However, in 2014, Kate, now 44, stepped out in a pure white look and took on her most daring take on the bridal hue while attending a reception hosted by the Governor General Peter Cosgrove and Her Excellency Lady Cosgrove at Government House in Canberra during a trip to Australia with her husband.
William and Kate attended a reception hosted by the Governor General Peter Cosgrove at Government House in 2014
Kate wears white in Australia
The then-Duchess of Cambridge opted for a midi dress by Lela Rose featuring laser-cut sleeves, as well as circular cut-outs that created a peplum detail that skimmed the waist. The knee-skimming dress also featured a crew neckline and a fitted skirt.
Kate's dress featured laser-cut detailing over the shoulders and waist
For her accessories, Kate broke up the bright white with platformed black heels by Alexander McQueen and a simple envelope clutch. Though wearing white can often have bridal connotations, Constance Richardson, a London-based stylist specialising in colour analysis, previously told us that white should not be overlooked as 'too bridal'.
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She said: "White is clean and modern as it symbolises clarity and confidence, especially in royal dressing. It's a refined choice that always feels fresh."
The Princess of Wales' white wardrobe
Kate's Australian reception dress isn't the only time she has worn white. Keep scrolling to see our top picks of her best icy white looks that are stylish without veering towards "too bridal"...
Duchess Sophie and Princess Kate were all smiles ahead of the service
On 16 June 2025, Kate was pictured with the Duchess of Edinburgh in attending the Order of the Garter service at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, to celebrate the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain. The princess wore a gorgeous Self-Portrait belted dress and a wide-brimmed hat by Sean Barrett.
The Princess of Wales attends The Together At Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey in 2023 in white
On 8 December 2023, Kate hosted her annual 'Together at Christmas' service at Westminster Abbey. She stunned in a longline coat by Chris Kerr with Holland Cooper high-waisted wide-leg trousers, a slim-fit white knit, and the Strathberry 'Mosaic Nano bag in Vanilla'.
The 2017 Ascot look seemed to be a nod to her bridal gown
On 20 June 2017, Kate finessed a modern take on her Alexander McQueen wedding dress as she donned a lace midi dress with a high neck by the same iconic British fashion house on day one of Royal Ascot.
Spot Kate's maple leaf hat that accompanied her white dress
On 1 July 2011, Kate joined Prince William during a visit to the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Canada. She wore the 'Nanette' dress by Reiss with a ruffle down the front, paired with red stilettos and a matching hat.