April 29 2026 marks 15 years since 29-year-old Kate Middleton became an official member of the British royal family. She walked into Westminster Abbey in her Alexander McQueen gown ‘a commoner’ and came out a Princess.
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Since then, much has changed. King Charles is now on the throne, the nation and the world has been through seismic era-defining events, while closer to home the now Princess of Wales has become a mother of three after giving birth in 2013, 2015 and 2018, as well as undergoing her a battle with cancer. She has moved on from a 29-year-old girlfriend of the second in line to the throne to now, at 44, one of the country’s most loved public figures and an important component of The Firm.
AARON CHOWN
Over the course of the last 15 years, Catherine has emerged as one of Britain’s most important dressers. As to be expected, she’s moved on from what she wore in her early royal years to something more discerning, speaking to her own maturity and her growing confidence as a Queen In Waiting.
Samir Hussein
The change has been slow and quiet, with no jolting sartorial moves. Instead, a concerted effort to move both with the changing seasonal trends but also her own growing confidence and understand of what works for her when in the public eye.
Here, the seven significant fashion changes that have marked Catherine, Princess of Wales’ sartorial evolution in her first 15 years as a Windsor.
Then: Nude Platform Court Shoes
Now: 105mm Coordinating Pointed Pumps
If the young Duchess of Cambridge was known for one piece of clothing, it was her nude LK Bennett pumps. The platformed glossy patent shoe was her go-to choice for her first few years in the public eye and were as representative of the era as her place in the spotlight. The silhouette was routinely worn by young British women for formal occasions (inclusive of university club nights), while the nude shade offered a demure finishing touch. Today, Catherine favours a very high pointed suede shoe that often matches her clothing to finish the look with exacting matchy-matchiness, always wearing the sky-high pitch with an enviable ease.
Gianvito Rossi 105 Suede Pumps
Then: A-Line Dresses
Now: Contemporary Tailoring
The Princess of Wales has swapped out the A-line dresses that once dominated in favour of more tailored pieces that present a more streamlined silhouette. Be it classic suiting or stately coat dresses, Catherine has cut out the noise to simplify with a new sense of minimalism that wasn’t so plain to see before. The result is one that is more akin to a business dress than the more typical Princess-like dresses she wore for daytime events in the 2010s.
Danny Martindale
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M&S Single-Breasted Blazer
Then: Short Skirts
Now: Longer Lengths
Another change that hints at a growing maturity is Catherine’s choice to lower hemlines. When she first married into the royal family, Catherine would often wear skirts and dresses that fell above the knee but she has instead swapped them for mid-lengths that fall to just north of the ankle. The resulting look is not only one that appears more modest, but also speaks to the general vogue for the in-between length.
Karwai Tang
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Emilia Wickstead Seema Dress
Then: Clutch Bags
Now: Top-Handle Bags
The Princess of Wales still uses her clutch bags, but there’s a new shape that’s vying for the place as her wardrobe’s most-worn: top-handle bags. Catherine’s update again feels more true to wider fashion trends, while still remaining royal walkabout-appropriate. Her favourites include Chanel, but also more modestly priced options from newer brands like De Mellier.
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DeMellier The Nano Montreal
Then: Blue Skinny Jeans
Now: Khaki Skinny Cargo Pants
Like many of her millennial peers, Catherine can’t let the skinny trouser silhouette go, especially when it comes to pairs for more relaxed or active pursuits. Where once she would pair espadrille wedges with blue skinny jeans, Catherine now chooses khaki cargo pants instead. They feel more modern, but also more in-keeping with her surrounds and pair well with her favourite hiking boots.
Pascal Le Segretain
Samir Hussein
Then: Fascinators
Now: Impressive Hats
What separates the Princess of Wales sartorially from other women her age is the regular need for a hat. While some might opt in for Royal Ascot or a particularly fancy wedding, there’s rarely an opportunity that actually requires one. Catherine has embraced this need by saying ‘goodbye’ to the dated fascinators she once clipped into her bouncy blow dry and replaced them with a variety of hat shapes that speak to her feeling more comfortable in the piece. From wide-brim to pillbox to those decorated with bows, flowers or frills, Catherine has become an important millinery presence.
Max Mumby/Indigo
Max Mumby/Indigo
Jane Taylor London Selene Wool Felt Cocktail Hat in Peacock
Then: Middleton Family Diamonds
Now: The Royal Family Heirlooms
The Princess of Wales arrived at her wedding in 2011 wearing Queen Elizabeth II’s Cartier Halo tiara but also a pair of earrings from her parents. Since then, she has further embraced the Royal Jewellery Box (who wouldn’t?), regularly wearing pieces that have been worn by her husband’s ancestors for hundreds of years. Be it Diana, Princess of Wales’ penchant for a sapphire or Queen Elizabeth’s pearls, the Princess has become a loyal enthusiast for the family sparkle.
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Wave Antiques Sapphire And Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings
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Naomi Pike is the commissioning editor at ELLE UK. Her expansive role moves between editing the front of book, covering runway fashion and cultural trends, writing cover stories and well features, as well as commissioning best-in-class contributors. An experienced host, Naomi regularly chairs ELLE’s panels and reader events as well as interviewing talent on camera. Naomi started her career at British Vogue and has since written through her freelance career for The Guardian, The CUT, American Vogue, The Daily Telegraph, Porter, and The Sunday Times STYLE. Follow her on Instagram at @naomialexandrapike