No one did party looks like the ladies of the noughties, and that includes Kate Middleton. The Princess of Wales, as she is known now, was spotted at the opening of The Shop at Bluebird, a since-shuttered shop on the King's Road in Chelsea, looking straight out of a rom-com in a pink outfit that we wouldn't find in her wardrobe for spring/summer 2026.
The then-girlfriend of Prince William, who was just 24 at the time, was the ultimate It-girl in a floral print slip dress featuring a V neckline, girly broderie anglaise hem and floral print. Over the top, she layered a pink cropped jacket with a frilly hem, which was buttoned up to create a cinched silhouette.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesHer accessories really elevated the noughties party girl aesthetic to the next level. She added a hot pink leather shoulder bag with tassel detailing, as well as cerise kitten heels with a buckle adorning the toe.
© Getty ImagesHer long brunette hair, which has certainly become part of Kate's signature look since marrying Prince William in 2011, looked entirely different as it featured choppy layers and a sweeping side fringe.
Kate's It-girl style of the 2000s
But Kate's floral lace-adorned slip dress, which has long been removed from her wardrobe, wasn't her only It-girl look of 2006. She also proved that her sartorial flair pre-dates her royal wedding when she stepped out at the Chakravarty Cup charity polo match at Ham Polo Club on 17 June.
© Getty ImagesFor this outing, she wore a gorgeous crimson hue in the form of a polka dot wrap dress made out of slinky jersey material. In classic 2000s style, she paired it with flower-adorned heeled wedges in the same bright colour, and a must for any cool girl of that era, tiny shades.
© UK Press via Getty ImagesKate also had a penchant for a halterneck sundress. This was plain to see on 15 July when she turned up at Tidworth Polo Club to cheer on Prince William in a shoulder-baring printed number with a bold print.
Royal style evolution
The royal's style has visibly evolved over time. This is seen acutely in the sundresses she wore last summer, including her look for the men's final of Wimbledon.
© GettyShe chose a timeless royal blue dress cut in the classic A-line shape by Roksanda. The bow-adorned piece featured a V-shaped neck, but gone were her hot pink heels and boho bag.
