The Princess of Wales and Prince William officially ushered in the British summer social season on Friday. Gathering at Buckingham Palace over tea, finger sandwiches and sponge cake, Kate Middleton returned to a foolproof fashion formula: polka dots.
Royal Garden Party Fashion
The annual garden parties invite members of the public to recognise and reward their service, from charity volunteers and military personnel to diplomats, academics and community champions. Prince William stepped in for King Charles, meeting and chatting to attendees in the palace gardens. For the occasion, Kate debuted a new custom-made Self Portrait dress, featuring a fitted white blazer and pleated polka dot skirt.
The Princess has worn the British luxury label countless times over the years, while polka dot remains a staple of her summer wardrobe. At Wimbledon, she presented the men’s finals trophy wearing a navy polka dot dress, and at a Kensington Jubilee street party, she opted for a blue polka dot frock. Whether at Royal Ascot – where she wore a ruffled Alessandra Rich gown – or on a school run outing (she chose a brown and white Rixo spotty dress), it is safe to say that Kate knows the power of polka dot.
How to Get the Look on the High Street
You do not need a royal occasion to wear this timeless trend. Whether you have a birthday party in the calendar, are heading to Centre Court or attending a countryside wedding, here are the best Kate Middleton-inspired high street polka dot dresses:
- River Island white short sleeve polka dot maxi dress – £39 from Riverisland.com (prices may vary)
- Boden linen blend midi dress – £159 from Boden.com (prices may vary)
- M&S ruched midi tea dress – £30 from Marksandspencer.com (prices may vary)
- French Connection polka dot midi dress – £59 from Frenchconnection.com (prices may vary)
- Nobody's Child polka dot Charlotte midi – £89 from Nobodyschild.com (prices may vary)
Polka dot is a timeless summer trend, as proven by the Princess of Wales. With these high street alternatives, you can emulate her royal style without the custom-made price tag.
