Kate Middleton's Summer Dresses Have Always Been Outrageously Good, and We Have Proof

Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

Kate Middleton has kept her Summer outfits tasteful since 2006, before she married into the royal family. Shortly after she graduated from Scotland's St. Andrews University (where she met and began dating Prince William), Kate was spotted wearing this red halter number with polka dots, which we wouldn't be surprised to find at Reformation today. And those strappy espadrilles she accessorized with? Yup, still cool.

It seems Kate has always had an affinity for Summer dressing. She knows how to show a bit of skin while still tending toward modest necklines and hemlines, and her chosen prints and colorways never feel off season or out of character. Of course these days, the duchess keeps evening gowns and cocktail midis in rotation for appearances, but even when she's off duty and running around with the kids, she still impresses us with her more relaxed picks. I mean, dude, she shops at Zara.

We figured there's no time like the present to take inspiration from Kate's '00s style, since trends from the early aughts are having a moment, and we are positively sure you won't mind shopping some of Kate's more recent designs either. Her past few tea dresses have been quite lovely after all.

Kate Middleton's White Suzannah Dress at Wimbledon, July 2019
Getty | Karwai Tang

Kate Middleton's White Suzannah Dress at Wimbledon, July 2019

Kate accessorized the number with a black Alexander McQueen belt and bag, Gianvito Rossi shoes, and Catherine Zoraida earrings.

Kate Middleton's Sandro Paris Dress at Hampton Court Palace, July 2019
Getty | Max Mumby/Indigo

Kate Middleton's Sandro Paris Dress at Hampton Court Palace, July 2019

Kate coordinated her shoppable dress with Castañer wedges and $15 earrings from Accessorize.

Kate Middleton's Ridley London Dress at Warren Park Children's Centre, June 2019
Getty | Karwai Tang

Kate Middleton's Ridley London Dress at Warren Park Children's Centre, June 2019

Kate wore her Castañer espadrilles with the flowy dress, which seem to be her go-to shoe for Summer 2019.

Kate Middleton's Elie Saab Dress at Royal Ascot, June 2019
Getty | Karwai Tang

Kate Middleton's Elie Saab Dress at Royal Ascot, June 2019

Kate's fresh midi featured sheer sleeves, and she wore a fascinator and elegant clutch with the look.

Kate Middleton's Barbara Casasola Dress at a Gala Dinner, June 2019
Getty | Karwai Tang

Kate Middleton's Barbara Casasola Dress at a Gala Dinner, June 2019

Kate stunned in this bridal white number, complete with sparkling Jimmy Choo heels and a brooch-clad clutch.

Kate Middleton's Zara Dress at the Beaufort Polo Club, June 2018
Getty | Max Mumby/Indigo

Kate Middleton's Zara Dress at the Beaufort Polo Club, June 2018

Kate frolicked in the field in her $70 design, also sporting tan Russell and Bromley wedges, a watch, sunglasses, and a white Victoria Beckham bag.

Kate Middleton's Prada Dress at The Sunken Garden, August 2017
Getty | Samir Hussein

Kate Middleton's Prada Dress at The Sunken Garden, August 2017

Kate worked this pussy-bow midi, which came in a bright turquoise, with neutral L.K. Bennett shoes.

Kate Middleton's Alexander McQueen Dress at the Queen's Birthday Party, July 2017
Getty | Pool/Samir Hussein

Kate Middleton's Alexander McQueen Dress at the Queen's Birthday Party, July 2017

Kate styled her off-the-shoulder maxi with tie-sleeves with Prada sandals the first time she wore it, then again for her own mother's party in February 2019, proving it's got staying power in a Winter wardrobe, too.

Kate Middleton's Alexander McQueen Dress at Wimbledon, July 2016
Getty | Karwai Tang

Kate Middleton's Alexander McQueen Dress at Wimbledon, July 2016

The playful number was covered with butterflies, and Kate let it do the talking, opting for simple accessories.

Kate Middleton's Jenny Packham Dress at Calgary Airport, July 2011
Getty | Chris Jackson

Kate Middleton's Jenny Packham Dress at Calgary Airport, July 2011

Kate accessorized the adorable button-front dress from one of her favorite brands with neutral pumps and a box clutch in Canada.

Kate Middleton's Temperley London Dress at Wimbledon, June 2011
Getty | Clive Brunskill

Kate Middleton's Temperley London Dress at Wimbledon, June 2011

Kate was still in her bridal whites when she attended Wimbledon for the first time as a married woman. She wore this tiered number with a Stuart Weitzman clutch and a charm bracelet that was gifted by Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, as a wedding present.

Kate Middleton's Groovy Print Dress at a Club in London, August 2008
Getty | Philip Ramey Photography, LLC

Kate Middleton's Groovy Print Dress at a Club in London, August 2008

We love that Kate's dress from the 2000s is back in style today. She belted the design and wore gold hoop earrings while out with Prince William. We can't say we'd change much about this party look.

Kate Middleton's White Trench Dress at the Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium, July 2007
Getty | Antony Jones

Kate Middleton's White Trench Dress at the Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium, July 2007

Kate accented this lightweight piece with black knee-high boots and a shoulder bag we absolutely love.

Kate Middleton's Red Polka Dot Halter at a Polo Match, June 2006
Getty | Max Mumby/Indigo

Kate Middleton's Red Polka Dot Halter at a Polo Match, June 2006

Kate Middleton watched then-boyfriend Prince William compete in this scarlet printed number. She wore strappy espadrille wedges and sunglasses we'd gladly put on repeat right now.