Summer is wedding season, and when it comes to style, who better to seek a little guest-spiration [1] from than the first lady of fascinators [2], the Duchess of Cambridge. Kate has rocked many different looks at the numerous weddings she's been invited to, and although some of them are perhaps best consigned to the history books, most are features in a masterclass on wedding-guest wow. From the time she re-wore a Topshop favourite to the very special dress she chose for her sister's big day [3], read on to take a look at all the times Kate was the most stylish wedding guest you'll ever see.
— Additional reporting by Morgane Le Caer
Hugh Van Cutsem and Rose Astor Wedding, June 2005
For the first wedding that Kate accompanied William to, she chose a classic but flirty look in a clingy cream top and a fitted jacket, a black and white Karen Millen skirt, and a black fascinator.
Laura Parker-Bowles and Harry Lopes Wedding, May 2006
In a clear sign that things were getting serious between Kate and William, she attended his stepsister's wedding, along with Prince Charles. Kate was cool and crisp in a cream Day Birger et Mikkelsen brocade coat and a cream and brown feather fascinator, while the dress underneath was a thigh-skimming champagne lace Collette Dinnigan.
Lady Rose Windsor and George Gilman Wedding, July 2008
For her second royal family wedding, Kate opted for a watercolour palette of blue and blush teamed with a black fascinator, clutch, and pumps.
Nicholas Van Cutsem and Alice Hadden-Paton Wedding, August 2009
For the big day of one of William's oldest friends, Kate chose a sky blue Jane Troughton brocade coat and powder blue Jane Corbett hat.
Harry Meade and Rosie Bradford Wedding, October 2010
William and Kate were newly engaged, but the secret wasn't out yet when they watched two of their closest friends say "I do." Kate chose a wide-brimmed black hat and black fitted jacket over an electric blue Issa dress for the occasion.
Sam Waley-Cohen and Annabel Ballin Wedding, June 2011
The ink was barely dry on her own wedding certificate when Kate went back to church for the nuptials of her close friend Sam — hotfooting it over from her first Trooping the Colour [4]. The new duchess chose a black and white geometric patterned Zara dress and black Sylvia Fletcher for Lock and Co hat.
Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall Wedding, July 2011
A month later, Kate was digging out her cream Day Birger et Mikkelsen coat for the second royal wedding of the year, pairing it with a cream Gina Foster hat.
Emily McCorquodale and James Hutt Wedding, June 2012
For the big day of William's cousin Emily, Kate favoured a powder blue Katherine Hooker coat, complementing Jenny Packham dress, and taupe hat by Whiteley.
Mark Tomlinson and Laura Bechtolsheimer Wedding, March 2013
At this Winter wonderland wedding in Austria, Kate was pregnant with Prince George. The expectant mum favoured a blush-coloured coat with a chocolate-coloured James Lock cocktail hat and matching faux fur wrap. Underneath the coat? A leopard-print chiffon Max Mara dress.
William Van Cutsem and Rosie Ruck Keene Wedding, May 2013
Kate recycled the white and black spotted Topshop dress that she'd worn to Harry Potter [5] World a few weeks earlier, teaming it with a black and white Vivien Sheriff hat and little black jacket.
Lucy Meade and Charlie Budgett Wedding, March 2014
The last time Kate was seen at a friend's wedding was that of her old pal Lucy, for which she wore her favourite blue tweed M Missoni coat and navy Sylvia Fletcher hat.
Pippa Middleton and James Matthews, May 2017
For her sister Pippa's wedding [6] in May 2017, Kate wore a very special, dusty rose midi dress designed by Alexander McQueen [7]. She completed her ladylike ensemble with a matching fascinator, suede pumps, and drop earrings.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, May 2018
One year later, Kate once again turned to Alexander McQueen. For Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding [8], the Duchess of Cambridge wore a canary yellow ensemble [9], which she accessorized with Jimmy Choo pumps and a fabulous Philip Treacy hat.
