It’s February, the month of love! As Valentine’s Day approaches, let’s celebrate by looking at some of Kate Middleton’s most romantic outfits!
From smouldering scarlet capes to sparkling sequin dresses. Floaty chiffon frocks to delicate lace numbers, these 15 outfits are the epitome of romantic elegance! Let’s begin with one of my all time favourites…
1. Soft Pink Ombre Gown by Gucci
I had to start the post with this look—a pink and cream floaty frock that looks good enough to eat! It’s by Gucci.
The then-Duchess wore the ombré gown to the 2019 100 Women in Finance gala dinner at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. She accessorised with a pair of glittery Oscar de la Renta pumps, a Prada clutch and a pair of Kiki McDonough morganite earrings.
2. Embroidered Ensemble by Temperley London
Next, this head-turning Temperley London look. Kate wore the matching maxi skirt and crop top during a visit to New Delhi in 2016.
She attended a special reception held in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday.
I just ADORE the semi-sheer flowing fabric and intricate embroidery. This is a look I’ve love to see her wear again one day.
She paired the dress with a black Prada handbag, a pair of black sandals (thought to be from Gianvito Rossi but not confirmed) and a pair of unidentified earrings that date back to at least 2007 (candid photos show Miss Middleton wearing them during a night out).
3. Shimmering Pink Gown by The Vampire’s Wife
I think we can all agree this is probably Kate’s most romantic look to date—a glittering hot pink gown with a floor-length skirt and flutter sleeves. It’s from cult favourite brand, The Vampire’s Wife.
It’s known as the ‘Light Sleeper’ dress in ruby pink. The Princess wore the sequinned garment during an evening reception in Belize in 2022.
She paired the gorgeous gown with gold earrings by O’Nitaa, a pair of Jimmy Choo mimi sandals in gold and finished the look with a clutch bag decorated with Maya embroidery. It was perfection.
Need this dress for an upcoming black tie event? It’s available at Net-A-Porter.com.
4. Soft Pink Crystal Studded Frock by Jenny Packham
This Jenny Packham gown was an obvious choice for my ‘romantic roundup.’ Pink, tulle, beads and sequins… ✅ It checks all the boxes.
Newlywed Kate caused such a buzz when she stepped onto the Ark Gala’s purple carpet wearing this pearlescent frock in 2011. She looked stunning with her glowing tan and immaculately coiffed hair. This look has remained a firm fan favourite ever since.
The Princess paired the gown with tonal accessories, selecting a pink Prada clutch and pink L.K. Bennett sandals with a bow. Her silver Links of London earrings provided a glamorous finishing touch.
5. Etherial Grecian Gown by Alexander McQueen
This was another standout look for the Princess that I just had to include in my romantic-roundup. An etherial dress by Alexander McQueen.
The designer finished the grecian one-shoulder gown with a floral appliqué. I’ve watched videos of Kate walking in the gown and the skirt moves beautifully, I think the floaty fabric, multiple layers and scalloped hem cause it to almost ~dance~ across the floor.
Kate wore it to the 2019 BAFTAs with glamorous accessories: Princess Diana’s diamond and pearl earrings and a pair of Jimmy Choo Romy 100 pumps in silver and dusk blue glitter. She also wore a diamond bracelet that once belonged to the Queen Mother and a satin clutch from Alexander McQueen.
In 2023, Kate reprised the gown for the same event, styling it with black opera gloves.
6. Rose Print Chiffon Dress by Kate Spade
I could have filled this article with gowns exclusively—the princess has worn so many beautiful designs over the last thirteen years. I thought it was time to sprinkle in a couple of other looks too. This Kate Spade piece immediately popped into my mind—it’s romantic personified: A pink floaty chiffon dress adorned with a purple rose print and finished with a flirty pussybow neck tie.
The Princess wore the dress to an event to mark World Mental Health Day in October 2016.
She finished her romantic look with a pair of Gianvito Rossi 105 pumps in praline suede, her L.K. Bennett Natalie clutch in trench and her Kiki McDonough Classic Cushion Drop earrings in pink morganite.
I’ve always loved the frock, but I don’t think we’ll see her wear it again—she tends to gravitate towards longer hemlines these days.
7. Red Sequin Dress by Needle & Thread
This cherry red dress—with its elegant ruffles, flowing skirt, mesh sleeves, floaty tulle and glittering sequins—made it a prime candidate for this article. It’s the Aurora Ballerina dress by Needle & Thread.
To date, we’ve seen the Princess wear this shimmering dress twice in public—at the 2020 UK-Africa Investment Summit at Buckingham Palace and during the 2022 Royal Carols: Together At Christmas television show.
On both occasions, Kate finished her look with Gianvito Rossi 105 pumps in red suede and her Soru ruby earrings.
Those seeking to emulate Kate’s red hot style will be pleased to know it’s still available. Shop it at needleandthread.com.
8. Ice Pink Suit by Alexander McQueen
I wanted to include something other than a dress in this article and Kate’s fabulous pink power suit sprung to mind. It’s by Alexander McQueen.
Kate’s worn the ensemble twice in public to date, so far. On the first occasion (above), she paired the beautifully tailored jacket and straight leg trousers with coordinating pink shoes by Emmy London in the colour ‘Makeup’. She finished the look with sparkling diamond jewellery from Mappin & Webb. She wore the suit during a roundtable meeting with Government minsters and professionals from the Early Years sector.
Later, Kate remixed the suit with different accessories during a visit to the Foundling Museum in 2023. She chose white and pearl accents: a Camilla Elphick belt, Maria Black earrings and Gianvito Rossi leather pumps. Beautiful!
Alexander McQueen’s ice pink fabric is the perfect colour for the romantic season! Find the blazer and matching trousers at AlexanderMcQueen.com.
9. Rose Red Heart Print Scarf by Beulah London
Kate visited South Wales in February 2020 wearing a very on-theme accessory: a heart print scarf by Beulah London. Very romantic!
We’ve noticed the Princess wearing one or two other romantic accessories over the years too, including a heart pendant by Laura Lombardi and a clutch bag with ‘lip’ shaped clasp by Lulu Guinness.
10. Pink Zebra Print Shirt Dress by Rixo
The Princess of Wales radiated charm in the RIXO Izzy shirt dress during her visit to The Bahamas in 2022.
The dress, in a vivacious bubblegum pink with a playful marble zebra print, offered a striking contrast to the serene blues of the island’s landscape. The soft hue made it an obvious choice for our romantic-themed round-up!
Kate paired the dress with natural-toned espadrilles by Castañer, a pair of gold earrings by local Bahamian designer Nadia Irena, a cupcake pink clutch by Emmy London and a pair of sunglasses by Finlay & Co.
11. Feminine Pink Dress by Beulah London
For the official opening of the Young V&A space, Kate chose the Ahana Dress by Beulah London in blush pink. It was a feminine and graceful look for the Princess.
The wool crepe dress, with its fit-and-flare silhouette, elegantly accentuated the Princess’s figure, while the short stand neckline and fluted sleeves added a touch of vintage charm.
Kate paired the frock with her pristine white Jimmy Choo heels and a pair of sparkling Empress drop diamond earrings by Mappin & Webb.
12. Red Hot Bow Cape by Catherine Walker
For the South Korean State Visit last November, Kate was a vision in red. She chose a Catherine Walker cape-style coat that commanded attention.
The striking red hot hue was a nod to the ceremonial pomp and diplomatic flair, while the elegant-and-playful bow added a touch of softness to the structured silhouette.
Kate completed the ensemble with a sculpted brim hat by Jane Taylor, a Miu Miu bow clutch and her beloved Gianvito Rossi pumps in a coordinating red shade.
The Princess encapsulated the very essence of modern royal fashion – dignified, purposeful, and strikingly beautiful.
13. Flirty Flared Burgundy Dress by Marchesa Notte
In April 2017, Kate graced the Theatre Royal Drury Lane wearing a stunning Marchesa Notte creation that was nothing short of a theatrical masterpiece in itself.
The deep red of the gown was reminiscent of the plush velvet curtains of the stage, a fitting homage to the theatrical arts. This piece, with its lattice and rosette detailing, cap sleeves, and crystals cinching the waist, presented a romantic vision, while the tulle skirt added a whimsical, almost fairy-tale quality to her appearance.
The dress’s sweetheart neckline and flexible boning flattered the Princess’s silhouette, enhancing her natural grace as she moved.
The then-Duchess paired the exquisite dress with equally elegant accessories. She wore a pair of Kate Spade tassel drop earrings, her Mulberry Bayswater clutch in Conker Suede and her favourite Gianvito Rossi 105 heels in Bordeaux, a perfect match for the dress’s hue.
14. Sophisticated Scarlet Dress by Preen
During an overseas visit to Canada in September 2016, the then-Duchess of Cambridge selected the Preen ‘Finella’ dress in a rich red hue.
The dress’s off-the-shoulder neckline framed her décolletage, offering a modern yet timeless look. It was an instant hit with royal fashion fans, thanks to its flattering and sophisticated silhouette. It’s scarlet hue earns it a place in our romantic roundup.
The Princess paired the frock with matching heels by Gianvito Rossi, her red ‘Casa’ clutch by Jenny Packham and a pair of baroque pearl earrings by Soru.
Kate wore the frock again in November 2018, during a Royal Foundation dinner.
15. THAT wedding gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
Of course, I have to finish the article with Kate’s stunning—and iconic—wedding gown. This has to be her most romantic look to date, wouldn’t you agree?
The dress featured a lace bodice with long sleeves and a v-neckline, a satin skirt with a train that measured approximately nine feet, and a veil made of ivory silk tulle.
The intricate lace appliqué on the bodice and skirt was handcrafted by the Royal School of Needlework.
Obviously, this represents just a cross-section of outfits Kate has worn over the last thirteen years. Did I miss any particularly romantic outfits that you would have included? Let me know in the comments below!
Sarah says
Great post, thanks! I have always adored the Gucci gown and don’t think it got as much love as it should have. My all-time favourite is the pink Jenny Packham though, just exquisite. Love it when her romantic and/or boho side comes out and sadly we haven’t seen much of it recently. Definitely a lot of power dressing going on at the moment which is understandable but not my favourite. Miss pattern and detail! I’m interested to see what she wears to the BAFTAs this weekend.
Carly W says
The Gucci – I am hoping we’ll see again someday. It’s too pretty not to see again!
Ahhh I am very nostalgic about the pink JP. That was a MOMENT!
Elizabeth Davies says
Great post, thank you. Although I love Kate in evening gowns, I’m also loving those cocktail length dresses. That burgundy Marchese Notte might be my favourite.
Benni says
Whoever is choosing her dresses/suits and style deserves a raise and another one and then ten more afterwards. I wish you could post even more. I love all here outfits this month.
Gail says
Thank you for the trip down fashion memory lane.
The gown (#4 J.P.), soon after the wedding was a WOW moment. The blush color and style looked fantastic on the young royal.
Catherine rarely makes a fashion mistake. This the reason I have been following her fashion for a long time.
I hope as the weeks pass, Catherine is regaining her strength and feeling more comfortable.
My best to all.
Gail says
I am sad to read King Charles is facing cancer. Sending best wishes for a positive outcome with his illness.