Kate Middleton's Pakistan Tour Wardrobe Mixes Tradition and Modernity

The royal tour of Pakistan is in full swing, and Kate Middleton has already given us some memorable looks. After taking her wardrobe in a slightly different direction over the last few months, this week the duchess has gone back to what she knows best, choosing a mix of classic designers and local talents to craft a tour wardrobe that's elegant, timeless, and inspired by local traditions.

From the moment she stepped off the plane, it became clear that Kate's wardrobe for this historic royal tour would take its cue from the location, with the duchess's first look inspired by the shalwar kameez, a traditional combination dress worn in large parts of South and Central Asia. Though the piece was by a British label, Catherine Walker, it definitely suited its surroundings and had many people thinking back to Princess Diana, who wore the same label and took a similar sartorial approach when she visited Pakistan in 1996.

As the tour continued, Kate stuck to this approach, carefully mixing pieces by local designers like Maheen Khan with custom styles from her most established go-to British designers. She also sprinkled in some affordable items from both locations, including a pair of New Look shoes and jewelry by Zeen, and stunned in an incredible evening gown from one of her favorite designers for an evening reception. Keep reading to take in all her tour looks.

Kate Middleton in Russell and Bromley
Getty | Chris Jackson

Kate Middleton in Russell and Bromley

For a visit to the Army Canine Centre in Islamabad, Kate wore a black tunic with white pants, finished with a pair of crossover flats by Russell and Bromley.

Kate Middleton Wearing Elan
Getty | Karwai Tang

Kate Middleton Wearing Elan

Arriving at the Lahore airport, the duchess wore an embroidered tunic by Elan with a Maheen Khan scarf and a pair of J. Crew shoes. She's carrying a Smythson tote bag.

Kate Middleton in Gul Ahmed and Maheem Khan
Getty | Samir Hussein

Kate Middleton in Gul Ahmed and Maheem Khan

While taking part in a game of cricket in Lahore, Kate wore an embroidered shalwar kameez by Gul Ahmed.

Kate Middleton in Maheen Khan
Getty | Karwai Tang

Kate Middleton in Maheen Khan

On a visit to the Badshahi Mosque, Kate wore a bespoke shalwar kameez and matching scarf by Maheen Khan.

Kate Middleton in Really Wild and Missoma
Getty | Pool

Kate Middleton in Really Wild and Missoma

On the third day of the royal tour, Kate and William visited the Chiatibo glacier, with the duchess choosing a leather waistcoat by Really Wild with a brown shirt, midi skirt, and slouched boots. Her earrings are by Missoma, a favorite of her sister-in-law, Meghan Markle.

Kate Middleton in Really Wild and Missoma
Getty | Pool

Kate Middleton in Really Wild and Missoma

Kate Middleton in Really Wild and Missoma
Getty | Pool

Kate Middleton in Really Wild and Missoma

Kate Middleton in Really Wild and Missoma
Getty | Pool

Kate Middleton in Really Wild and Missoma

Kate Middleton in Really Wild and Missoma
Getty | Samir Hussein

Kate Middleton in Really Wild and Missoma

Kate Middleton in Jenny Packham
Getty | Karwai Tang

Kate Middleton in Jenny Packham

For a special reception at the Pakistan National Monument in Islamabad, Kate stunned in a beautiful sequin and bead-embellished gown by Jenny Packham, which had long sleeves and a matching scarf.

Kate Middleton in Jenny Packham
Getty | Samir Hussein

Kate Middleton in Jenny Packham

Kate Middleton in Jenny Packham
Getty | Samir Hussein

Kate Middleton in Jenny Packham

Kate Middleton in Jenny Packham
Getty | Chris Jackson

Kate Middleton in Jenny Packham

Kate Middleton in Catherine Walker, Maheen Khan, and Bonanza Satrangi
Getty | Samir Hussein

Kate Middleton in Catherine Walker, Maheen Khan, and Bonanza Satrangi

For a meeting with the prime minister of Pakistan, Kate mixed British and Pakistani designs. Her bold green coat is a Catherine Walker design, while the trousers are by Maheen Khan. She added the Green Chiffon Dupatta ($11) by Bonanza Satrangi over one shoulder.

Kate Middleton in Catherine Walker, Maheen Khan, and Bonanza Satrangi
Getty | Samir Hussein

Kate Middleton in Catherine Walker, Maheen Khan, and Bonanza Satrangi

Kate Middleton in Catherine Walker, Maheen Khan, and Bonanza Satrangi
Getty | Samir Hussein

Kate Middleton in Catherine Walker, Maheen Khan, and Bonanza Satrangi

Kate Middleton in Catherine Walker, Maheen Khan, and Bonanza Satrangi
Getty | Samir Hussein

Kate Middleton in Catherine Walker, Maheen Khan, and Bonanza Satrangi

Kate Middleton Wearing Maheen Khan
Getty | Samir Hussein

Kate Middleton Wearing Maheen Khan

On the first full day of royal engagements, the duchess stepped out in a vibrant periwinkle silk outfit from Pakistani designer Maheen Khan. The look consisted of an embroidered kurta with matching slim trousers, which Kate teamed with a pair of low-heeled shoes by UK high street brand New Look and drop earrings by Zeen. She later switched into a pair of Russell and Bromley flats.

Kate Middleton Wearing Maheen Khan
Getty | Karwai Tang

Kate Middleton Wearing Maheen Khan

Kate Middleton Wearing Maheen Khan
Getty | Karwai Tang

Kate Middleton Wearing Maheen Khan

Kate Middleton Wearing Maheen Khan
Getty | Karwai Tang

Kate Middleton Wearing Maheen Khan

Kate Middleton Wearing Maheen Khan
Getty | Samir Hussein

Kate Middleton Wearing Maheen Khan

Kate Middleton Wearing Catherine Walker
Getty | Samir Hussein

Kate Middleton Wearing Catherine Walker

As the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived in Pakistan, Kate stepped off the plane in an outfit by British label Catherine Walker. The bespoke design, which features an ankle-length dress worn over tapered trousers, is inspired by the traditional shalwar kameez worn by both men and women in Pakistan. She accessorized with Rupert Sanderson heels and earrings and a box clutch by Zeen. The look is reminiscent of a similar Catherine Walker outfit worn by Princess Diana on her own visit to Pakistan in 1996.

Kate Middleton Wearing Catherine Walker
Getty | Karwai Tang

Kate Middleton Wearing Catherine Walker

Kate Middleton Wearing Catherine Walker
Getty | Karwai Tang

Kate Middleton Wearing Catherine Walker

Kate Middleton Wearing Catherine Walker
Getty | Samir Hussein

Kate Middleton Wearing Catherine Walker