The Duchess of Cambridge has kept her Summer outfits [1] tasteful since 2006, before she married into the royal family [2]. Shortly after she graduated from Scotland's St. Andrews University (where she met and began dating Prince William), Kate was spotted wearing this red halter number with polka dots, which we wouldn't be surprised to find at Reformation today. And those strappy espadrilles she accessorised with? Yup, still cool.
It seems Kate has always had an affinity for Summer dressing. She knows how to show a bit of skin while still tending toward modest necklines and hemlines, and her chosen prints and colorways never feel off season or out of character. Of course these days, the duchess keeps evening gowns and cocktail midis in rotation for appearances, but even when she's off duty and running around with the kids, she still impresses us with her more relaxed picks [3]. I mean dude, she shops at Zara.
We figured there's no time like the present to take inspiration from the Duchess' '00s style, since trends from the early aughts are having a moment, and we are positively sure you won't mind shopping some of Kate's more recent designs either. Her past few tea dresses have been quite lovely after all.
Kate Middleton's White Suzannah Dress at Wimbledon, July 2019
Kate accessorised the number [4] with a black Alexander McQueen belt and bag, Gianvito Rossi shoes, and Catherine Zoraida earrings.
ASOS Design Button Through Midi Dress With Puff Sleeves
ASOS Design Button Through Midi Dress With Puff Sleeves [5] (£42)
Kate Middleton's Sandro Paris Dress at Hampton Court Palace, July 2019
Kate coordinated her shoppable dress [6] with Castañer wedges and $15 earrings from Accessorise.
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Sandro Paris Short-Sleeved Printed Flowing Dress [7] (£182, originally £260)
Kate Middleton's Ridley London Dress at Warren Park Children's Centre, June 2019
Kate wore her Castañer espadrilles with the flowy dress [8], which seem to be her go-to shoe for Summer 2019.
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BAUM UND PFERDGARTEN Aerin Dress [9] (£249)
Kate Middleton's Elie Saab Dress at Royal Ascot, June 2019
Kate's fresh midi featured sheer sleeves [10], and she wore a fascinator and elegant clutch with the look.
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Self Portrait Spiral Lace Maxi Dress [11] (£360)
Kate Middleton's Barbara Casasola Dress at a Gala Dinner, June 2019
Kate stunned in this bridal white number [12], complete with sparkling Jimmy Choo heels and a brooch-clad clutch.
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Roland Mouret Arch off-the-shoulder pleated crepe dress [13] (£1350)
Kate Middleton's Zara Dress at the Beaufort Polo Club, June 2018
Kate frolicked in the field in her £88 design [14], also sporting tan Russell and Bromley wedges, a watch, sunglasses, and a white Victoria Beckham [15] bag.
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Veronica Beard Ferris Ruched Stretch Poplin Shirtdress [16] (£50)
Kate Middleton's Prada Dress at The Sunken Garden, August 2017
Kate worked this pussy-bow midi [17], which came in a bright turquoise, with neutral L.K. Bennett shoes.
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Osman printed pussy bow dress [18] (£1,424, originally £2,034)
Kate Middleton's Alexander McQueen Dress at the Queen's Birthday Party, July 2017
Kate styled her off-the-shoulder maxi [19] with tie-sleeves with Prada sandals the first time she wore it, then again for her own mother's party in February 2019 [20], proving it's got staying power in a Winter wardrobe, too.
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Asos Design Off Shoulder Maxi Dress in Crinkle [21] (£32)
Kate Middleton's Alexander McQueen Dress at Wimbledon, July 2016
The playful number was covered with butterflies [22], and Kate let it do the talking, opting for simple accessories.
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Tory Burch Printed T-Shirt Dress [23] (£215)
Kate Middleton's Jenny Packham Dress at Calgary Airport, July 2011
Kate accessorised the adorable button-front dress from one of her favourite brands [24] with neutral pumps and a box clutch in Canada.
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Art Deco Print Skater Dress [25] (£99)
Kate Middleton's Temperley London Dress at Wimbledon, June 2011
Kate was still in her bridal whites when she attended Wimbledon for the first time as a married woman [26]. She wore this tiered number with a Stuart Weitzman clutch and a charm bracelet that was gifted by Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, as a wedding present.
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Alexis Lyssa Tiered Skirt Dress [27] (£1,236)
Kate Middleton's White Trench Dress at the Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium, July 2007
Kate accented this lightweight piece with black knee-high boots and a shoulder bag we absolutely love.
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https://www.cosstores.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/dresses/product.pinstriped-tie-belt-shirt-dress-white.0775489001.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9rDTjMqY4wIV1JTVCh2OMAMZEAQYASABEgJTUPD_BwE [28] (£89)
Kate Middleton's Red Polka Dot Halter at a Polo Match, June 2006
Kate Middleton watched then-boyfriend Prince William compete in this scarlet printed number. She wore strappy espadrille wedges and sunglasses we'd gladly put on repeat right now.
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H&M Patterned Wrap Dress [29] (£12, originally £20)