The Royal Variety Performance takes place tonight, giving us the perfect occasion to revisit the Princess of Wales’s previous sartorial triumphs!
Each gown Kate Middleton has chosen over the years has delivered its own brand of glamour, setting the stage for tonight’s ensemble with high expectations. Join us in a retrospective glance at her past looks that have dazzled the audience!
Kate’s Royal Variety Performance Gowns: A Stylish Retrospective
Let’s start with Kate’s most recent appearance at the Royal Variety Performance, which took place on the 30th of November 2023:
2023 – Poseidon Princess: This year, the Princess of Wales stepped out in a breathtaking poseidon blue gown by Safiyaa. The gown’s clean lines and structured shoulders, combined with the unique cape sleeve detail, exuded modern royalty while paying homage to timeless elegance. The Princess complemented the gown with matching blue heels and a dazzling clutch/
2021 – Sequinned Splendour: In 2021, Kate attended the Royal Variety Performance wearing a sequin-drenched emerald green gown by Jenny Packham. The vibrant colour and the effervescent sparkle of the dress made for a memorable and festive ensemble. Kate made headlines by wearing her hair in elegant curls, swept to the side in a chic departure from her usual look, complemented by a dash of pink lipstick. I believe the subtle but striking change heralded a new chapter in the Princess’s style evolution, showcasing her willingness to experiment with bolder fashion statements.
2019 – Contemporary Contrast: Kate made a bold statement in this floor-sweeping gown for 2019’s Royal Variety Performance. The dress featured a black floral lace overlay on a lighter fabric, it was designed by Alexander McQueen. The gown blended traditional elegance with a contemporary edge.
2017 – Ice-Blue Brilliance: The pregnant Princess dazzled in a pastel blue gown by Jenny Packham, intricately adorned with crystals. The delicate sheer overlay and the gown’s shimmering details reflected her refined aesthetic.
2014 – Black Lace Sophistication: For her debut at the Performance, Kate chose a stunning black lace gown by Diane von Furstenberg. The floor-length number with its sheer sleeve detailing and elegant silhouette set a high standard for her future looks.
What will Kate wear to next year’s performance?
Let’s look to the future quickly and consider what Kate might wear to the next Royal Variety Performance. One thing is for certain, whatever Kate chooses will embody the high octane glamour we’ve come to expect. Her track record suggests an affinity for lace and sequins, so it’s probable we’ll see these elements in tonight’s attire.
Colour-wise, the Princess has consistently leaned towards hues that whisper “evening elegance.” They are winter-appropriate without straying too far into the overtly festive territory. I suspect she’ll avoid the traditional reds of the holiday season in favour of a more subdued palette. A deep, celestial blue or a rich dark pink could offer that balance of sophistication and seasonal charm.
In terms of a gown rewear, the speculation is as thrilling as the event itself. Could we see the return of the dark blue beaded gown by Jenny Packham, a piece that has already had two splendid outings (below)? It’s a strong possibility, given its regal bearing and the Princess’s history of favouring Packham’s creations.
Alternatively, perhaps we’ll see a repeat of this deep green lace gown by Temperley London? Kate showcased at the 2017 Portrait Gala. It’s another exquisite piece. However, it might be sidelined this year to avoid repetition of the green colour theme from last year’s performance—plus, this Princess wore dark emerald green to meet the Crown Princess of Sweden at Windsor Castle today. A future contender for sure.
What about this vibrant magenta gown? Kate wore it in 2022 in Belize. It presents as an enticing option. The colour is rich and in keeping with her preferred style narrative. While the Princess has historically chosen gowns with sleeves for this November event, due to London’s crisp autumnal chill, she could innovate with a luxurious faux fur stole, which would not only offer warmth but also add a fresh dimension to the ensemble.
I didn’t hit send properly.
This is my short version. I like the magenta and the soft gold in the bottom row of possible JP gowns.
Both row ladies have provided some impressive gown moments. I am sure they will look amazing.
I wish this event had remained a tiara event. There are so few these days.
Meant royal ladies. My apologies.
I am not to crazy about the gown that McQueen designed for Princess Kate back in 2019 because of the way it grabs her around the leg near her crotch and is downright vulgar! I am not particularly fond of black lace overlays because they remind me of some funeral clothes made years ago,
I strongly dislike the shoulders and sleeves on this evening’s gown! The fit of torso and hips is not good either.
The color is nice, though.
The pink gown she wore in Belize is one of my favorite looks of hers ever! Stunning!
Very beautiful gracious lady ❤️
Princess Kate looks good in her clothes she’s a good height for the clothes to look stunning on her. My only critique is that it seems as if she is wearing nothing underneath to give a smoother look, not a clinking look to her body. You can see the outline of her body.