The Duchess of Cambridge made it her duty to participate in London Fashion Week [1] when she hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace to showcase and promote a new initiative, the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange, alongside Sophie, Countess of Wessex. Kate hugged her growing belly [2] as she greeted fashion's elite, including Anna Wintour, Vogue editor Edward Enninful, and Stella McCartney. The duchess chose a gorgeous bespoke design by Erdem for the occasion, a variation of the label's Suzi dress [3] (£2,150).
Kate's look was extended to a midi silhouette with a fluted hem, which played up her suede Prada pumps with a laser effect. All she needed was her Anita Dongre pearl earrings [4] and sapphire engagement ring [5] to complete the sophisticated, feminine outfit. Read ahead to get inspired enough to do some shopping, then check out the Jenny Packham gown Kate wore to the BAFTAs [6], which is garnering plenty of buzz on its own.
The Original Erdem Suzi Dress
Erdem Suzi Dress in Floral Guipure Lace [7] (£2,150)
Club L Plus Collared Detailed Woven Shirt Dress With Crochet Detail
Club L Plus Collared Detailed Woven Shirt Dress With Crochet Detail [8] (£30, originally £55)
Paper Dolls Navy Crochet Lace Dress With Contrast Lining
Paper Dolls Navy Crochet Lace Dress With Contrast Lining [9] (£26, originally £60)
Self-Portrait Sweetheart Azaelea Crochet-lace Midi Dress
Self-Portrait Sweetheart Azaelea Crochet-lace Midi Dress [10] (£290)
Sandro Lace Panel Dress
Sandro Lace Panel Dress [11] (£267)
boohoo Plus Dahlia Crochet Lace Ruffle Detail Midi Dress
boohoo Plus Dahlia Crochet Lace Ruffle Detail Midi Dress [12] (£11, originally £28)
Self-Portrait Payne Cutout Minidress
Self-Portrait Payne Cutout Minidress [13] (£224, originally £320)
Alice + Olivia Debra Collared Lace-Guipure Tunic Dress
Alice + Olivia Debra Collared Lace-Guipure Tunic Dress [14] (£332)
Monique Lhuillier Guipure Lace Ribbon Dress
Monique Lhuillier Guipure Lace Ribbon Dress [15] (£3,069)
Self-Portrait Off-the-shoulder Wave Guipure Midi Dress
Self-Portrait Off-the-shoulder Wave Guipure Midi Dress [16] (£340)
Sachin + Babi Rose Embroidered Guipure Lace And Point D'esprit Midi Dress
Sachin + Babi Rose Embroidered Guipure Lace And Point D'esprit Midi Dress [17] (£358, originally £890)
Badgley Mischka Guipure Lace Dress
Badgley Mischka Guipure Lace Dress [18] (£208, originally £515)
Asos Lace Prom Skirt With Tulle Overlay
Asos Lace Prom Skirt With Tulle Overlay [19] (£10.50)