This week's belle of the ball has a royal title, adorable prince and princess children (those cheeks!), and a killer wardrobe to boot — who is she? If you guessed the Duchess of Cambridge, congratulations: you're correct! Tuesday night, Kate Middleton dazzled in a floral Erdem gown at the 100 Women in Hedge Funds black-tie dinner.
Sophistication comes at a price however; Middleton's floor-length dress will set you back $4,560 a pop. But hey, at least the accessory department is (somewhat) more sympathetic to your wallet woes — complete the look with an elegant satin black clutch from Anya Hindmarch for a mere $775. The Erdem masterpiece is evening wear re-imagined; apart from the vibrant floral patterns, the tiered skirt adds a contemporary touch while the silk material preserves the refined vibe.
This isn't the first time the Duchess has won the sartorial game lately. In the cinema front, Middleton wowed at the Spectre premiere and again at a charity visit in north London yesterday. There's no doubt Middleton's been on a fashion streak lately, stunning at every public appearance and undeniably making me question my own formal wear (if I only had the right budget...). At this rate, the Duchess looks to be undefeated with her victorious ensembles.
Middleton is certainly no unfamiliar face when it comes to all things floral — and here are seven ways to prove it.
1. Subtle Yet Sweet
The Duchess isn't afraid to venture into "outfit repeat" territory — as demonstrated by her Orla Kiely dress. Middleton first rocked the floral appliqué frock three years ago and brought it out for a spin again this week. The overall look is modest with a feminine punch.
2. When Mother Calls
Even when Princess Charlotte first entered the world, Middleton dressed to the nines like a proud, doting mother. Her choice uniform? A dainty yellow floral dress, appropiate for all the celebration and joy.
3. Goodbye LBD
At the Royal Reception for the Olympic Medalists, Middleton opted for a chic twist on an otherwise traditional LBD. Transparent floral sleeves and nude accents elevated the ensemble instantly from bronze to gold.
4. The Dress From Down Under
While touring Australia and New Zealand, Middleton opted for a bright combo — crisp white against tropical blue poppies.
5. The Color Purple
Purple is the color of royalty, right? Middleton may have been sporting a baby bump back then, but her eye-catching floral number streamlines her figure in all just the right places. The rich combo of violets, pinks, and whites is polished without being too much.
6. All Marooned Up
Meet the dress of my dreams. Intricate lace floral detailing and done in the most appropiate fall oxblood color — this is the Middleton way of dressing for the autumnal season.
7. Wedding Bells
I still remember the time I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to watch the Royal Wedding live — and if I recall correctly, I had a math exam the next day too (worth it). Every girl dreams of having that fairytale moment in her wedding gown — only for Middleton, it was pure reality. Arguably my most favorite "floral" look from her, the Duchess' exquisite Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen wedding dress is so historically important that it even has its own Wikipedia page. No joke here.
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Image: Getty
