Kate Middleton's Green Emilia Wickstead Dress Is One She's Worn Before
Our take
The enduring appeal of Kate Middleton’s style rests, in part, on its accessibility – a quality often overlooked amidst the grandeur of royal life. Her recent choice to re-wear an emerald green Emilia Wickstead dress to accompany Prince George to Eton College exemplifies this beautifully. It's a moment resonating far beyond the school gates, reinforcing a message of considered consumption and timeless elegance. This echoes a larger cultural shift toward valuing longevity and intentionality in fashion, a movement we’ve championed through features like 7 Independent Brands To Know This New York Fashion Week, highlighting labels dedicated to craftsmanship and enduring design. The choice isn’t merely about practicality; it’s a deliberate statement about prioritizing quality over fleeting trends and embracing a more sustainable approach to personal style, a sentiment mirrored in the innovative work of Michelle Ochs and Janet Mandell who launched The Vault, a new luxury rental and shopping archive Michelle Ochs & Janet Mandell Launched A New Sustainable Fashion Archive.
The symbolism inherent in the dress choice itself is striking. The deep emerald hue conveys a sense of confidence and tradition, aligning with the formality of the occasion while remaining undeniably feminine. Middleton’s ability to effortlessly blend regal composure with relatable choices is a masterclass in understated elegance. It’s a far cry from the performative displays of wealth often associated with high-profile figures, opting instead for a quiet assurance that speaks volumes. This contrasts sharply with the calculated extravagance sometimes seen on red carpets, as evidenced in pieces like Ariana Madix’s Emmys look Ariana Madix Had One Wish for Her Emmys Look: "I Wanted to Look Like a Star" , which, while undeniably striking, prioritizes immediate impact over lasting appeal. Middleton’s approach feels more aligned with a philosophy of enduring style, a wardrobe built on pieces that tell a story and withstand the test of time.
Beyond the individual garment, this moment speaks to a broader cultural reckoning with consumerism. The fashion landscape is increasingly scrutinizing the environmental and ethical implications of fast fashion, prompting a reevaluation of what constitutes true luxury. It's no longer solely about possessing the most expensive items; it's about curating a collection of pieces that reflect personal values and contribute to a more responsible future. Middleton's consistent re-wearing of cherished items serves as a subtle but powerful endorsement of this shift, demonstrating that style and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. It’s a lesson in mindful dressing, proving that confidence and elegance can be cultivated through thoughtful choices rather than relentless acquisition.
Ultimately, Middleton's choice isn't just about a dress; it's a visual embodiment of a growing movement toward conscious consumption and timeless style. The continued prominence of this approach within the royal family—and its subsequent ripple effect on popular culture—raises a compelling question: will this prioritization of enduring elegance become the new standard for luxury, eclipsing the fleeting allure of trend-driven excess?
One of the most relatable elements of Kate Middleton’s royal style? She rewears pieces in her closet over and over again. While accompanying Prince George to his first day of school at Eton College (equivalent to high school in the United Kingdom, for those of us across the pond), the Princess of Wales flexed that practice with a green Emilia Wickstead dress. She previously wore the emerald “Kate” dress in November 2023, which was customized with a square neckline. In addition to the midi-length piece, she’s worn the same style in various blue and green shades over the years, making it one of her go-to silhouettes.
To finish her look, Middleton slipped on sheer tights and brown pointed-toe pumps. The royal dressed up the ensemble with Laura Lombardi’s gold Portrait chain-link necklace. Of course, she also wore her blue sapphire and diamond engagement ring from Prince William, which previously belonged to Princess Diana. It was both formal and practical for the rainy day, when she and William dropped off their son at the educational academy. The institution was also where the Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, and stars like Eddie Redmayne and Tom Hiddleston attended as teenagers.
Middleton has reworn pieces from her closet for years, and has a range of favored styles as a result. Colorful dresses and coats are the most-worn in her wardrobe, including a green Alexander McQueen winter coat and several polka-dot dresses by Alessandra Rich. Gianvito Rossi’s “Gianvito” pumps are one of the princess’s longtime go-to shoes, which she owns in at least five colors. She’s also embraced the practice with formal red carpet looks, like her gold and white McQueen gown from the 2020 BAFTAs — which she originally wore on a trip to Malaysia in 2012.
Wickstead is a brand Middleton wears often, among a range of British and female designers. The princess also gravitates to pieces from McQueen, L.K. Bennett, Erdem, and Jenny Packham, as well as styles by Reiss and Barbour. The royal’s green dress continued her dedication to supporting UK-based talent, as well as her own sustainable fashion habits. After all, rewearing pieces from your closet is one of the easiest ways to add an environmentally friendly element to your personal style. As London Fashion Week approaches, perhaps Middleton will discover another designer to add to her rotation — from the front row, of course.
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