Kate Middleton Restyled Her Old Zara Dress Into Yet Another Elegant Look

Kate Middleton is practically the spokeswoman for how to rewear your clothes and make them seem new and interesting every time. The royal is known for giving her wardrobe a second, or even third life, like the time she wore her white Suzannah dress to Wimbledon in 2019 and then again for a charity event in 2020. She refreshes the look by switching up her shoes or accessorizing with an heirloom jewelry piece. Many of the items she upcycles are from her favorite affordable brands like Zara or J.Crew. In fact, on Jan. 30, Middleton restyled her old Zara houndstooth dress for a visit to Ammanford, Wales. (She first wore it in 2020, and again in 2021.

Bright and early on Thursday morning, the Princess of Wales toured Corgi, a family-run textiles manufacturer in South Wales. All eyes were on Middleton in the patterned midi, complete with long-sleeves, an elongated bow collar, and a slim belt that blended into the fabric. Then, the fashion muse layered a cream-colored coat overtop for extra warmth. Instead of her go-to pointy heels, this time, Middleton chose block-heel pumps from Russell & Bromley, which she’s owned since Sept. 2022. Given the striking neck tie, the Princess skipped a necklace. She accessorized with square-shaped hoops from Wales-based independent jeweler, Spell of Love, a slim gold wedding band, and her sapphire and diamond engagement ring that famously once belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.

On Oct. 5, 2021, Middleton wore the houndstooth midi for the second time — during a visit to University College London. The royal stopped by the school to meet with leading researchers about their latest study on childhood development. (A topic the Duchess of Cambridge has been vocal and passionate about.) For the visit, Middleton wore the polished black-and-white Zara dress with gray Hugo Boss pumps. You’d be surprised to know that her Hugo Boss shoes, too, were a rewear. She first donned those pumps back in November 2016 at the National History Museum in London.

She first debuted the $90 dress at Bradford Town Hall back in January 2020. Middleton gave the dress a fresh look, by switching up her previous Hugo Boss pumps for Gianvito Rossi heels in black. Much like her latest revamp of the Zara dress, her Gianvito Rossi shoes featured a thick block heel. On the accessories front, her dazzling engagement ring was once again on full display, alongside emerald green drop earrings, courtesy of Zeenwoman Ceramics — one of Middleton and Meghan Markle’s favorite jewelers.

Houndstooth dresses, like Middleton’s, instantly appear elegant because it’s a classic print. Middleton often gravitates towards florals and polka dots, so the textile pattern was a refreshing change of pace. Sadly, Middleton’s exact Zara dress is no longer available, but perhaps it’ll make a comeback this season. With the Princess’ approval, it’s bound to happen.