Kate Middleton's 10 Biggest Style-Defining Moments

Updated on 9/18/2017 at 9:30 AM

After Kate Middleton wore Chanel for the first time during her 2017 Paris Tour, we knew it was time to celebrate her biggest style moments. Kate has taken a page from former first lady Michelle Obama, supporting not only her favorite designers but also those who deserve a nod at the right time.

There is no better place to champion Karl Lagerfeld than France, where the creative director is based, and Kate put Naeem Khan on the map when she chose one of his dresses for a trip to the Taj Mahal. And of course, it was back in 2011 when the duchess famously worked with Sarah Burton on her Alexander McQueen wedding gown. Over the years, Kate has certainly proven she's got an eye for fashion, but these top 10 moments are true proof.

When She Dressed in Chanel From Head to Toe

When in Paris, as they say. The duchess's 2017 tour of France included a Chanel tweed coat dress, belt, and top-handle bag designed by Karl Lagerfeld himself.

When She Wore See by Chloé For a Garden Party

Kate chose a lovely ivory dress from Chloé's contemporary line when she joined her family for a party in Canada in 2016. This marked the first time the duchess slipped into one of Clare Waight Keller's much-buzzed-about looks.

When She Bought This Preen Dress in 2 Colors

Some said Kate was channeling Princess Diana when she stepped out for her 2016 visit to Canada in this modern midi from British label Preen. Apparently Kate just really liked the silhouette, because she debuted the black version two months later in London, this time styled with a belt instead of a brooch.

When She Showed a Slip of Leg in Altuzarra

Kate wore an Altuzarra dress for the first time in September 2016, complete with neutral pumps and a box clutch. We delighted in the leg slit and poppy print, both of which suited Kate's daytime style.

When She Famously Mixed High and Low

Kate's affinity for Zara pieces struck us most when we she successfully blended high and low, throwing this red cropped coat over a lace Dolce & Gabbana midi she wore to the Royal Ascot in 2016.

When She Put Naeem Khan on the Map

Indian-American designer Naeem Khan was delighted to find that the duchess chose his mosaic blue and white dress for her Spring 2016 trip to the Taj Mahal. Surprisingly, he explained that the pattern was inspired by a Mexican dome, though it perfectly mimicked the architecture Kate posed in front of.

When She Glittered in This Tory Burch Maxi

Kate never glowed brighter than the moment she emerged from her hotel in Bhutan in this Tory Burch maxi. Just a few days later in 2016, Drew Barrymore wore the same gown for a red carpet event, though the duchess was the one who really jazzed it up with Gianvito Rossi sandals and an orange shawl.

When She Chose the Brightest Erdem Florals

Erdem is a favorite label for Kate, but the floral print on this satin tiered maxi was a bold move at the 100 Women in Hedge Funds dinner in 2015. Kate's drop earrings, Anya Hindmarch clutch, and platforms made for elegant additions.

When She Toted a Woven Anya Hindmarch Clutch

You don't need to tell a fashion girl that Summer is the perfect time to pull out your woven accessories. Kate tapped one of her go-to handbag labels, Anya Hindmarch, for a striped half-circle clutch she's worn more than once.

When She Chose a Custom Sarah Burton For Alexander McQueen Wedding Gown

Kate Middleton's chosen wedding gown, an Alexander McQueen creation that swept the ground at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011, was mesmerizing. The intricately stitched, hand-embroidered lace sleeves and ivory train, carried by Pippa, are details to go down in history. Sarah Burton, who officially replaced Alexander McQueen at his fashion house in 2010, was applauded for her work on the dress and rose to fame following the royal ceremony.