7 Style Swaps That Transformed the Princess of Wales from a New Duchess to a Confident Queen
Completed 15 years at the age of 29 on 29 April 2026 kate middleton Became an official member of the British royal family. She went into Westminster Abbey in her ‘A Common’ Alexander McQueen gown and came out looking like a princess.
Since then, a lot has changed. With King Charles now on the throne, the country and the world are going through seismic era-defining events, while closer to home the Princess of Wales is now the mother of three children after giving birth in 2013, 2015 and 2018, while also battling cancer. At 44, she has gone from being the 29-year-old girlfriend of the second in line to the throne to one of the country’s best-loved public figures and a vital component of the company.
Over the past 15 years, Catherine has emerged as Britain’s foremost dresser. As expected, she has moved on from what she wore in her early royal years to something more sensible, reflecting her own maturity and her growing confidence as Queen in Waiting.
The change has been slow and quiet, without any jarring weariness. Instead, a concerted effort to move forward with changing seasonal trends as well as her own growing confidence and understanding of what works for her in the public eye.
Here, a look at seven significant changes in fashion that have marked the sartorial evolution of Catherine of Wales, Princess of Wales, in her first 15 years as Duchess of Windsor.
Then: Nude Platform Court Shoes
Now: 105mm coordinated spike pump
If there was one piece of clothing the young Duchess of Cambridge was known for, it was her nude LK Bennett pumps. The shiny patent shoe with a platform was her favorite choice for her first few years in the public eye and was representative of the era as a result of her place in the spotlight. The silhouette was regularly worn by young British women for formal occasions (including university club nights), while the nude silhouette provided a gentle finishing touch. Today, Catherine prefers very high-pointed suede shoes that often match her clothes, to complete her look with perfect maturity, always wearing the sky-high heels with an enviable ease.
Then: A-Line Dresses
Now: Contemporary Tailoring
The Princess of Wales has ditched the A-line dresses she once favored in favor of more tailored dresses that present a more streamlined silhouette. Whether it’s classic suiting or a luxurious coat dress, Catherine has cut through the noise to simplify with a new sense of minimalism that never looked so simple before. The result is one that is more akin to a business attire than the more typical princess-like dresses worn for daytime events in the 2010s.
Again: short skirt
Now: Long Length
Another change that signals growing maturity is Katherine’s choice to lower the hemline. When Catherine first married into the royal family, she often wore skirts and dresses above the knee, but she changed them to mid-length ones that fell just north of the ankle. The resulting look is not only one that looks more modest, but also reflects the general vogue for mid-lengths.
Then: clutch bag
Now: Top-Handle Bag
The Princess of Wales still uses her clutch bags, but there’s a new shape that’s vying for the spot as the most-worn bag in her wardrobe: the top-handle bag. Catherine’s update again feels more true to broader fashion trends, while still being royal walkabout-appropriate. Her favorites also include the channel More Moderately Priced Options like from new brands de melier.
Then: blue skinny jeans
Now: Khaki Skinny Cargo Pants
Like many of her millennial peers, Katherine can’t let go of the skinny trouser silhouette, especially when it comes to pairs for more leisure or active activities. Where she once wore espadrille wedges with blue skinny jeans, Katherine now opts for khaki cargo pants instead. They feel more modern, but more in tune with her surroundings and match well with her favorite hiking shoes.
Then: charming
Now: Impressive Hats
What sets the Princess of Wales apart from other women of her age is her regular requirement of a hat. Although some people may opt for Royal Ascot or a particularly fancy wedding, there is rarely an occasion that really requires it. Katherine has adapted to this need by saying ‘goodbye’ to the old charms she once clipped into her bouncy blow dry and replacing them with a variety of hat shapes that this piece speaks to in order to make her feel more comfortable. From wide brims to pillboxes to those decorated with bows, flowers or fringes, catherine has become an important millinery presence.
Then: Middleton Family Diamonds
Now: Royal Family Legacies
The Princess of Wales arrived at her wedding in 2011 wearing Queen Elizabeth II’s Cartier Halo Tiara, as well as a pair of earrings she received from her parents. Since then, she has owned a royal jewelery box (who wouldn’t?), regularly wearing jewelery that has been worn by her husband’s ancestors for hundreds of years. Whether it’s Diana, Princess of Wales,’s penchant for sapphires or Queen Elizabeth’s pearls, the princess has become a loyal enthusiast of the family glamour.
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Naomi Pike is Commissioning Editor at ELLE UK. Her wide-ranging role moves between editing the book’s frontispiece, covering runway fashion and cultural trends, writing cover stories and featurettes, as well as hiring best-in-class contributors. An experienced host, Naomi regularly chairs ELLE’s panels and reader events as well as interviews talent on camera. Naomi began her career at British Vogue and has since written for The Guardian, The Cut, American Vogue, The Daily Telegraph, Porter and The Sunday Times Style during her freelance career. Follow her on Instagram @naomialexandrapike
