When it comes to dressing, there are rules—and then there are royal rules.
Anyone who’s ever taken even a cursory glance at a princess or a duchess in the last decade will glean that there’s a lot more to their dress code than ours. From the ever-present stocking, to expected hemline lengths, respectable colours, prim silhouettes and immaculate tailoring, there’s a lot of boxes that a humble garment must tick in order to gain that ever desirable royal seal of approval.
So, if you were a royal (a fantasy lovely to indulge), and you found a piece that ticks all those boxes, wouldn’t you want to capitalise? The Duchess of Cambridge often does.
Catherine—or Kate, if you’re feeling familiar—is well known for her tendencies to rewear her favourite outfits. Either in a loyal head-to-toe manner, or by re-styling it (or, if she’s particularly taken, re-making it!), Kate is often seen bringing out pieces from outfits past. Many publications—including yours truly—have spent many meticulous hours cataloguing such occasions.
But re-wearing a piece is one thing, re-buying it? Now that’s another. Occasionally, along comes a fashion item Kate adores so much, she’ll buy it (or have it made, as is the case of couture produced in McQueen ateliers) in multiple colours. Take the Gianvito Rossi pumps she owns in six colours, or the Catherine Walker coat-dress so tantalisingly perfect and proper, she’s had it made three times in mossy green, baby blue and bright coral.
If you’re looking for a lesson in sartorial constancy, look no further. Here, 18 pieces Kate loved so much, she bought it in (nearly) every colour.
Emilia Wickstead 'Kate' dress
Worn in green in 2019; lavender in 2017; and blue in 2o19.
