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Kate Middleton has served us with some of the most fashionable and sophisticated outfits from the royal family in recent years. From her Alexander McQueen wedding gown to channeling Princess Diana more than once, it’s really no surprise that the Princess of Wales is always a best-dressed wedding guest. Though she's known to regularly wear Alexander McQueen, by creative director Sarah Burton, believe it or not, Kate has also worn more reasonably priced looks from brands like Topshop and Whistles.
If you're looking for a sophisticated and chic dress for your upcoming weddings, Kate is the one to turn to for inspiration. And what we love most about her looks is that she isn’t afraid to take risks. Whether it’s a bold pink hue or an elaborate fascinator, she is willing to step outside of the box and embrace her personal style.
Ahead, we’ve put together some of our favorite dresses inspired by her best wedding guest outfits. Scroll on for five of the Princess' best-dressed guest moments, and advice on how to channel the royal looks yourself.
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WPA POOL / POOL / GETTY IMAGES
Following Kate Middleton’s nuptials to Prince William, the Princess of Wales's sister, Pippa, had her moment at the alter in May of 2017. And to fulfill her sister-of-the-bride duties, Kate donned a custom-made dress by Sarah Burton. She paired the blush mid-length ensemble with Gianvito Rossi 105 pumps, in Praline suede, and a Jane Taylor hat.
Best Mini Option
Zimmermann Silk Wrap V Neck Mini Dress
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Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
Size: 2-10 | Materials: Silk | Length: Mini
To capture Kate’s soft and feminine aesthetic, shop this Zimmermann wrap dress. While the hemline falls at mid-thigh, the blush color and the banded sleeves make this look akin to Kate’s original bespoke piece.
Price at time of publish: $595
For a Formal Wedding
Lulus Blush Pink Dress
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Courtesy of Lulus
Size: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Length: Maxi
For a longer option, we are fans of this blush pink maxi dress. This is especially perfect for a maid-of-honor look, but can also be worn if you’re invited to a more formal wedding. Style with dangling earrings and a neutral heel à la Kate.
Price at time of publish: $72
Best Off-the-Shoulder
Ted Baker Edenio Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress
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Courtesy of Bloomingdales
Size: 2-12 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi
While this dress differs from Kate’s dress in many ways, the feminine and romantic style emulates her look perfectly. The off-the-shoulder neckline will elegantly show off your décolletage, plus the skirt has a bit of movement making for a younger look.
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MAX MUMBY/INDIGO / GETTY IMAGES
For Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's wedding in October of 2018, Kate opted for a more spirited ensemble compared to her past guest outfits. Here, she wears a raspberry-colored Alexander McQueen dress styled with a matching Philip Treacy fascinator. She then finished off the eye-catching look with velvet accessories and—most notably—the Queen’s Diamond Pendant.
Most On-Trend
Reformation Rita Dress
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Courtesy of Reformation
Size: XS-XL | Materials: Cotton, spandex | Length: Midi
Hot pink happens to be an especially popular color right now (thanks to the rise of Barbiecore) so this Reformation midi is Kate Middleton-approved and on-trend. Like Kate’s dress, this option features a puff sleeve and a high neckline.
Price at time of publish: $248
Best Silhouette
Aje Admiration Asymmetric Mini Dress
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Courtesy of Shopbop
Size: 4-16 | Materials: Linen, viscose, polyester, cotton | Length: Mini
For a more modern take on Kate’s pink moment, we love this asymmetrical mini dress from Aje. The subtle cutout and exaggerated puff sleeves make for a statement-making look, but the high-neckline and pleated skirt stay true to Kate’s style.
Price at time of publish: $425
For a Casual Event
J.Crew Sweetheart Long-Sleeve Mini Dress
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Courtesy of J.Crew
Size: 00-24 | Materials: Cotton, viscose | Length: Mini
If you’re attending a more casual wedding, but still want to pull inspiration from Middleton, this J.Crew dress is a fun choice. The puff shoulders mimic the silhouette of Kate's dress, but the sweetheart neckline and skater skirt make for a more casual take on the royal look.
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Max Mumby/Indigo / Getty Images
We already know Kate Middleton is a style icon amongst the royal family, so it’s no surprise that she sported several chic maternity dresses throughout her pregnancies. The most shocking part of this look, though, is that it’s actually completely affordable—the Princess's polka-dot maternity dress is from Topshop! Unfortunately, the mini is no longer available, but we found a few great alternatives we could see Kate loving.
For a Backyard Event
River Island Black Polka Dot Cut-Out Mini Dress
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Courtesy of River Island
Size: 6-18 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Mini
This mini dress keeps the same style as Kate’s look, but it also has a cutout on the back. To make the dress more ceremony-appropriate, style with a black blazer which can be taken off during the reception.
Price at time of publish: $71
Best Maternity Option
Hatch The Tori Wrap Dress
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Courtesy of Hatch
Size: 0-4 | Materials: Rayon, nylon | Length: Tea-length
Keeping with the maternity theme, this polka-dot dress from Hatch is just as comfortable as it is fashionable. Dress it up or down depending on the wedding dress code, and pair it with comfortable heels or wedges.
Best Embellishments
Saloni Jamie Short Dress
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Courtesy of Shopbop
Size: 0-14 | Materials: Silk, polyester | Length: Mini
While this is much more of a splurge than Kate’s dress—shockingly —it does put a fun twist on the more conservative look. No need for heavy accessories, the bead and crystal bows are the centerpiece of this mini masterpiece.
Price at time of publish: $650
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Samir Hussein / Getty Images
It really doesn’t get more regal than this coat dress Kate wore to a wedding in 2011, the same year she married Prince William. The sophisticated gold brocade dress is from DAY Birger et Mikkelsen, and was accessorized with a unique Gina Foster Millinery hat and LK Bennett Sledge heels.
Best Coat Dress
Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman Metallic Jacket Dress
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Courtesy of Bloomingdales
Size: 2-22 | Materials: Polyester, metallic | Length: Below the knee
If you like the idea of a coat dress, this option from Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman is an almost perfect dupe. While the buttons are concealed in the front, it instead features a dramatic bow tie waist making for a more youthful take on the formal dress.
Best Long-Sleeve Option
Kobi Halperin Leah A-Line Dress
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Courtesy of Bloomingdales
Size: XS-XXL | Materials: Silk, polyester | Length: Mini
Pulling from the gold brocade pattern aesthetic, we think this A-line mini is a fun take on the look. If you're hoping to keep things sophisticated, style the dress with nude heels and a simple clutch.
For a Black-Tie Wedding
Teri Jon by Rickie Freeman Metallic Jacquard A-Line Dress
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Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
Size: 2-18 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi
For a black-tie wedding, you can’t go wrong with this glamorous and elegant jacquard cocktail dress. While you won’t be upstaging the bride, you are sure to feel like royalty when you slip into this number.
Price at time of publish: $580
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Max Mumby/Indigo / Getty Images
If you’re in need of some coat inspiration for winter or early spring weddings, Kate has you covered. She wore this M Missoni coat to Lucy Meade and Charlie Budgett's nuptials in March of 2014. Under the coat, she sported a Whistles blue patterned dress and also accessorized with gold jewelry.
Best Tea-Length
Whistles Brushed Geo Dobby Dress
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Courtesy of Whistles
Size: 0-16 | Materials: Recycled polyester | Length: Midi
Taking inspiration from the blue color of Kate’s coat, this Whistles dress is perfect for a cocktail attire wedding. The brand is a favorite of the Princess, so we have a feeling this dress would get her seal of approval.
Price at time of publish: $359
Best Winter Coat
J.Crew Petite Wool-Blend Lady Coat
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Courtesy of J.Crew
Size: 0-24 | Materials: Wool, polyester | Length: Midi
As for what to wear on top, this J.Crew dress coat is certainly a winner. Try out a monochrome look with a matching dress or pair with a printed blue dress as Kate did.
Price at time of publish: $298
Best Tweed Option
Lulus Need for Tweed Navy Blue Multi Tweed Sleeveless Mini Dress
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Courtesy of Lulus
Size: XS-XL | Materials: Tweed | Length: Mini
For a laid-back summer wedding, embody Kate’s coat fabric with this tweed mini dress. You could even wear it for a bridal shower or rehearsal dinner if you are attending either event.
Price at time of publish: $85