Kate Middleton stepped out for her third official appearance since her maternity leave, and hot damn, she's got a new wardrobe. Just as we suspected [1], Kate's made it a point to up her style game. After debuting a trendy lavender bag [2] one day prior, Kate worked this plaid Erdem dress with an asymmetrical neckline, pulled off the shoulder on one side and adorned with floral brooches on the other, which did indeed draw attention to her stunning chandelier earrings [3] ($1,220), also by Erdem. A strategic fashion move, no?
As Duchess Kate visited the Victoria & Albert Museum [4], where she opened the new Photography Centre, she modeled her midi from all angles. There was a lot to see, after all — from the distressed tweed finish to the design's gemstone and pearl buttons, and of course, the cranberry sash, perfectly matching Kate's velvet pumps. If the whole look doesn't just make you utter "Ooh la la!" consider this: Kate might have taken a tip from Meghan Markle [5] when it comes to this ensemble.
Meghan's memorable Theory blazer [6], which she wore on a visit to Cardiff Castle with Prince Harry, came in a similar colorway and was alike in cut, modestly drawing attention upward. Whether or not Kate did, in fact, admire how successfully Meghan pulled off this silhouette, we are so drawn to her sophisticated new number, we're shopping for one just like it after the jump.
Kate Styled Her Erdem Dress With Erdem Floral Earrings
They're shoppable for $1,220 [8].
She Matched Her Cranberry Sash to Her Accessories
Kate's Pumps Were Velvet
Shop Similar Plaid and Tweed Dresses
Kate's exact Erdem dress [9] is now sold out.
3.1 Phillip Lim Shirred Gingham Cotton Blend Midi Dress
3.1 Phillip Lim Shirred Gingham Cotton Blend Midi Dress [10] ($995)
Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Larissa Off-the-Shoulder Plaid Dress
Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Larissa Off-the-Shoulder Plaid Dress [11] ($695)
Zara Textured Plaid Dress
Zara Textured Plaid Dress [12] ($50)
Paper London Lotus Checked Wool Blend Crepe Midi Dress
Paper London Lotus Checked Wool Blend Crepe Midi Dress [13] ($565)
XOXO Plaid Off-The-Shoulder Sheath Dress
XOXO Plaid Off-The-Shoulder Sheath Dress [14] ($69)
Lela Rose Pussy-Bow Embroidered Checked Silk Chiffon Dress
Lela Rose Pussy-Bow Embroidered Checked Silk Chiffon Dress [15] ($1,995)
Lane Bryant Plaid Mock-Neck Fit & Flare Dress
Lane Bryant Plaid Mock-Neck Fit & Flare Dress [16] ($90)
Willow & Clay Plaid Off the Shoulder Dress
Willow & Clay Plaid Off the Shoulder Dress [17] ($119)
See More Pics of Kate in Her Erdem Dress
