The Princess of Wales has become known for her impeccable style, frequently showcasing a mix of classic and contemporary fashion.
While she has access to an endless array of designers eager to dress her for royal engagements, Kate often surprises her fans by rewearing and updating pieces she has owned for years.
Instead of constantly buying new outfits, she has embraced sustainability by refreshing her wardrobe with small but impactful alterations.
Let’s take a look at how Kate has been revisiting her wardrobe with style and creativity.
The Timeless Ralph Lauren Tweed Jacket
One of Kate’s most iconic fashion pieces is her Ralph Lauren tweed jacket, which she first wore back in 2007.
The princess surprised royal watchers in February 2025 when she reintroduced the jacket during a visit to the Meadow Street Community Garden in Treforrest.
This jacket, which is now 18 years old, was originally paired with a khaki skirt, but Kate gave it a modern twist by styling it with a tartan Gucci skirt and her signature Gianvito Rossi boots.
It’s a perfect example of how she takes classic pieces and makes them feel fresh again.
The Whistles Polka Dot Dress Update
In January 2025, Kate reworked her beloved burgundy polka dot Whistles dress, a piece she first wore in 2018.
During her visit to families affected by the Southport stabbing, she added a thoughtful touch to the dress by repurposing its detachable belt into a bow at the neckline.
This subtle but stylish update gave the dress a new life, and Kate completed the look with an Alexander McQueen coat, an Emmy London clutch, and Russell & Bromley suede heels.
The thoughtful updates Kate makes to her outfits show her talent for effortlessly blending old and new.
A High Street Zara Favorite
For her visit to Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales, Kate chose a Zara houndstooth dress that she had first worn in 2020.
She has now worn this dress three times, including in 2021.
With its classic pussy-bow neckline and flattering mid-length skirt, the dress is a versatile and timeless piece.
This time, she layered it under a bespoke Savile Row coat by Chris Kerr to stay warm and finished the look with Russell & Bromley heels.
It’s clear that Kate is a fan of high-street fashion and knows how to make it look regal.
The Red Alexander McQueen Coat’s Multiple Outings
Kate’s red Alexander McQueen double-breasted coat is another staple in her wardrobe that she has worn on several occasions.
She most recently sported it in 2025, but it has made previous appearances in 2024, 2022, and 2020.
One of its most memorable moments was when Kate wore it to the 2024 Together at Christmas carol service.
On this occasion, she added a black velvet bow from Jigsaw, adding a festive and elegant touch.
The Princess paired it with a pleated tartan skirt from Emilia Wickstead and Ralph Lauren suede knee-high boots, showing her knack for sustainable and stylish dressing.
Jenny Packham’s Polished Pencil Dress
For the 2024 Trooping the Colour event, Kate chose a polished white Jenny Packham pencil dress, a piece she had first worn for King Charles’ coronation in 2023.
This time, she updated the dress by adding a striped waist trim and a striking bow at the neckline.
With this slight modification, the dress felt brand new, and Kate paired it with a Philip Treacy hat and simple Jimmy Choo court shoes.
Her ability to make small changes to her outfits demonstrates how fashion can be both sustainable and endlessly stylish.
The Military-Inspired Catherine Walker Coat
During the 2024 Remembrance Sunday service at The Cenotaph, Kate wore a Catherine Walker military-inspired coat, a piece she had previously worn in 2020.
She revamped it by removing the shoulder fringing, changing the buttons, and adding a velvet bow at the neckline.
While the military silhouette and mandarin collar remained the same, these changes allowed Kate to reintroduce the piece with a fresh look.
She finished the outfit with a Juliette Botterill flower and feather teardrop hat, giving the ensemble a thoughtful and somber touch.
Elie Saab’s Elegant Powder Blue Ensemble
At a 2023 Buckingham Palace Garden Party, Kate radiated grace in a powder blue Elie Saab co-ord, which she had originally worn at Royal Ascot in 2019.
The look, which includes a pussy-bow blouse and a tulle skirt, was updated with slightly different accessories but remained just as timeless.
Kate paired the ensemble with a Philip Treacy hat, Gianvito Rossi heels, and Kiki McDonough earrings, showing her ability to revisit and refresh even the most formal of outfits.
Alexander McQueen’s One-Shoulder Gown Transformation
At the 2023 Bafta Awards, Kate wore a stunning one-shoulder Alexander McQueen gown that she had debuted at the same event in 2019.
The ruffled shoulder detail from her original look was replaced with a sleek update, and Kate accessorized the gown with black velvet opera gloves and rose gold floral earrings.
The subtle alterations made this gown feel completely new, showcasing how small changes can completely transform a look.
Catherine Walker’s Houndstooth Coat Revisited
Kate revisited her houndstooth Catherine Walker coat during a rugby match in February 2023, a piece she first wore in 2018. At that time, she was pregnant with Prince Louis.
Five years later, she styled it with a contrasting white Mulberry bag, updating the look with a more modern, monochromatic palette.
The ability to recycle such a statement piece and make it look fresh proves Kate’s keen fashion sensibilities.
Roland Mouret’s Sophisticated Trouser Suit
In November 2023, Kate wore a maroon Roland Mouret trouser suit to the inaugural Shaping Us National Symposium.
This sophisticated outfit had already made multiple appearances, including in 2022 when Kate wore it during a visit to Boston.
The 70s-inspired suit received global praise for its tailored fit and its perfect pairing with Prince William, who matched her in a burgundy jumper.
The ensemble highlights Kate’s ability to balance sustainability with stylishness in a professional setting.
Kate Middleton’s ability to rework her wardrobe is a testament to her sustainability efforts and personal style.
By revisiting her favorite pieces and giving them a fresh spin, she proves that you don’t always need to buy new clothes to stay fashionable.
Whether through subtle updates like a new bow, a different neckline, or updated accessories, Kate continues to inspire with her eco-friendly approach to fashion.