The Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, is renowned for both her high-low sensibility and her ability to make past-season looks seem fresh. Proving yet again that what's old can definitely be new, the elegant royal flexed her sartorial savvy in a $2000 Matthew Williamson dress from a few years back.

Stepping out in London on Wednesday afternoon, Kate was the epitome of chic in the grey shift dress with neckline and cuff jewel detailing from the British designer. It was a look that she first sported back in 2012.

TAP TO VIEW FULL GALLERYKate looked chic in the $2000 dress

Kate paired the dress with dark green suede court shoes and a matching clutch bag.

The 33-year-old was stepping out to make a rare public speech focused on the issue of child mental health at the Place2be Headteacher conference in the capital.

She paired the dress with the same accessories as in 2012

It's been a busy couple of days for the Duchess, whose outing comes the day after she attended the annual Fostering Excellence Awards, an event hosted by The Fostering Network, a charity dedicated to foster care.

For the important event, Kate had sported a cobalt blue dress from new Indian designer Saloni, which featured cropped sleeves, a nipped-in waist and a full skirt.

Sporting the same look in 2012

The dress is titled Martine and is currently available on Matchesfashion.com for £555.