22 Times Kate Middleton Wowed in the Most Showstopping Ballgowns
Plus Icon
Catherine, Princess of WalesPhoto by Jane Barlow – Pool/Getty Images.
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.
Let’s face it, whenever Kate Middleton is going to arrive at an event, we know two things: the pieces are going to sell out, and whatever she wears is going to look sensational on her. After all, when you’re the Princess of Wales, you’re bound to have the most glittering closet in Europe. While we adore Kate’s casual moments and colorful coatdresses, we have to admit: we have a soft spot for her regal and sensational ballgowns.
Seriously, whenever Kate arrives at an event with a ballgown, our jaws instantly hit the floor. Ever since her wedding to Prince William in 2011, Kate has shaken up her wardrobe with a sparkling gown no one expects. It seems like ballgowns are when Kate gets to let out her rebellious side with sparkly, bold skirts, and daring rewears.
Some of our all-time favorite looks of hers have been ballgowns (like her edgy 2023 BAFTAs look and the glittering gold ballgown she wore for the No Time to Die premiere!) Now, we’re only a few months into 2023, and she’s already wowed us with a daring ballgown. And here’s to many more bold ballgown moments!
Check out Kate’s best fashion moments where she donned showstopping ballgowns below.
A version of this article was originally published on April 2023.
Sparkling Pink Princess (2023)
On Dec 5, Kate embodied all the princess vibes in this custom sparkling pink gown for The Diplomatic Reception.
Revenge Dress (2023)
Kate made headlines with this dramatic Safiyaa London gown, which she paired with Gianvito Rossi matching heels and glittering silver clutch by Jenny Packham. She donned this look at the Royal Variety Performance 2023 on Nov. 30, and it was dubbed her “revenge dress.
Sustainable Princess (2023)
Kate was an edgy monochromatic dream when she arrived in this ethereal white gown from Alexander McQueen (which was a rewear from a previous BAFTAs), and she paired it with more rewears of black gloves and a black clutch, and new statement gold earrings from Zara. We love a sustainable Queen!
Cinderella Moment (2022)
During Kate and William’s tour in Spring 2022, she had a true Cinderella moment in this silky blue Phillipa Lepley Vienna Crossover Gown, which she paired with Lulu Guinness Hayworth Clutch Bag, Van Cleef & Arpells Magic Alhambra Earrings In Mother Of Pearl, and Gianvito Rossi Rania 105 Embellished Pumps.
Ballgown Beauty (2022)
One of Kate’s best ballgowns to date was this custom Jenny Packham Wonder Off-The-Shoulder Ruffled Tulle Gown. Fun fact: she commissioned the dress to have the color pay homage to the host country Jamaica.
Barbiecore Beauty (2022)
Kate really changed up her look by rocking a Barbiecore, sparkling gown for the special reception hosted by the Governor General of Belize. For those that don’t know, she wore The Vampire’s Wife ‘The Light Sleeper’ Dress and Jimmy Choo Mimi 100 Sandals to top off the metallic look.
Channeling Diana (2022)
Kate gave all of the future Queen vibes in this white caped Jenny Packham Elspeth Gown for the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on Nov 22, 2022. She truly channeled Princess Diana with her statement jewelry and donned the Lover’s Knot Tiara. She also matched it with a sparkling silver Alexander McQueen Box Clutch and Gianvito Rossi Rania 105 Embellished Pumps (a shoe she frequently wore in 2022!)
Ravishing in Red (2022)
Not only did Kate wow with a rare straight hair moment, but she arrived at the Diplomatic Corps reception in a stunning, jewel-encrusted Jenny Packham Elodie Floral Beaded Gown and the iconic Lotus Tiara.
Beautiful for Bond (2021)
One of our favorite Kate Middleton looks of all time is without a doubt this sparkling golden gown from Jenny Packham. For the premiere of the James Bond film No Time to Die, Kate decided to rock this showstopping caped gown from Packham’s 007 capsule collection.
Lovely in Lilac (2021)
For the Earthshot Prize in 2021, Kate wowed everyone with this sensational rewear of an Alexander McQueen Lilac Gown that she wore nearly a decade prior. Not only did she tailor the gown, but she wore it with Oscar De La Renta Cabrina Pumps (which she debuted at the Royal Variety Performance in 2017) and Kiki McDonough Morganite Double Drop Earrings.
Green Goddess (2019)
Back on Oct 15, 2019, Kate arrived at a special reception at the Pakistan National Monument in a truly showstopping ensemble. For the occasion, she donned a Jenny Packham Georgia gown that was custom made to show off the rich emerald color rather than the typical light pink color.
Gorgeous in Gucci (2019)
For the 100 Women in Finance Gala Dinner, Kate reminded everyone she’s as regal as can be in this pink-hued Gucci gown with violet velvet accents throughout.
Floral Fashion (2017)
Kate turned heads with this tiered, floral off-the-shoulder Alexander McQueen gown for the 2017 BAFTA Awards.
Beautiful in Blue (2017)
Back in 2017, Kate showed off her love for glitter in this floor-length, sequins and flower-appliqued gown by Jenny Packham, which she paired with a Casa Crystal Clutch and Oscar De La Renta Cabrina Pumps.
Wowing in White (2016)
For the premiere of A Street Cat Named Bob back in 2016, Kate wowed in this crochet maxi dress from Self-Portrait, a designer she’s never born before that day. Along with this showstopping ballgown, she wore a Mulberry Bayswater Wallet Clutch, Gianvito Rossi ‘Gianvito 105’ Pumps In Royale Burgundy Suede, and Oscar De La Renta Earrings.
Mesmerizing in Midnight Blue (2014)
This midnight blue Jenny Packham gown that Kate wore to the St. Andrews 600th Anniversary Dinner back in 2014 was as enchanting as can be!
Golden Goddess (2012)
When Kate stepped out in this white and gold floor-length gown by Alexander McQueen, everyone knew right then and there that she would become a style icon.
Terrific in Teal (2012)
For London’s 2012 Olympic Concert, Kate wore one of her favorite looks: a teal Jenny Packham gown (which she later rewore six years later!)
Lace Rewear (2012)
For the premiere of War Horse, Kate donned this elaborate black lace gown from Temperley London (and actually wore it again only a few months later!)
Blush Ballgown (2011)
Back in 2011, Kate Middleton wowed everyone in this sparkling blush-toned ballgown from one of her favorite designers Jenny Packham.
Vivacious in Velvet (2011)
Kate wore a truly enchanting gown back in Dec 2011 that is a total 180 from her usual style. Not only was it as black as can be, but it was a velvet ballgown too! The sweetheart-necklined Alexander McQueen gown still lives in our minds rent-free.
Bold in Bridal (2011)
While we still adore Kate’s wedding dress over a decade later, we think this Alexander McQueen ensemble she wore following her wedding to Prince William on April 29, 2011 needs to be talked about more.
