The royal family must adhere to strict guidelines when it comes to fashion, but Kate Middleton doesn’t allow these rules to hold back her fashionable sense of style. Although the Windsors typically avoid wearing black (except for when they’re mourning at funerals), Catherine, Princess of Wales, breaks the rule and often wears the ultra-chic color without holding back.
You might be surprised to learn that she also doesn’t stick to wearing black only for evening wear, as many traditionally do. It started in 2013 when she rocked a floor-sweeping Jenny Packham gown. She wore the sophisticated look to the 100 Women in Hedge Funds Gala Dinner in Aid of Action on Addiction. Fun fact: the dress was actually a very dark navy that looked black in photographs.
However, Middleton hasn’t shied away from all-black daytime looks – when announcing the annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year award winner, she wore a striking Alexander McQueen suit with major boss babe vibes.
She also wore an embellished black sequin cardigan from London-based brand Self-Portrait at the “Together at Christmas” carol concert on December 15, 2022. The look was perfectly festive and ideal for the televised concert that the Royal Foundation organized.
Kate looks effortlessly gorgeous in black looks on the red carpet
Folks who think black is somber clearly haven’t seen Catherine, Princess of Wales, on the “Top Gun: Maverick” red carpet. The royal wore a sophisticated, body-hugging black gown by the French designer Roland Mouret, featuring a stylish white collar.
Though the daring look might not have followed royal protocol, it was a tribute to one of the most iconic royals of all time: her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. Princess Di was legendary for reinterpreting the royal wardrobe, bringing playful possibilities to a stuffy world.
Diana was the first to embrace wearing black and recognize the color as a chic option for the red carpet and formal events. She refused to wear it as a subdued look for morning and instead adorned herself in black for uplifting celebrations. Just like Kate, she wore black to movie premieres like “Apollo 13” and “Dangerous Liaisons.”
While some might consider Kate’s fashion choices disrespectful or contrary to convention, they are, in fact, an endearing homage to one of the world’s favorite royals. They are a new kind of traditional that honors the family she married into in a unique and creative way.
