Kate Middleton is the queen of the coat dress — here’s how you can get the look

The Princess of Wales returned to the spotlight in two familiar coat dress looks over the weekend

Kate Middleton wearing a coat dress
(Image credit: Getty Images)

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and the reaction to Kate Middleton’s back-to-back public appearances over the weekend has proved just that. The Princess, who has been dealing with ongoing cancer treatment, announced she would be making a gradual return to her Royal duties earlier this year.

Facing the spotlight (and the scrutiny that comes with it) after undergoing chemotherapy is no mean feat, so it’s easy to see why the Princess relied on tried-and-tested wardrobe staples.

On Saturday night, she attended the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance, a musical tribute to the Armed Forces of Britain and the Commonwealth, at London’s Royal Albert Hall. She wore what many suspect to be her Alexander McQueen box pleat coat dress — previously worn at the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II — with updated gold buttons.

Kate Middleton wearing a coat dress at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

On Sunday morning, she attended the annual National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. She opted to wear her black Catherine Walker military-inspired midi-coat, a piece she first wore for Remembrance Sunday in 2020 and again in 2022 during a visit to the Army Training Centre Pirbright. Once again, the buttons were updated (this time to black velvet) and she added a matching velvet bow to the coat’s collar.

Kate Middleton wearing a coat dress

(Image credit: Getty Images)

First things first — rewearing an outfit always scores major style points in our book. And customising clothes to give them a refresh? Even more chic sustainability points.

While both of Kate’s coat dresses are older and likely custom-made items, we’ve found some slick alternatives to help you nail the trend. Pair with low-denier tights and pointed-toe pumps for the ultimate homage.

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Rebecca Jane Hill
Freelance Fashion Editor And Stylist

Rebecca Jane Hill is a freelance fashion editor and stylist. She is the former fashion editor at Drapers, and has contributed to publications such as Elle, Refinery29, Stylist, Glamour, The Face, Dazed, Bricks, and Riposte. She has also worked with brands such as Dr Martens, Gucci and Calvin Klein across strategy, consultancy and creative direction.