The royal family boasts some of the most fashionable women in the world, which is why one can’t help but wonder where these women get their inspiration from when selecting pieces for public appearances and galas. For the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, the answer is simple — her late mother-in-law Lady Diana! The Princess of Wales was a bona fide style icon, so it’s no wonder Kate Middleton often pays sartorial homage to her decades later by rocking modern versions of some of Diana’s most iconic looks. Follow along for 12 times that Kate Middleton wore outfits inspired by the ever-stylish and fondly remembered Princess Diana:
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12. The Red Dress
In 1992, Princess Diana attended the premiere of Just Like A Woman wearing a head-turning red dress that featured a slight off-the-shoulder neckline and an elegant floor-length skirt. She topped the look off with a sparkling necklace and was all smiles while stepping out of the limousine to grace the red carpet. Years later, Kate Middleton made an obvious nod to her late mother-in-law wearing a similar red gala dress that featured a subtle asymmetrical neckline.
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11. The Remembrance Day Look
No one could possibly deny the fact that Kate Middleton looked strikingly similar to her late mother-in-law when she stepped out in all-black at the 2016 Remembrance Day service. She wore a black peacoat paired with a wide brim hat and dainty drop style pearl earrings. Lady Diana attended the same Remembrance Day service decades earlier in 1993 wearing a similar wide brim hat and identical pearl earrings. The resemblance is uncanny!
Source: Press Association
10. The Sparkling Blue Dress
Princess Diana loved making fashion statements and favored bold, colorful dresses on quite a few occasions. In 1986 she stepped out for an event on her African Royal Tour wearing this eye-catching statement number complete with shoulder pads and a chiffon detailing on the hip. We can’t help but notice that the look is eerily similar to a glittering Jenny Packham dress that Kate Middleton wore to attend the Royal Variety Performance in 2017.
Photo by Telegraph/REX/Shutterstock
9. The Little Black Dress
The little black dress has been a staple in every fashionista’s wardrobe for generations, and it seems even the Royal women understand this! Although it’s often encouraged for Royal figures to wear bright colors for formal engagements so that they stand out, it’s clear that both Kate Middleton and Diana know that every so often a classic LBD for a nighttime occasion should make an appearance. At just 19-years old, Diana wore this eye-catching black number for her first official engagement with Prince Charles. Kate Middleton wore her own striking black number when she was freshly married to Prince William in 2011 and attended the Sun Military Awards.
Source: Rex Features
8. The Baby Reveal Number
One of the most intentional moments of sartorial homage was when Kate Middleton and Prince William stepped out to greet the world with their first son — Prince George! Kate stepped out wearing a periwinkle blue polka dot dress that was a clear moment of honor for her late mother in law Princess Diana who wore a similar polka dot dress when she presented William to the world.
Source: Press Association
7. The Chiffon Gala Dress
Both Lady Diana and Kate Middleton clearly know how to steal the show when they attend a formal gala! One of Princess Diana’s most famous looks is the powder blue dress she wore to the glamorous 1987 Cannes Film Festival. The look featured a cinched waist and a posh scarf which she draped effortlessly around her neck. Years later, Kate Middleton channeled the look for the BAFTA awards with her own modern-day twist by wearing a similar pastel number in the same pleated, chiffon material.
Source: Everett Collection
6. The Monochrome Polka Dot Number
Polka dot print is a clear favorite among both the Duchess of Cambridge and the late Princess of Wales. Diana wore this print on multiple occasions, but most notably in 1987 when she was spotted leaving Arundel Castle after attending a wedding. Kate Middleton wore a strikingly similar monochrome polka dot look when she attended Wimbledon in 2017.
Source: Everett Collection
5. The Red Baby Reveal Dress
In yet another moment of sartorial honor, Kate Middleton stepped out just earlier this year wearing a cherry red sheath dress to present Prince Louis to the world. This fashion moment is definitely quite notable because it’s remarkably similar to the red shapeless dress that Diana wore to present Prince Harry. Both dresses have the same peter pan-style collar, but Middleton’s is clearly a more modern take on the trend with the feminine lace detailing.
4. The Lavender Ensemble
Princess Diana had a fondness of pastel suits in a variety of colors, and it’s clear that this is a trend Kate Middleton has adapted into her own Royal wardrobe. In 1997, Diana stepped out wearing a lavender suit that featured a collared blazer with a belted waist and a matching pencil skirt. Years later in 2017, Kate Middleton stepped out wearing an Emilia Wickstead dress in a nearly identical shade of purple that Royal fans couldn’t help but compare to Diana’s from 1997!
Source: Press Association
3. The Magenta Pink Outerwear
Barbie pink outerwear seems to be a favorite among both the Duchess of Cambridge and the late Princess Diana! Kate Middleton has worn this statement coat on multiple occasions, most recently as a maternity look while pregnant with Prince Louis. Lady Diana clearly has similar taste to the Duchess and rocked a strikingly comparable look for a public appearance in September 1990.
Mirrorpix/Courtesy Everett Collection
2. The Cobalt Peacoat
Another favorite color among the royal women proves to be cobalt blue! In 1991 Princess Diana dressed in the rich shade while attending the Welsh orchestra with son Prince William. Years later, Prince William stood next to another important lady in his life, Kate Middleton, who wore the exact same shade of blue for a public appearance in Poland.
Mirrorpix/Courtesy Everett Collection
1. The Powder Blue Suit
Lady Diana was known for her chic power suits that she seemed to own in every color of the rainbow! One of her most fondly remembered suits is this powder blue ensemble she wore in 1996. Two decades later, in 2016, Kate Middleton seemed to channel the highly praised fashion moment herself. She rocked a similar suit that consisted of a collared jacket and matching pencil skirt.
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