It's not just Kate Middleton that's a fan of belting everything from midi dresses to outerwear [1]. I was obsessed with the waist-cinching detail on the Fall 2020 Miu Miu runway [2] too, which draws attention to the midsection while also making for a subtle '80s strong-shoulder moment. The duchess has been sticking to a predominately green palate for her 2020 tour of Ireland, having sported a printed peplum from Alessandra Rich [3] while landing in Dublin and a glittering emerald evening number from The Vampire's Wife [4] for a visit to the Guinness Storehouse's Gravity Bar.
On the final day of the trip, Kate arrived in Galway with Prince William in a green dotted Suzannah dress, styled over black knee-high stiletto boots with an ornate belt that totally made this a moment for me — and it's one I'm certainly going to copy. Kate's particular design is called the Valerie and is available in navy blue online for $1,609 [5]. It features ruched three-quarter sleeves and gathered material at the neckline and shoulder. If you keep reading, you'll see where the inspiration behind this look lies, and how I'm making it fresh with some of my own easy essentials on a budget.
Kate Middleton Belting a Polka-Dot Dress in Ireland
The Waist-Cinch Look on the Miu Miu Fall 2020 Runway
Shop the Look
Miss Selfridge Petite Midi Dress in Green Polka Dot [7] ($40, originally $72)
Black and Brown Women's Belt
Black and Brown Women's Belt [8] ($102, originally $187)
Mango High Tip Boot
Mango High Tip Boot [9] ($60, originally $100)