Kate Middleton's Plaid Outfits Over the Years Show How Much She's Evolved

published 7 December 2018

Kate Middleton's latest outfit this week for an engagement with William—the to-die-for Emily Wickstead plaid midi skirt and perfectly tailored Brora black button up cardigan—was perfect for the holidays. But, as it turns out, Princess Kate's love affair with plaid is actually long and well-documented.

Per People, Kate actually wore a similar red skirt with a black blazer and boots a decade ago, styled in almost exactly the same way. Kate loves plaid and has been steadily ramping up her strategic use of the classic, yet stylish pattern since then. Just take a look at some of her plaid outfits over the years (and shop similar pieces below).

MSGM Pleated Tartan Midi Skirt

Tommy Jeans Long Plaid Coat

Isabel Marant Ebra Wool Coat

Halogen Plaid Tweed Pencil Skirt

As seen from the snap above, where Kate's in a plaid skirt and on her phone (before she married William), the Duchess of Cambridge has come into her own style. From the way she holds her bag, to her posture, to the improvement of the fit and style of her outfits, she's really evolved. (I'm sure having a royal clothes budget helps.)

In 2012, Kate showed off this green and blue number at St. Andrew's Day at St. Andrew's School, which she actually attended as a child.

Sport venue, Games, Design, Stick and Ball Games, Recreation, Golf, Leg, Grass, Golf club, Sports equipment,

Kate loves a coat-dress—in this case, a navy and beige one she wore in 2013 to tour the Emirates Arena with William.

Plaid, Clothing, Tartan, Street fashion, Pattern, Fashion, Outerwear, Textile, Design, Coat,

Polished in navy and pink, Kate tours the National Football Stadium in Manchester in 2016.

Plaid, Clothing, Street fashion, Fashion, Pattern, Tartan, Outerwear, Fashion model, Design, Textile,

For Christmas 2017, Kate was full of holiday cheer (look at that hat!) for Christmas Day Church service at St. Mary Magdalene in red and green.

Plaid, Tartan, Clothing, Pattern, Textile, Design, Kilt, Street fashion, Plant, Sleeve,

Finally, last week's outfit

Plaid, Tartan, Clothing, Pattern, Fashion, Street fashion, Kilt, Textile, Fashion show, Design,

Now that's a plaid style evolution.

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Katherine’s a Boston-based contributor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle—from “Clueless” to Everlane to news about Lizzo. She’s been a freelancer for 11 years and has had roles with Cosmopolitan and Bustle, with bylines in Parents, Seventeen, and elsewhere. It’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.