incredible black floral Alexander McQueen gown that she first wore for the 2017 BAFTA Awards. The Princess of Wales decided to bring it back two years later, in 2019, when she attended the NPG Portrait Gala in London.
However, this time she chose to redesign the ensemble as she added cap sleeves and a different neckline to meet with the more formal event.
Princess Beatrice’s Nonoo Lyons Coat
SHOP BEATRICE’S LOOK: NAKD Raglan Sleeve Wool Blend Coat, £119.95
One Royal who clearly has a favourite wardrobe item, considering the fact she’s now worn the garment over ten times, is none other than Princess Beatrice. For the 2022 Service of Thanksgiving for the Duke of Edinburgh, the Princess sported a grey balloon sleeve coat from Nonoo Lyons, which is aptly named the ‘Beatrice’ coat. The effortless look was accessorised with a fantastic deep red headband by Justine Bradley-Hill.
The jacket is clearly a firm favourite of Beatrice, who first wore the look in December 2010 and has worn it at least once nearly every year following then.
Sophie’s Loewe dress
SHOP SOPHIE’S LOOK: All Saints Norlean Scoop-Neck Slim-Fit Leather Midi Dress, £195
Another Royal who has ticked all of the boxes by re-wearing a wardrobe must-have is the ever-so-stylish Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. Stepping out in New York in March 2022, the 59-year-old embraced the cold temperatures in a Loewe anagram-belt leather midi dress that she had previously worn in October 2021.
This isn’t the first time the Duchess has done this, as she also previously recycled one of her best wedding guest outfits.
Sophie’s Alaia dress
SHOP SOPHIE’S LOOK: Finery London Camille Navy Chiffon Midi Dress, £59
In April 2019, Sophie attended the British Bobsleigh & Skeleton Gala Dinner wearing a gorgeous navy blue Azzedine Alaia fit-and-flare dress that cost a whopping £2290. However, the Royal certainly got her money’s worth out of the dress.
Sophie previously wore the expensive gown to the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank in October 2018, where she styled the look with a fabulous matching hat.
Princess Eugenie’s Claudie Pierlot dress
SHOP EUGENIE’S LOOK: Next Love & Roses Black Printed Metallic Tie Front Midaxi Dress, £74
In February 2022, Princess Eugenie went for a dinner date with her cousin Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle in Santa Barbara, LA, and chose to wear one of her much-loved dresses. Sporting a perfect spring-inspired floral dress by Claudie Pierlot, it seems to be a favourite of hers as she has worn the wardrobe essential on various occasions before.
She wore it once in October 2020 when she made a special visit in aid of Anti Slavery Day, another in 2019 when she went out for dinner, and again in June 2018 when she attended a ‘Pass on Plastic’ charity incentive.