15 Best Kate Middleton-Inspired Wedding Dresses
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Kate Middleton has given us some of the most elegant and sophisticated outfits from the royal family in recent years. From her Alexander McQueen wedding gown to directing Princess Diana more than once, it’s really no surprise that the Princess of Wales has always been the best wedding guest. Although she’s known for wearing Alexander McQueen regularly, by creative director Sarah Burton, believe it or not, Kate has also worn affordable looks from brands like Topshop and Whistles.
If you are looking for a classy and elegant dress for your upcoming wedding, Kate is the one you turn to for inspiration. What we love most about her looks is that she’s not afraid to take risks. Whether it’s a bold pink or an understated glamor, she’s ready to go out of the box and embrace her personal style.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite dresses inspired by the best wedding guest outfits. Scroll through for five of the princess’s cutest guest moments, and ask how to channel the royal look yourself.
WPA POOL / POOL / GETTY IMAGES. WPA pool / pool / Getty Images
After Kate Middleton married Prince William, the sister of the Princess of Wales, Pippa, had a moment of change in May of 2017. To fulfill the duties of a sister-in-law, Kate wore a dress designed by Sarah Burton. . She paired the blush midi ensemble with Gianvito Rossi 105 shoes, a Praline suede, and a hat by Jane Taylor.
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Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
Size: 2-10 | Materials: silk | Length: mini
To capture Kate’s soft and feminine aesthetic, shop this wrap dress from Zimmermann. While the hemline falls mid-thigh, the red color and the banded sleeves make this look more like Kate’s original bespoke piece.
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Courtesy of Lulus
Size: XXS-XL | Materials: polyester | Length: maxi
For a longer option, we’re fans of this blush pink maxi dress. This is especially perfect for a maid of honor look, but can also be worn if you have been invited to a more formal wedding. Elegance with drop earrings and neutral heels à la Kate.
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Courtesy of Bloomingdales
Size: 2-12 | Materials: polyester | Length: midi
While this dress differs from Kate’s in many ways, the feminine and romantic style perfectly mimics her look. An off-the-shoulder neckline will elegantly show off your chest, plus the skirt has a bit of movement for a younger look.
Max Mumbe / Indigo / Getty Images
For Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s wedding in October 2018, Kate opted for a more vibrant look compared to the outfits of her previous guests. Here, she’s wearing a raspberry-colored Alexander McQueen dress adorned with a Philip Treacy glamorous cut-out. She then finished off the striking look with velvet accessories and – most notably – the Queen’s diamond necklace.
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Courtesy of repair
Size: XS-XL | Materials: Cotton and Spandex | Length: midi
Hot pink happens to be a particularly popular color right now (thanks to the rise of Barbiecore), so this Kate Middleton-approved midi fix is on-trend. Like Kate’s dress, this option features puffed sleeves and a high neckline.
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Courtesy of Shoppop
Size: 4-16 | Materials: Linen, viscose, polyester, cotton | Length: mini
For a more modern take on Kate’s pink moment, we’re loving this asymmetric mini dress from Aje. A subtle slit and exaggerated puffed sleeves make the look stand out, but the high neckline and pleated skirt remain true to Kate’s style.
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Courtesy of J. Crowe
Size: 00-24 | Materials: Cotton, viscose | Length: mini
If you’re attending a casual wedding, but still want to take inspiration from Middleton, then this J.Crew dress is a fun choice. The puffed shoulders mimic the silhouette of Kate’s dress, but the sweetheart neckline and skater skirt make for a more casual look at the royal look.
Max Mumbe / Indigo / Getty Images
We already know that Kate Middleton is a style icon among the royal family, so it’s no surprise that she’s worn many elegant maternity dresses throughout her pregnancy. But the most shocking part about this look is that it’s actually quite affordable – Topshop’s Princess Spotted Maternity Dress! Unfortunately the mini is no longer available, but we’ve found some great alternatives where we can see the loving Kate.
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Courtesy of River Island
Size: 6-18 | Materials: polyester | Length: mini
This mini dress maintains the same style as Kate’s look, but also has a slit in the back. To make the dress more fit for the party, wear it with a black jacket that can be taken off during the reception.
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Courtesy of Hatch
Size: 0-4 | Materials: rayon nylon | Length: tea length
In keeping with the maternity theme, this polka dot dress from Hatch is as comfortable as it is trendy. Dress it up or down according to the rules of a wedding dress, and pair it with comfortable heels or wedges.
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Courtesy of Shoppop
Size: 0-14 | Materials: silk, polyester | Length: mini
While this is more ostentatious than Kate’s dress – shockingly – it adds a playful touch to the more conservative look. No heavy accessories needed, crystal beads and bows are the centerpiece of this little masterpiece.
Samir Hussain / Getty Images
It really doesn’t get more royal than this poncho dress that Kate wore to her wedding in 2011, the same year she married Prince William. A sophisticated gold brocade dress from DAY Birger et Mikkelsen was embellished with a unique Gina Foster Millinery hat and LK Bennett Sledge shoes.
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Courtesy of Bloomingdales
Size: 2-22 | Materials: Metallic polyester | Length: below the knee
If you love the idea of a coat dress, this option from Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman is an almost perfect trick. While the buttons are hidden in the front, it instead features a sexy tie waist making it more youthful in a formal dress.
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Courtesy of Bloomingdales
Size: XS-XXL | Materials: silk and polyester | Length: mini
Pulling off the gold brocade style aesthetic, we think this mini A-line is a joy to look at. If you want to keep the elegance, wear the dress with nude heels and a simple clutch.
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Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
Size: 2-18 | Materials: polyester | Length: midi
For a black-tie wedding, you can’t go wrong with this charming and elegant jacquard cocktail dress. Although you wouldn’t give up on the bride, you’re sure to feel like royalty when you slip into this number.
Max Mumbe / Indigo / Getty Images
If you need some poncho inspiration for winter weddings or early spring, Kate has you covered. She wore this M Missoni coat at Lucy Meade and Charlie Budgett’s wedding in March 2014. Under the coat, she wore a blue plaid Whistles dress and also accessorized with gold jewelry.
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Courtesy of whistles
Size: 0-16 | Materials: recycled polyester | Length: midi
Inspired by the blue of Kate’s coat, this Whistles dress is perfect for a cocktail dress wedding. The brand is a princess favorite, so we have a feeling this dress will get her seal of approval.
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Courtesy of J. Crowe
Size: 0-24 | Materials: wool, polyester | Length: midi
As for what to wear on top, this J.Crew dress coat is definitely a winner. Try a monochromatic look with a matching dress or pair with a blue printed dress as Kate did.
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Courtesy of Lulus
Size: XS-XL | Materials: Tweed | Length: mini
For a relaxed summer wedding, capture the texture of Kate’s coat in this tweed mini dress. You can even wear it to the bridal shower or rehearsal dinner if you attend either event.