Princess Kate's 'fairytale' mini dress was her most coquettish look to date


The Princess of Wales always adheres to the royal style rules of respectable hemlines, but pushed the boundaries in 2011…


Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales attends the Anzac Day Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey on April 25, 2026 in London, England. © Getty Images
Laura Sutcliffe
Laura SutcliffeFashion and Beauty News Editor
12 hours ago
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We love watching how the Princess of Wales' style has evolved through time. From her preppy ensembles at university, where she first met future husband Prince William, to her Jenny Packham Bond girl red carpet dress, her timeless style is loved and celebrated by many.

It's also a nostalgic treat to delve into her outfits from her early royal days. In 2011, Kate was the unofficial high street queen, enjoying Topshop, Zara, and L.K. Bennett, to name a few.

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales attends the Royal Variety Performance at Royal Albert Hall on November 19, 2025 in London, England. © Samir Hussein/WireImage
Kate's style has evolved over the years
Catherine in white dress and taupe hat at races© Getty

Kate's Reiss dress had a flirty hemline

In June 2011, just two months after her wedding, Kate looked ethereal in a white outfit from Reiss for a joyous day at Epsom.

 Prince William and Prince Harry in races suits and Catherine in white mini dress© Getty Images

Kate added a jacket by Joseph and heels by L.K. Bennett

Kate wore the brand's 'Peacock' dress, which was designed with a full chiffon skirt and lace panels. She paired the Carrie Bradshaw-esque look with a tweed 'Nessie' jacket by Joseph. 

Recommended videoYou may also likeWATCH: Princess Kate's best outfits over the past ten years
Prince Harry and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend Derby Day during the Investec Derby Festival at Epsom racecourse on June 4, 2011 in Epsom, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)© Getty Images

The royal's dress had a 'fairytale' feel

The tailored style had a Chanel feel, and she topped off the look with an L.K. Bennett clutch and heels. Unsurprisingly, the dress quickly sold out after the royal was pictured in it, and it's easy to see why. The dress had a dreamy, ethereal opaque finish, which felt undeniably romantic. It's worth noting that the hemline was flared and shorter than what she would wear today. Playful and slightly coquettish without appearing racy, it epitomised her look at the time.

The 'Kate effect' explained

Newlyweds William and Kate wave on the balcony at Buckingham Palace © Getty Images

Kate's styled is adored by many

"The moment Kate started dating Prince William, the nation was transfixed. It was a true fairytale moment; a 'commoner' marrying a Prince," royal fashion expert Miranda Holder previously told Best Quality Designer Handbag . 

The Princess of Wales in navy and white coat dress© Getty Images

Kate's fashion "has us hooked"

Kate's enduring love story with the future King instantly positioned her as a relatable figure - her fashion being the easiest element of the royal to replicate. "Women around the world wanted to be Kate, and in the early days when Kate mostly favoured high street brands, her fans were able to emulate her, even if it was just a token nod," Miranda noted. 

"She manages to tread that awkward line between fashion and the restrictive etiquette limitations of the working royal perfectly - and all this makes utterly compelling viewing, keeping us hooked."

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