Kate Middleton’s Sustainable Style: How the Duchess Masters the Art of Outfit Recycling

Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates from Your Next Shoes. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more details.

Kate Middleton’s knack for repeating outfits is so world-renowned that she’s already earned the title The Royal Recycler.

We know there are those of you who tire of repeatedly seeing her in the same things, but we can’t help but be big fans of Kate Middleton’s nonchalant re-wearing of outfits. Not only is it realistic and makes her seem more relatable, but it also shows that the Duchess of Cambridge has the talent for making old styles look fresh, new, and occasion-appropriate.

Fashionistas know that’s no small feat; it’s a lot easier to purchase something new than to rework an already worn top, skirt, or dress (especially one that’s remarkably cute and people might remember you wearing before).

But because of Kate Middleton’s penny-pinching royalty appeal, we didn’t mind that she wore these five dresses again in 2012. We’ve also covered Kate Middleton’s top five “recycled” shoes for 2012.

1. The Emilia Wickstead Ensemble: A Masterclass in Royal Repetition

Elegance Redefined: The Duchess in Emilia Wickstead - A vision of grace at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace's garden party, showcasing timeless fashionElegance Redefined: The Duchess in Emilia Wickstead – A vision of grace at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace’s garden party, showcasing timeless fashion (Credit: Craig Harris / WENN / Lia Toby)

The Iconic Emilia Wickstead Ensemble - A testament to Kate's impeccable style and sustainable fashion ethos
The Iconic Emilia Wickstead Ensemble – A testament to Kate’s impeccable style and sustainable fashion ethos

2. Alexander McQueen’s Timeless Elegance: Kate’s Coat Dress Reimagined

Regal in Alexander McQueen - Capturing moments of royal duty in a coat dress that blends tradition with contemporary flair, at Trooping The Colour and the Garter Ceremony Regal in Alexander McQueen – Capturing moments of royal duty in a coat dress that blends tradition with contemporary flair, at Trooping The Colour and the Garter Ceremony (Credit: Craig Harris / WENN / Lia Toby)

The Quintessential McQueen Coat Dress - A symbol of Kate's refined taste and commitment to fashion sustainability
The Quintessential McQueen Coat Dress – A symbol of Kate’s refined taste and commitment to fashion sustainability

3. Roksanda Ilincic’s ‘Peridot’ Dress: Kate Middleton’s Sustainable Chic

The Duchess's Arrival in Roksanda Ilincic - A stylish touchdown in LA and a standout at London's Creative Industries Reception, highlighting global fashion diplomacyThe Duchess’s Arrival in Roksanda Ilincic – A stylish touchdown in LA and a standout at London’s Creative Industries Reception, highlighting global fashion diplomacy (Credit: Craig Harris / WENN / Lia Toby)

Roksanda Ilincic's 'Peridot' Dress - An investment in elegance, worn by Kate to captivate audiences across continents
Roksanda Ilincic’s ‘Peridot’ Dress – An investment in elegance, worn by Kate to captivate audiences across continents

4. The ‘Bella’ Dress by Whistles: A Royal Rendezvous with Recycled Fashion

Moments in Whistles 'Bella' - Kate shines at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert and the Olympics Closing Ceremony, redefining royal event attireMoments in Whistles ‘Bella’ – Kate shines at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert and the Olympics Closing Ceremony, redefining royal event attire (Credit: Craig Harris / WENN / Lia Toby)

The Whistles 'Bella' Dress - A showcase of Kate's flair for reimagining wardrobe classics for the global stage
The Whistles ‘Bella’ Dress – A showcase of Kate’s flair for reimagining wardrobe classics for the global stage

5. Temperley London’s Lace Gown: The Duchess’s Ethereal Elegance Revisited (Full Story)

Temperley London's Lace Gown at Premier Events - From the 'War Horse' premiere to St. Andrews’ Anniversary, a garment embodying grace and historyTemperley London’s Lace Gown at Premier Events – From the ‘War Horse’ premiere to St. Andrews’ Anniversary, a garment embodying grace and history (Credit: Craig Harris / WENN / Lia Toby)

The Exquisite Temperley London ‘Amoret’ Lace Gown - A masterpiece of craftsmanship, worn by Kate to celebrate tradition and elegance
The Exquisite Temperley London ‘Amoret’ Lace Gown – A masterpiece of craftsmanship worn by Kate to celebrate tradition and elegance

Now, the question on our minds is: How long will Kate Middleton be repeating outfits now that she’s pregnant and her belly will grow? At some point, she will have to purchase new maternity wear. We can’t wait to see what Kate Middleton’s maternity style will be like!