The Princess of Wales is what one may refer to as a 'respectable' dresser. You won't see the royal rocking risque items; she is very loyal to her working role and wears classic clothes that are stylish but not distracting. We've seen Kate sport dress coats, midi frocks, tailored blazers, high heels, and tailored trousers, all pristine and without much skin showing.
When it comes to necklines, they tend to be timeless and never reveal too much; she opts for button-up blouses and favours the crew cut when it comes to her T-shirts and tops. That being said, we have seen her wear some necklines that are pretty daring over the years. Albeit not often, but they're there! They tend to be on what one may call a 'night off', so during a premiere or party, not during a royal day visit.
Let's break down the royal fashion rules on V-necks
It is thought that hemlines and necklines need to be monitored when it comes to dressing as a royal. With that in mind, we've seen Kate's fashion transition over the years, from daring university student to a classic royal bride in 2011.
Who can forget when Kate wore that black, knee-length sheer dress at university in 2001? Danielle Stacy, HELLO!'s Online Royal Correspondent, said of the style: "When the now Princess of Wales selected the sheer dress to wear at a charity show, I doubt she realised at the time how significant the garment would be in her love story with Prince William. Initially designed as a skirt, Kate styled it out as a dress and when she sashayed down the catwalk, it's been widely reported that that was the moment where she really captured the Prince's attention." Scroll on for inspiration…
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© Getty ImagesKate wore this polka dot dress in 2006
2006
Kate and her little sister, Pippa Middleton, were pictured at the Ham Polo Club in 2006. The brunette royal was present to watch Prince William compete in the Chakravarty Cup charity polo match, and she rocked a dazzling post box red halterneck frock that featured a plunging neckline. We love the polka dot detail, midi length, and ruching at the waist.
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© Getty Images2006
The 2000s were the party-look era for Kate, who was spotted at the opening of The Shop at Bluebird. On Chelsea's famous King's Road, the 24-year-old looked straight out of a rom-com in a floral-print slip dress featuring a V-neckline. To keep it modest, she layered the outfit with a pink cropped jacket that featured a frilly hem and was buttoned up to create a cinched silhouette.
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© Getty ImagesKate's engagement dress was by Issa
2010
When Kate and William got engaged in 2010, the world was introduced to the son of King Charles's future bride and fell in love with her almost instantly. Kate chose to wear an incredible dress at the photocall, and it was universally considered iconic. Designed by UK brand Issa London, Kate's striking navy wrap dress was the talk of St James's Palace. The elegant silk style was designed in royal blue and featured a gentle V-neckline, which was a look that was very of the moment.
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© WireImageThe Princess wore the same dress in purple
2011
Kate loved the style so much that she actually wore it again a year later. During the Royal Tour of Canada in 2011, after she and William were married, the brunette royal opted for the same style by Issa, in another regal colour - deep purple. The mother-of-three accessorised the style with a simple clutch bag, high-heeled shoes, and a Maple leaf brooch, borrowed from the late Queen Elizabeth II.
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© GettyKate wore an iconic dress by Jenny Packham
2021
Kate's most famous V-neckline of all has to be the style she sported in 2021. The Princess wore this showstopping, gold glittering gown at the James Bond: No Time to Die film premiere that year, and the look went viral. The Jenny Peckham dress featured shoulder pads and a flattering V-neck, with long, draped sleeves and a dazzling sequin finish.
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© GettyThe royal wore this ice blue gown during the Platinum Jubilee tour
2022
The Princess attended a reception in the Bahamas during the Platinum Jubilee tour in March 2022, and immediately turned heads wearing a crystal blue Phillipa Lepley gown. The royal looked simply stunning in the regal-looking satin gown. The ice blue shade looked amazing against her skin tone, and the V-neckline showed much more skin than normal.
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© VCG via Getty Images2025
In the Royal Box for the 2025 Wimbledon Men's Final, the Princess of Wales wore a cobalt blue A-line midi dress by Roksanda, featuring a V-neckline and cap sleeves. She paired the elegant look with mocha pumps by Ralph Lauren and carried a floppy sunhat by L.K.Bennett to keep the aesthetic extra summery.
