Princess Kate nailed Olympic figure skating style in sparkly dress

Costumes are expertly handcrafted so they are both dignified and practical, as a loose sequin could cause a major disruption if it falls onto the slippery surface during performances, which is why they are also often reinforced with heavy mesh, too.

That being said, there is just something so aesthetic about ice skating costumes. With that in mind, we think the Princess of Wales has often embraced the kaleidoscope of sequins that belong at the skating championships. Although Kate is known as a 'classic' dresser, favouring timeless pieces like blazers, suits, A-line dresses, and chic knits, she occasionally enjoys donning sparkly items, often in the form of a sequin dress. 

As a fashion editor who has been writing about royal style for over eight years, I think the most show-stopping sequin dress Kate has ever worn that adheres to the figure skating aesthetic is one she donned back in 2011. 

Then known as the Duchess of Cambridge, she joined Prince William at the ARK Gala dinner, wearing this sugary pink, iridescent gown by Jenny Packham. This was a defining fashion moment as it was the first time the royal had worn a gown by the British fashion designer, who she has since gone on to wear consistently during her royal career.

The dress was from the brand's Spring 2011 Ready to Wear collection and featured pearlescent rose Swarovski crystals, sewn onto a mesh overlay. Kate kept this special dress in her closet and rewore it a few years later in 2016, at a fundraising gala at Houghton Hall.

Although admittedly it is a little longer than what British Champions Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson may wear, the sparkling, shining myriad of metallic detail is a style that would illuminate on the ice in the world of competitive skating.