How Kate breathes new life into recycled outfits

When the Duchess of Cambridge recycles an item from her closet, there are no repeat offenders. Using smart styling tricks and wearing the pieces in her wardrobe with confidence, the thrifty royal breathes new life into old favourites. <p>The mother of two isn't afraid to wear a skirt-suit or coatdress multiple times because she knows that with the right pair of shoes or new clutch, the ensemble will feel fresh and new. </p> Here, we roundup all of the times Kate has recycled key pieces from her wardrobe, including a skirt-suit she has repeated on four different occasions.
The Duchess of Cambridge knows just how not to upstage the bride at a wedding - wear a recycled outfit! When one of her closest friends and godmother of Princess Charlotte said "I do" on Sept. 22, the royal wore a cornflower blue coat dress by Catherine Walker, which she'd previously donned while on tour in Berlin. Kate breathed new life into the look by adding a stunning floral headband by Juliette Botterill Millinery, which retails for $730. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images 
In one of her most-worn hues, Duchess Kate stepped out for a second time in London on Mar. 6 in this blue lace Seraphine number. She first wore the gorgeous ensemble on Feb. 1 while she and Prince William were on royal tour in Norway. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images
The Duchess stunned in this cornflower blue Sportmax coat twice! While pregnant with Princess Charlotte in 2015, Kate wore the gorgeous number on a visit to the Emma Bridgewater Factory. Now, pregnant with her third child, she wore it on her visit to the Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute at Kings College on Jan. 23, 2018. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images
Kate has worn this stunning powder blue Seraphine coat twice during pregnancy. The first time she donned the ensemble was back in 2015 - while she was pregnant with Princess Charlotte - during a visit to the Kensington Leisure Centre. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images
Kate has stunned a total of three times in this bright magenta Mulberry coat, which retails for $2,563. The first time the Duchess was seen wearing it was while visiting the 9/11 Memorial in New York City back in 2014. She also donned the bright coat the following year while paying a visit to London's Stephen Lawrence Centre. Finally, teaming the gorgeous ensemble with a pair of black tights and heels, the royal stepped out with the Duke for an appearance in Coventry on Jan. 16, 2018. <p>Photo: &copy; Getty Images
When the Duchess of Cambridge finds a piece she really loves, she wears it again and again...and again! The expectant royal stepped out on Jan. 10, 2018 for her first engagement of the year - just one day after her birthday - in a dress royal fans were quick to recognize from her previous pregnancy. The "Florrie" floral-print dress, by Kate's favourite maternity brand Seraphine, saw her through two outings while carrying Princess Charlotte in 2015 - at Family Friends in London and on a factory visit in Staffordshire. On her most recent visit to speak with children about social media, the style-savvy royal wore her hair in voluminous waves and kept warm in a navy-blue Hobbs coat, a few shades darker than the topper she chose on one of the two previous occasions when she wore her glossy locks half-up. <p>Photos: Getty Images
At first glance it looked like the Duchess of Cambridge recycled a head-to-toe look to attend a children's party in North Kensington on Dec 12. Kate first wore this plum Seraphine coat, black tights and clutch ensemble during a visit to New York with Prince William in 2014 (R). A closer inspection reveals that the expectant mother swapped her black ankle booties for a pair of power pumps and her drop earrings for diamond studs. <p>Photo: © Getty Images
The Duchess has found the perfect complement for her cream colored GOAT 'Redgrave' coat – black tights! That was her look of choice when she first wore the coat with pumps and pearl earrings in March 2013 during a charity visit in Buckinghamshire, left. In November 2017, right, the royal's hair was a bit longer, but the combination was the same, showing that a great ensemble is truly timeless. <p>Photos: Getty Images
Kate sourced another piece from the maternity section in her wardrobe for a visit to Birmingham in November 2017. The duchess wore the same black and white Goat coat that she was spotted in while pregnant with Princess Charlotte in 2014 (L). <p>Photo: © Getty Images
A pregnant Duchess of Cambridge rewore a black lace Diane von Furstenberg gown to the 2017 Anna Freud Centre Gala at Kensington Palace's Orangery. The 35-year-old royal completed her elegant ensemble on November 7 by styling her glossy locks down in loose waves. The mom-of-two accessorized her look with a Prada clutch, a pair of Queen Elizabeth’s earrings, a diamond cuff bracelet and a patriotic Remembrance Poppy. Kate first wore this dress, which has also been seen on Meghan Markle in a shorter navy version, in 2014 when she was pregnant with Princess Charlotte to The Royal Variety Performance. For that outing, Kate wore her hair pinned back. Photo: Getty Images
Kate wore a familiar ensemble to attend a special ceremony to mark the centenary of the Battle of Passchendaele in Belgium on July 30. The 35-year-old wore an elegant coat dress by Alexander McQueen, which she teamed with a pair of grey suede heels and matching purse. She first wore dress back in July 2015 for the christening of her daughter Princess Charlotte. <p>Photo: Getty Images
The Duchess of Cambridge looked casual and cool when she slipped into her wellies to spend the day on a farm in Gloucestershire on May 3 (R). Royal watchers were quick to notice that the mother of two was wearing the same Troy khaki safari jacket she wore back in September during the royal tour of Canada. This time, Kate left her hair down in loose waves and added a little sophistication to her comfy look with a gingham collared shirt. <p>Photo: © Christopher Morris/Hello! Canada/Getty Images
On Easter Sunday 2017, Kate attended church with her husband Prince William and the rest of the British Royal Family in an elegant Catherine Walker cream coat. The royal first wore the charming ensemble back in October when she waved goodbye to Canada after her family's week-long tour of the west coast. <p>Photo: Getty Images
Kate is the queen of demonstrating that just switching up your hairstyle and accessories can make a big difference when recycling looks. <p>The Duchess of Cambridge attended the launch of a series of educational films about maternal mental health created by Best Beginnings on March 23 wearing a retro-inspired skirt suit by Eponine London. The royal accessorized the look with a gold L.K Bennett clutch bag and nude pump shoes. Kate previously wore the ensemble back in March of 2016 pairing it with a black handbag and shoes.</p> Photos: Getty Images
Kate stepped out in her bright red Carolina Herrera coat to attend a rugby match in Paris on Mar. 18. Unlike the first time she donned the vibrant piece of outerwear (during a visit to Whitehorse in Oct. 2016, left) the mother of two paired the coat with a black turtleneck and gloves. <p>Photo: © PA/Getty Images
Kate has worn this Michael Kors coat not one, not two, but three times! For the latest sighting, the Duchess wore the coat during the unveiling of the new memorial gardens, pairing it with a wide-brimmed navy blue hat. She was previously seen in the look in May 2016 and for the first time during her visit to Australia in 2014. <p>Photo: Getty Images
On Feb. 22 2017, Kate stepped out in her burgundy Paule Ka skirt suit for an engagement in Wales (Right). Unlike the first time she wore to two-piece ensemble back in 2012, the mother of two slipped a black turtleneck under the double-breasted jacket and accessorized with knee-high boots and gloves. <p>Photo: © Getty Images/Rex
Fourth time is a charm for this red Luisa Spagnoli skirt suit. Kate has worn the eye-catching ensemble four times since 2011. <p>From top: Kate named Honorary Air Commandant of the RAF Air Cadets in Dec. 2015, kicking off Mental Health Week in Feb. 2017, a trip to St. Andrews University with Prince William in 2011 and on tour in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2014.</p> Photo: &copy; Getty Images
Formal for the win! Kate first stunned in this red Jenny Packham gown with embellished bodice and cap sleeves during her first-ever state banquet in October 2015, where she paired it with the Lotus Flower Tiara. The duchess brought the gorgeous gown back out in December 2016 for the Queen's annual Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace, this time wearing her late mother-in-law Princess Diana's beloved Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara and opting to style it with just one diamond bracelet. <br>Photo: © Getty Images/PA Images
Kate kept the chill at bay on St Patrick's Day in 2014 thanks to her appropriately hued Hobbs coat, which she paired with a leather belt, green corsage and matching wool fascinator. When she arrived in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, as part of her royal tour of Canada in 2016, fashion fans were quick to recognize the elegant trench coat, which she wore with nude pumps and a tartan scarf slung over one arm. <p>Photo: © Getty and Rex
After a month-long summer holiday with Prince William and their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, Kate looked rested and refreshed as she stepped out in Luton for a day of joint engagements with her husband. Fans were quick to recognize her L.K. Bennett dress, a blue-and-white floral number that the duchess first wore while on tour in Brisbane in 2014. While wearing the Lasa Poppy Print Dress with navy heels and a vibrant blue clutch bag, she famously climbed into the cockpit of a fighter jet. For her more recent outing, Kate kept her accessories nude and wore her hair down in her signature blow-dry.
Kate resurfaced her sequin-embellished Jenny Packham number for the East Anglia's Children's Hospices' Nook Appeal dinner on Jun. 22 2016. The mother of two first wore the dazzling gown at ARK's 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner in London in 2011. And while she carried the same Prada clutch and wore the same LK Bennett shoes as the first time around, Kate updated the look with some chandelier earrings on loan from the Queen and tied her hair up in an elegant chignon <p>Photo: Getty Images</p>
Kate made a sunny appearance at the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland's garden party on June 14, recycling her gold brocade coat dress by DAY Birger et Mikkelsen for the occasion. The stylish royal previously wore the feminine piece to Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall's wedding back in 2011, however for the garden event, Prince George's mom paired the lovely coat with a rose pill-box hat from Lock & Co. <p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>
Kate recycled this Catherine Walker number for her appearance at the Order of the Garter service at Windsor Castle on June 13, 2016 (left). The Duchess was previously seen wearing the ensemble five years ago during the final day of her royal tour of Canada with Prince William in 2011. Kate also recycled her Lock & Co headpiece, which was previously worn during the Diamond Jubilee Thames River Pageant back in 2012. To complete the look, she accessorised with her earrings she wore on her wedding day. <p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>
Double take! Kate first wore this green Catherine Walker coat dress during her royal tour of Australia in 2014, left. She must have loved the look, because she nearly duplicated it – though with her signature blowout – in spring 2016 during the duchess's first appearance at the Chelsea Flower Show. <p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>
Repeat for tea with the Queen. Kate recycled her cream Alexander McQueen ensemble for a garden party hosted by Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace. The stylish royal first stepped out in the elegant attire, which she paired with a Jane Taylor pillbox hat, back in 2013 for Prince George's christening. For the 2016 garden party, she swept her hair up, and added pearl earrings and a box clutch. <p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>
Almost identical looks! Attending a fun sailing engagement in May 2016, Kate chose one of her favorite Alexander McQueen skirt and top combos. The Duchess was spotted wearing this exact same outfit, including the same shoes and accessories, five years ago in Birmingham during a joint engagement with Prince William. <p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>
For a 2016 solo visit to Scotland, during which time she'd also be hitting the tennis courts for charity, Kate dazzled in a green Max Mara coat - a staple in her closet that she'd worn just a few months earlier during Christmas. To mix it up, the duchess bid her fascinator adieu and paired the look with her signature turtleneck. <br> Photo: &copy; Getty Images</p>
<p>With her long brunette locks hanging loose, Kate first wore this timeless Orla Kiely dress in 2012. She later brought it back in October 2015, sweeping her hair up into a loose ponytail. <br> Photo: &copy; Getty Images</p>
<p>The third time wasn't the only charm! The Duchess of Cambridge first wore this striking LK Bennett red coat to visit the UNICEF center in Denmark in 2011, center, cinched with a leather belt. The coat's next appearance was two years later, when Kate accompanied her husband to celebrate Remembrance Day, right, with her hair in glamorous waves. In February 2015, the classic piece got another showing during a visit to an Air Force base in Wales, a pillbox hat and black pumps giving it a military feel. <br> Photo: &copy; Getty Images</p>
<p>With her hair partially swept up underneath a hat, right, Kate sported this Alexander McQueen green tartan coat to attend a Christmas Day service in Sandringham in 2013. When she first wore it in 2012 to re-visit her old prep school in Berkshire it felt much less conservative, exuding a fun and casual vibe. <br> Photo: &copy; Getty Images</p>
<p>Kate wore this brown Orla Kiely coat for an outing in Liverpool, having worn it before to visit a children's hospital. Throwing a dark turtleneck on under a favourite piece of outerwear is one of the Duchess' favourite simple styling tricks. <br> Photo: &copy; Getty Images</p>
Kate proved she really is the queen of high-street fashion when she stepped out in this polka-dot Topshop dress twice during her pregnancy, adding an eye-catching fascinator to turn it into a wedding-worthy ensemble. <br> Photo: &copy; Getty Images
Kate wore this green Hobbs coat to attend the Aldershot Barrack's parade in 2012 and liked it so much that she donned it again to the same event the following year. The only differences? Switching up the hat and adding a turtleneck underneath. <br> Photo: &copy; Getty Images
Kate added a sparkly Zara necklace to change up her look, left, when she wore this cream Roland Mouret gown for the second time. <br> Photo: &copy; Getty Images
The Duchess of Cambridge looked stunning both times she wore this green Mulberry dress, the first to attend a Diamond Jubilee party and then to open the Natural History Museum's Treasures Gallery. <br> Photo: &copy; Getty Images
Jenny Packham is one of Kate's favorite designers. The royal has worn this beautiful ruched gown a total of 3 times now, twice in London and at a December 2014 dinner at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. It looks great both with a cascading diamond necklace and with a bare décolletage. <br> Photo: &copy; Getty Images
Kate opted for this beautiful Missoni coat for a friend's wedding after slipping it on a few times prior to attend official engagements. <br> Photo: &copy; Getty Images
Kate chose to wear this brown Orla Kiely patterned dress to visit the Only Connect program in November 2013 and also for a visit to a school in February 2012. <br> Photo: &copy; Getty Images
As well as wowing in stunning dresses and coats, Kate can also pull off casual-chic with the simple addition of her favorite navy blue blazer, which she likes to pair with a striped top and jeans. <br> Photo: &copy; Getty Images
Kate looked stunning in this black lace Temperley dress, so it's no surprise she'd opt to wear it again. She first dazzled in the look on the eve of her 30th birthday, then nearly a year later to host a dinner in London. <br> Photo: &copy; Getty Images
Kate has been spotted several times in this Katherine Hooker dress, once at a wedding in 2009 and paired with a different fascinator at Prince Philip's 90th Birthday celebration. <br> Photo: &copy; Getty Images
Kate loved this pink Emilia Wickstead dress so much she wore it twice in one month, once at a Diamond Jubilee party at Windsor Castle and 11 days later to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace. <br> Photo: &copy; Getty Images</p>
It seems this red Armani coat has stood the test of time in Kate's wardrobe. The duchess first wore it to attend Prince William's graduation from Sandhurst in 2006. Seven years later, it was keeping her warm again during a visit to Scotland. <br> Photo: &copy; Getty Images
Kate wore this cream sailor dress made by one of her favorite designers, Sarah Burton for Alexandra McQueen, to watch Andy Murray at Wimbledon a year after she wore it on her royal tour of Canada and North America. <br> Photo: &copy; Getty Images
Style in black and white! Maybe because it goes with any neutral hat, this Alexander McQueen dress was clearly a hit with the duchess. She not only wore it during the Trooping the Colour ceremony in 2011 but also a week later to attend the annual Order of the Garter Service. <br> Photo: &copy; Getty Images
Kate made this maroon coat much less conservative by adding a wide belt – and taking away the hat and gloves – during her visit to a children's school. <br> Photo: &copy; Getty Images
With this green dress proving a hit when she wore it to Zara Phillips' pre-wedding drinks party on July 8, 2011, Kate then decided to take it with her on her visit to Canada later on that month. <br> Photo: &copy; Getty Images
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