It was official royal business as usual for Kate Middleton last week as she dropped by mental health charity, Anna Freud, in London to announce a new collaboration with her Centre for Early Childhood, part of a 10-year relationship she’s had with the org. But that’s not all: The Princess of Wales also donned a memorable royal repeat—last worn in 2022—but gave it new life with a simple change-out: Her shoes.
Kate Middleton Steps Out in Royal Repeat, But Freshens It Up with Super Simple Swap
Excuse us while we mirror this tactic all season
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Published Dec 1, 2025
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#TBT to 2022 when Princess Catherine first wore the form-fitting Emilia Wickstead style during a visit to Boston, Massachusetts, to attend the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards alongside hubby Prince William. While in town, the then-Duchess of Cambridge dropped by Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child to meet with researchers about scientific advances that can be harnessed to achieve a promising future for every kid.
At the time, it was a major solo appearance for Catherine—and one that required a stand-out look. Her houndstooth dress (similar here, $2,038; $1,223), styled with a matching skinny belt and black heels, didn’t disappoint.
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Fast forward to now, with Catherine once again reaching for the style, wearing it to Anna Freud as she met with groups of parents, babies and toddlers and celebrated the launch of a collaboration that will offer a professional development program designed to boost the skillset of health workers supporting postpartum women in the days and weeks after childbirth in the U.K.
Her houndstooth dress looked almost exactly the same except for a still matching, but slightly wider belt. Most noticeable was her shoe swap: Catherine traded her black heels for ones in a softer hue—gray. (I particularly love this pair from Steve Madden, $110; $107.)
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It’s a reminder of how a simple change-up (be it your shoes or an accessory like a purse or belt) can be enough to breathe new life into a look that’s long been lurking in the back of your closet. (A style mantra I plan to remember as I get dressed this winter.)
