The Princess of Wales is known to re-wear her clothes, but her subtly tweaked designs are what prove the versatility of her wardrobe. In 2019, Prince William's wife, 44, proved just that as she stepped out solo for the National Portrait Gallery Gala, which was also attended by Princess Beatrice and David and Victoria Beckham.
She wore a black floral gown by Alexander McQueen featuring a tiered design and a full skirt. The bodice featured a square neckline and capped sleeves, having been adapted from a previous outing.
Kate's subtle tweak
© Getty ImagesIn 2017, Kate wore the same dress at the BAFTA Awards. However, for the red carpet outing, the bodice featured a more daring off-the-shoulder neckline. Unlike the National Portrait Gallery Gala, the royal wore her hair up in a bouffant style to accentuate the neck-baring cut.
© GettyAs far as her accessories, the National Portrait Gallery called for Kiki McDonough morganite earrings and a black satin clutch, while the BAFTAs was all about an even larger pair of earrings and a box clutch featuring gold hardware.
Why is Kate's subtle tweak significant?
© GettyIt's a subtle tweak that made a big impact on fashion stylist Leanne Jones, who trained at the London College of Style.
"In an era that calls for greater fashion responsibility, it’s really encouraging to see high-profile style icons like Kate adapting garments to suit their shape and style. The alteration to this dress, creating a more covered silhouette with a higher neckline and cap sleeves, is a thoughtful evolution," Leanne tells us.
© Getty Images"Kate's approach offers a persuasive alternative in tailoring that respects the original design while reflecting the woman she is now, with a modest décolletage and sleeves that acknowledge her seniority and role."
Has Kate tweaked her outfits before?
© Samir Hussein/WireImageThe fashion stylist also highlights that this isn't new territory for Kate. "We've seen her alter clothes before – adding heavier fabric to the sleeves of an Emilia Wickstead tartan dress and extending the sleeves of an Alexander McQueen gown for the 2020 BAFTAs.
Some women alter garments in the opposite direction, but the point is empowerment, and here, Kate is giving a masterclass in how to adapt fashion to fit mood, occasion, and body."
© Getty ImagesKate's Emilia Wickstead dress that Leanne points out is a great example of the royal's use of alteration to make a dress more timeless – and more royal – in aesthetic. In 2019, she joined senior members of the royal family at Buckingham Palace for a pre-Christmas lunch.
© Emilia WicksteadHer red tartan dress featured a white collar and, originally, oversized sheer sleeves. The then-Duchess of Cambridge had the sleeves removed and swapped for slim-fitting ones in the same fabric as the dress to create a more streamlined look.
