kate middleton in a monochrome frock in 2007© Will

Princess Kate was the ultimate cool-girl in belted dress - see throwback photo

The then royal-to-be nailed off-duty elegance in the midi number

Fashion features writer
April 8, 2023

The sun is shining which means it's almost time to shelve the knits, coats and cashmere. The royals are always fully prepared in the clothing department when spring rolls around - with the Princess of Wales leading the spring style charge.

But did you know there's so much more to Princess Kate's spring style than her most recent looks? Before she married Prince William and entered royal life, the royal regularly debuted covetable new outfits that would be the perfect addition to anyone's seasonal wardrobe.

Princess Kate on a London visit in white blazer© WPA Pool
The Princess of Wales has effortless spring style

Case and point would be back in 2007, when Prince William's then-girlfriend was spotted leaving her flat in Chelsea, looking divine in a ditsy print. A 25-year-old Kate served up on-the-run glamour in a sleeveless mini dress featuring a belted waistline, a monochrome print with subtle wrap detailing  and a white dotted design. The look was a fun addition to her many noughties looks, some of which you can see in the clip below...

WATCH: Kate Middleton's Fashion Transformation

The St Andrews University graduate paired the frock with some open-toe black wedges and a white leather handbag for her daily essentials. Some black sunglasses shielded Kate's face from a rare bout of British sunshine and she wore her iconic brunette mane down loose in her signature silky style.

© Shutterstock
The royal-to-be rocked a ditsy print dress back in 2007

A simple silver bangle and some royal-inspired pearl drop earrings added a dose of pared-down dazzle to her throw-on aesthetic.

© Shutterstock
Prince William's then-girlfriend was spotted leaving her flat in Chelsea

This isn't the first of Princess Kate's pre-married outfits that has whipped up a fashion frenzy. Back in 2004, Prince William's wife-to-be rocked a graphic tee courtesy of the Really Wild Clothing Company that blatantly revealed her 'wild' side.

© Shutterstock
The then-25-year-old completed her look with a cream-coloured handbag and sunglasses

The mother-of-three attended a game fair at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire sporting a white top featuring playful black text that read 'Wild Thing', which she paired with a green tweed knee-length skirt and brown leather knee-high boots. 

THROWBACK FASHION: Princess Kate defied expectations in corset dress during date day with Prince William

Kate's country chic aesthetic was topped off with a pair of tinted Y2K sunglasses and a natural beauty look, consisting of a fresh-faced appearance and flowing chocolate locks that cascaded in the wind. A low-slung tan leather belt infused her preppy attire with an extra nostalgic noughties twist.

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