How Princess Kate makes use of refined style tweaks to revamp previous outfits – from including bows to swapping buttons
The Princess of Wales has access to an extensive array of brands, from coveted high-street labels to renowned designers.
Yet, instead of constantly searching for new outfits, Kate often opts to reinvent her existing wardrobe with simple updates, such as adding a bow or swapping buttons.
These subtle changes have a powerful impact, breathing new life into timeless pieces.
Here, we take a closer look at Kate’s talent for sustainable style.
Alexander McQueen coat – worn in 2024 and 2020
At this year’s Together at Christmas carol service, Kate embraced a festive and familiar ensemble with a fresh twist.
The standout piece of her look was a £20 black velvet bow from Jigsaw, showcasing her flair for literal dressing.
She paired the bow with her previously worn red Alexander McQueen coat, Emilia Wickstead pleated tartan skirt and Ralph Lauren suede knee-high boots, blending elegance with sustainability.
At this year’s Together at Christmas carol service (left), Kate embraced a festive and familiar ensemble with a fresh twist
Jenny Packham dress – worn in 2024 and 2023
For the 2024 Trooping the Colour, Kate chose a polished white dress by Jenny Packham, which she previously wore to meet well-wishers on The Mall ahead of King Charles’ coronation.
This time, Kate refashioned the fitted knee-length frock with a striped waist trim and a striking bow added to the neckline, making it a sustainable choice for the Princess.
She accessorised with an off-the-peg Philip Treacy hat and simple Jimmy Choo court shoes.
For the 2024 Trooping the Colour (left), Kate chose a polished white dress by Jenny Packham, which she previously wore to meet well-wishers on The Mall ahead of King Charles’ coronation
Catherine Walker coat – worn in 2024 and 2020
Attending the Remembrance Sunday service at The Cenotaph, Kate cut a sombre figure in her military-inspired coat by Catherine Walker, a re-wear from 2020.
Kate updated the look by removing the shoulder fringing, changing the buttons and adding a velvet bow to the neckline.
The silhouette, mandarin collar, epaulettes and waist tabs remained unaltered.
The Princess topped her all-black look with a Juliette Botterill flower and feather teardrop hat.
Attending the Remembrance Sunday service at The Cenotaph (left), Kate cut a sombre figure in her military-inspired coat by Catherine Walker, a re-wear from 2020
Alexander McQueen gown – worn in 2023 and 2019
In 2023, the Princess of Wales gave her Alexander McQueen white one-shoulder dress a fresh twist at the Bafta Awards.
She debuted the ethereal gown, with its original ruffled shoulder, at the same event in 2019.
Kate accessorised her revamped gown with Cornelia James ‘Melissa’ black velvet opera gloves and striking rose gold floral earrings from Zara.
In 2023, the Princess of Wales gave her Alexander McQueen white one-shoulder dress a fresh twist at the Bafta Awards (left). She debuted the ethereal gown, with its original ruffled shoulder, at the same event in 2019
Alexander McQueen dress – worn in 2021 and 2011
Kate revisited her fashion archives for the 2021 Earthshot Prize Awards.
She recycled a lilac dress by Alexander McQueen, previously worn a decade earlier at a Bafta black-tie event in 2011.
Kate updated the dress with an embellished gold belt, narrower than the original, and styled her hair in glamorous loose waves.
Kate revisited her fashion archives for the 2021 Earthshot Prize Awards (left). She recycled a lilac dress by Alexander McQueen, previously worn a decade earlier at a Bafta black-tie event in 2011
