Why Kate Middleton’s Upcycled Style Tweaks Deliver a 'Great Message' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Kate Middletonis becoming increasingly savvy when it comes to reimagining her signature style.

While the royal is well-known for re-wearing pieces (herbeloved brown tassel bootsfrom Penelope Chilvers have been in her rotation for over 20 years!), her style team is getting creative when it comes to upcycling her more formal — and often costly — outfits.

“We’ve seen Kate upcycle more lately and I think it’s a great message to be sending, especially so soon after William’s Earthshot tour,” Bethan Holt, Fashion Director at theDaily Telegraph,tells PEOPLE after Kate perfected the chic tweak when she stepped out on Nov. 10 forRemembrance Sunday.

At first glance, the sharp, military-inspired black coatdress—complete with a velvet bow at the collar and velvet-covered buttons — looked like a fresh addition to her wardrobe. But it was actually aCatherine Walker & Co.piece she had worn for the same occasion four years earlier, proving that timeless elegance is always in style.

Kate Middleton on Remembrance Sunday, 10th November, 2024.Press Association via AP Images

Press Association via AP Images

“I think she recognizes she has lots of beautiful pieces already in her wardrobe, which, with a few small tweaks, can look entirely new,” explains Holt, who has written extensively about Kate’s love of recycling in her book,The Duchess of Cambridge: A Decade of Modern Royal Style.

In fact, this marks the third time Kate has reimagined this outfit. Initially worn with tasseled epaulets on the shoulders in 2020 for her balcony appearance at the Cenotaph, she had the tassels removed for a second outing in September 2022, when she wore the same piece togreet Commonwealth troops at the Army Training Centre Pirbrightin the days leading up to Queen Elizabeth’s funeral.

This isn’t the first time Kate has expertly reworked a look. Earlier this year, shewowed at Trooping the Colourin a monochrome ensemble — upcycled from an outfit she had previously worn to meet the crowds ahead of the 2023 coronation.

Kate Middleton wearing the same Jenny Packham dress with alterations in both 2024 and 2013.Charles McQuillan/Getty; JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty

Charles McQuillan/Getty; JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty

“Hopefully, they integrate this into all their style decisions,” Holt says.

Kate Middleton in two versions of the same Alexander McQueen dress in 2017 and 2019.Karwai Tang/WireImage; Mark Cuthbert/UK Press/Getty

Karwai Tang/WireImage; Mark Cuthbert/UK Press/Getty

On Nov. 9 at theFestival of Remembrance, Kate made her first public appearance with the royal family since announcing the end of her chemotherapy treatment. She wore a black dress that bore a striking resemblance to the Alexander McQueen gown she had worn to the late Queen’s funeral in 2022. However, it remains unclear whether the original dress had been altered — though given the historic nature of the occasion, this seems unlikely — or if it was simply a similar piece from her wardrobe.

Kate Middleton at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on 9th November, 2024.Chris J. Ratcliffe - WPA Pool/Getty

Chris J. Ratcliffe - WPA Pool/Getty

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Either way, the sentiment was unmistakable in both her outfit and jewelry choices over the poignant weekend. On Saturday, Kate wore earrings that once belonged toPrincess Diana, and on Remembrance Sunday, she honored the late Queen with her choice of jewelry — making it clear that her tribute extended beyond just her reimagined wardrobe.

“I think Kate was showing remembrance on a wider level with her looks — not just those who lost their lives [in service], but there were nods to Queen Elizabeth and Diana, which gave her looks a very personal feel,” adds Holt.

source: people.com