The Princess of Wales has access to countless designers eager to see their creations showcased on a global stage.
However, rather than constantly adding new pieces to her wardrobe, Kate frequently rewears and refreshes her existing outfits.
One standout example is her 18-year-old Ralph Lauren jacket, first worn in 2007 and recently revived with a contemporary twist.
The Princess has increasingly reimagined her looks with subtle yet impactful adjustments – whether adding a bow to a neckline, changing buttons or incorporating sleeves.
Below, we take a closer look at some of Kate’s most memorable and stylish upcycled fashion moments.
Ralph Lauren tweed jacket – worn in 2025 and 2007
In February, Kate delighted royal fans by rewearing her classic Ralph Lauren jacket during a visit to the Meadow Street Community Garden in Treforrest.
She debuted the fitted tweed piece at the Cheltenham Festival in 2007, pairing it with a coordinating mid-length khaki skirt.
This time, she gave the jacket a fresh update, styling it with a Gucci tartan skirt and her go-to Gianvito Rossi boots.
During a visit to Meadow Street Community Garden and Woodland (right), Kate recycled her Ralph Lauren jacket from 2007
Whistles polka dot dress – worn in 2025 and 2018
In January, Kate proved her fashion prowess by subtly updating a familiar dress while visiting families affected by the Southport stabbing.
She re-wore her burgundy polka dot Whistles dress from 2018, adding a stylish twist by repurposing its detachable belt into an elegant bow at the neckline.
Kate completed the look with a coat by Alexander McQueen, an Emmy London clutch and Russell & Bromley suede heels.
Left: In January, Kate re-wore her burgundy polka dot Whistles dress from 2018, adding a stylish twist by repurposing its detachable belt into an elegant bow at the neckline
Zara houndstooth dress – worn in 2025, 2021 and 2020
For her visit to the Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales, Kate opted for a timeless high street piece – a Zara dress she debuted in 2020.
It marked the fourth occasion she had worn the houndstooth frock, featuring a demure pussy-bow neckline and a flowing mid-length skirt.
To stay warm, she layered it under a bespoke coat by Savile Row menswear tailor Chris Kerr, completing the look with Russell & Bromley heels.
Left: For her visit to the Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice in January, Kate opted for a timeless high street piece – a Zara dress she debuted in 2020
Alexander McQueen double-breasted coat – worn in 2025, 2024, 2022 and 2020
A firm favourite in her wardrobe, Kate has worn her striking red Alexander McQueen coat five times, most recently while visiting Wales.
However, its most memorable appearance was at the 2024 Together at Christmas carol service, when she gave the festive look a new spin by adding a new black velvet bow from Jigsaw.
She completed the outfit with her pleated tartan skirt by Emilia Wickstead and Ralph Lauren suede knee-high boots, effortlessly blending elegance with sustainability.
A firm favourite in her wardrobe, Kate has worn her striking red Alexander McQueen coat five times, most recently while visiting Wales (left)
Jenny Packham pencil dress – worn in 2024 and 2023
For the 2024 Trooping the Colour, Kate chose a polished white dress by Jenny Packham, which she previously wore to meet well-wishers on The Mall ahead of King Charles’ coronation.
This time, Kate refashioned the fitted knee-length frock with a striped waist trim and a striking bow added to the neckline, making it an eco-friendly choice for the Princess.
She accessorised with an off-the-peg Philip Treacy hat and simple Jimmy Choo court shoes.
For the 2024 Trooping the Colour (left), Kate chose a polished white dress by Jenny Packham, which she previously wore to meet well-wishers on The Mall ahead of King Charles’ coronation
Catherine Walker military-inspired coat – worn in 2024 and 2020
Attending the Remembrance Sunday service at The Cenotaph in 2024, Kate cut a sombre figure in her military-inspired coat by Catherine Walker, a re-wear from 2020.
Kate updated the look by removing the shoulder fringing, changing the buttons and adding a velvet bow to the neckline.
The silhouette, mandarin collar, epaulettes and waist tabs remained unaltered.
The Princess topped her all-black look with a Juliette Botterill flower and feather teardrop hat.
Attending the Remembrance Sunday service at The Cenotaph in 2024 (left), Kate cut a sombre figure in her military-inspired coat by Catherine Walker, a re-wear from 2020
Elie Saab co-ord – worn in 2023 and 2019
Kate exuded grace at a 2023 Buckingham Palace Garden Party, wearing an Elie Saab two-piece.
Inspired by the Lebanese label’s resort 2019 collection, the look comprised an elegant pussybow blouse and dobby tulle skirt, created in an exquisite powder blue hue.
She debuted the ensemble at Royal Ascot in 2019 with identical accessories: a Philip Treacy hat, Gianvito Rossi heels and Kiki McDonough earrings (although the last-mentioned were a different version this time).
Kate exuded grace at a 2023 Buckingham Palace Garden Party, wearing an Elie Saab two-piece (left). She debuted the ensemble at Royal Ascot in 2019
Alexander McQueen one-shoulder gown – worn in 2023 and 2019
In February 2023, the Princess of Wales gave her Alexander McQueen one-shoulder white dress a fresh twist at the Bafta Awards.
She debuted the ethereal gown, with its original ruffled shoulder, at the same event in 2019.
Kate accessorised her revamped gown with Cornelia James ‘Melissa’ black velvet opera gloves and striking rose gold floral earrings from Zara.
In 2023, the Princess of Wales gave her Alexander McQueen white one-shoulder dress a fresh twist at the Bafta Awards (left). She debuted the ethereal gown, with its original ruffled shoulder, at the same event in 2019
Catherine Walker houndstooth coat – worn in 2023 and 2018
For a rugby match in February 2023, Kate opted for a striking houndstooth coat by Catherine Walker, a piece she had previously worn in Stockholm in 2018 while pregnant with Prince Louis.
In its first outing, she accessorised with a burgundy Chanel bag and matching heels.
Five years later, she revamped the look by layering the coat over a black ensemble and carrying a contrasting white Mulberry bag.
While attending a rugby match in February 2023, Kate opted for a houndstooth coat by Catherine Walker, previously worn in Stockholm in January 2018
Roland Mouret trouser suit – worn in 2023 and 2022
In November 2023, Kate oozed sophistication in a maroon Roland Mouret trouser suit at the reception for her inaugural Shaping Us National Symposium.
The tailored two-piece had already made multiple appearances, including her 2022 visit to Boston, where she teamed it with a pussybow blouse.
The 70s-inspired ensemble received global praise, particularly when she coordinated with Prince William, who wore a matching burgundy jumper.
Kate’s Roland Mouret suit has made multiple appearances, including her 2022 visit to Boston, where she teamed it with a pussybow blouse
Alexander McQueen pleated dress – worn in 2021 and 2011
Kate revisited her fashion archives for the 2021 Earthshot Prize Awards.
She recycled a lilac dress by Alexander McQueen, previously worn a decade earlier at a Bafta black-tie event in 2011.
Kate updated the dress with an embellished gold belt, narrower than the original, and styled her hair in glamorous loose waves.
Kate revisited her fashion archives for the 2021 Earthshot Prize Awards (left). She recycled a lilac dress by Alexander McQueen, previously worn a decade earlier at a Bafta black-tie event in 2011
Reiss double-breasted coat – worn in 2020, 2008 and 2001
During the 2020 royal tour of Ireland, Kate stepped out in a double-breasted Reiss coat that she had worn 12 years earlier.
For her previous outing, she paired the coat with tights and mid-rise boots, whereas the second time, she styled it with skinny jeans and heeled ankle boots.
Kate first wore the coat in 2001, before her engagement to Prince William, for a birthday dinner with her parents at Tom Aikens restaurant in London.
During the 2020 royal tour of Ireland (left) Kate stepped out in a double-breasted Reiss coat that she had worn 12 years earlier
Alexander McQueen embroidered dress – worn in 2020 and 2012
For the 2020 Bafas, Kate wore a modified version of her Alexander McQueen gown, which she had first worn eight years earlier.
The original sheer sleeves were updated with lining and a new gold boarder.
Kate introduced the dress in 2012 at an official dinner hosted by Malaysia’s Head of State during the Diamond Jubilee Tour of Malaysia.
For the 2020 Bafas (left), Kate wore a modified version of her Alexander McQueen gown, which she had first worn eight years earlier
Alexander McQueen floral jacquard dress – worn in 2019 and 2017
At the 2017 Baftas, Kate wowed in a bespoke version of Alexander McQueen’s floral jacquard dress from the resort 2016 collection.
The British fashion house tailored the gown to create a flattering off-shoulder neckline by modifying the bust and straps.
Two years later, Kate wore the same dress to a gala at the National Portrait Gallery, but this time it featured a new bodice with a square neckline and cap sleeves.
Left: In 2019, Kate wore her Alexander McQueen jacquard dress to a gala at the National Portrait Gallery, refashioned with a new bodice and short sleeves. Right: At the 2017 Baftas, Kate wowed in the original version, featuring an off-the-shoulder neckline
