The Princess of Wales has worn several fabulous dresses over the course of her royal years, but a certain dress from 2020 set her style agenda for years to come. At the age of 38, Kate was pictured at Buckingham Palace alongside Prince William as the couple met with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Olena.
For the diplomatic meeting, Kate, now 44, wore a beautiful cornflower blue midi dress by Emilia Wickstead. The knee-skimming style featured a built-in belt around the waist in the same fabric as the dress to create a cinched effect without causing visual distraction, as well as a V-shaped neckline and long sleeves.
© Getty ImagesKate's agenda-setting look
The classically elegant A-line number was paired with nude suede heels, as well as matching diamond and sapphire earrings and a pendant necklace that are believed to be gifts from her husband.
© Getty ImagesKate entered her forties two years after stepping out in her beautiful belted dress at Buckingham Palace, and it seems the fashion moment defined her decade to come – and for good reason. "As a senior royal, Kate's public-facing position calls for a style that balances sophistication with warmth. She needs to convey gentle authority while still reflecting her natural empathy and passion," fashion stylist Sian Clarke of Styled by Sian tells us.
Why does Kate favour a belted dress?
"The addition of a matching belt is especially powerful. In her role, outfits can't appear unfinished or overly relaxed – every detail matters. A belt not only introduces soft femininity and shape, but also brings cohesion to the overall look. It subtly elevates the outfit, enhancing rather than overpowering it, and ensures the final result feels complete and refined."
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesThere's a reason, Sian said, that Kate took this style of dress into her forties. "Style often evolves as we grow into new chapters of life, and belted dresses strike exactly the right note for Kate at this stage," the stylist explains. "They communicate confidence, timelessness, and modern elegance. She stands out but always for the right reasons."
Since turning the big 4-0 in 2022, the royal has worn several dresses featuring a waist-defining cut – and we are huge fans. Keep scrolling to see our top picks…
October 2022
© Getty ImagesOn 5 October 2022, Kate visited the Royal Surrey County Hospital's maternity unit in Guildford. For the outing, she donned a beautiful mustard (a colour she rarely wears) belted dress by premium high street hero, Karen Millen. The pleated number was paired with navy pumps and a clutch to match.
May 2022
© GettyOn 4 May 2022, the royal paid the Design Museum a visit to present the Queen Elizabeth II Award to an emerging designer for British Design at an event hosted by the British Fashion Council. She looked suitably fashionable herself, rocking a teal Edeline Lee piece with a gold-accented belt to match her statement earrings.
June 2023
© GettyOn 28 June 2023, the princess officially opened the Young V&A branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Here, she chose a soft pink floaty number by Alessandra Rich with capped sleeves and a Mandarin collar.
July 2025
© CameraSport via Getty ImagesA day at Wimbledon is the perfect opportunity to pull out a classic, structured Self-Portrait dress, and Kate did just that in July 2025. While attending the Ladies' Singles Final match, Kate proved her sartorial prowess once and for all in this cream number featuring a pocket-adorned bodice and shin-skimming skirt.
