Intense preparation goes into every royal outfit worn by Kate Middleton, with practical considerations high on the agenda—hemlines are reportedly weighted to guard against rogue gusts of wind, and fabrics must be immune to wrinkling. Perfect proportions and an exacting fit are also key, and she has a trusted shortcut when it comes to achieving tailored polish: a 2-in-1 dress.
Today, the Princess of Wales attended the re-opening ceremony of the National Portrait Gallery following a three-year refurbishment. The princess opted for a timeless, elegant look: a monochrome Self-Portrait dress which she teamed with a Chanel black quilted clutch bag, pearl earrings and her much-loved black heels by Aquazzura.
At first glance it looks like the princess is wearing a tailored bouclé tweed jacket over a white chiffon pleated midi skirt, but her outfit is a dress, rather than separates. The jacket element has a slight peplum effect and a belted waist, which flows perfectly into the pleated midi skirt. The result is streamlined and polished.
The princess is a fan of Self-Portrait’s 2-in-1 dresses, and has worn several iterations of the style throughout her royal life. She recently wore a jacket-and-skirt dress hybrid to the Platinum Jubilee concert in June 2022—an outfit she had previously worn to host a reception in September 2021, for her Hold Still photography project.
She also owns the black version of this style, which she wore to the Festival of Remembrance in 2022. The princess clearly favors the smart silhouette of a belted jacket—the 41-year-old has also worn Self-Portrait’s fitted blazers without the built-in skirts.
Kate Middleton frequently turns to the mid-range London-based brand, founded by the Malaysian designer Han Chong, for her public appearances. Significant choices include the blue cocktail dress by the brand she wore for a reception at Buckingham Palace during King Charles III’s Coronation, and for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend.
