The Duchess of Cambridge is known for her tendency to repeat outfits, earning her the nickname “thrifty Kate” in the tabloid press back in the day. Typically, the royal opts to space out her re-wears—rarely wearing the same look twice in the same calendar year. It’s a strategy that the Queen has long adopted, too, with her dresser Angela Kelly revealing that consideration is put into how regularly a piece is worn at high-profile events.
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This summer, though, the Duchess has noticeably re-worn her favorite summer looks within the space of a few months. First, it was the canary-yellow dress by Roksanda that she first wore for the royal tour of Jamaica earlier this year, which she brought back out in Wimbledon in July. Then, there was the polka-dot number by Alessandra Rich that she opted for at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June, which she re-wore a month later again at Wimbledon. Meanwhile, a sharp white suit by Alexander McQueen is fast becoming a new favorite, with the Duchess wearing it three times already this year, most recently at the Commonwealth Games.
While rotating pieces in your own wardrobe is completely normal for the majority of us, the scrutiny that the Duchess’s looks come under makes us think that re-wearing looks in quick succession is a deliberate choice on her part. It’s actually a throwback to her early days as a royal, when she would be seen in the same dress just weeks apart, as well as key accessories, such as her Jimmy Choo Romy heels.
With the Duchess also incorporating more vintage into her wardrobe of late, re-wearing looks more regularly is another way the royal is highlighting the importance of sustainable fashion and wearing what you already own. For someone as high-profile as Kate, it’s refreshingly relatable.
