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When it comes to Kate Middleton’s signature style, she’s the Princess of the polka dot.
The royal has been spotted in the pattern numerous times, sporting spotted blouses, dresses and skirts while off-duty and on official engagements.
Part of this is due to the fact the Princess of Wales is a big fan of designer Alessandra Rich, who creates formal yet fun dresses that really make a statement.
While visiting St Thomas’ Hospital to celebrate the health service’s 75th anniversary this week, we saw Kate re-wearing one of her favourites from the brand, a bold blue dress that first made an appearance at Wimbledon last year.
Previous ensembles also show her penchant for the print, with dotted outfits by the likes of Altuzarra, Jenny Packham, and Emilia Wickstead becoming a staple of her wardrobe.
She’s even credited with spiking online searches for polka dot fashion each time she’s spotted (sorry) in it, proving the ongoing power of the sellout ‘Kate effect’.
Unfortunately, most of us don’t have the budget for couture, and Alessandra Rich dresses typically retail for over £1,000 a pop.
That’s why we’ve rounded up our favourite of Kate’s spot-print looks alongside affordable alternatives – because you really don’t need to spend a king’s ransom to look like a Princess.
Alessandra Rich Azure Blue Polka Dot Dress
We first saw Princess Catherine in this Alessandra Rich number in June 2022 at the Platinum Jubilee Big Lunch, but it’s since made appearances in July 2022 during day nine of Wimbledon and July this year at The Big Tea Party at a London hospital.
She and husband Prince William met with guests including Aneira ‘Nye’ Thomas, the first baby born on the NHS, and three generations of NHS workers from one family.
The dress is made from silk crepe de chine, with pleating at the waist, lightly puffed shoulders, and a belt.
Unlike the ready-to-wear option – which retailed for £1,515 and was adorned with mother of pearl hardware – Kate’s custom version featured a fabric belt buckle and buttons.
These are our favourite alternatives.
Equipment and Tory Burch Polka Dot Blouses
We’ve seen a few different iterations of navy polka dot blouses on Kate, including a 100% silk number from French brand Equipment.
The Princess of Wales wore the £338 button-down at Evelina London’s Sunshine House in Peckham in 2019, during an Ireland visit in February 2020, and in March 2021 for a video chat with the SHOUT 85258 charity.
Opting for a twist on the classic shirt shape, she also chose a Tory Burch Scallop Edge Collar piece for a day visiting local organisations in Wolverhampton IN 2021 and during a video recorded for Addiction Awareness Week the following year.
This one has since sold out, and since both are priced at over £300 we have some similar tops that are more budget-friendly.
Alessandra Rich Chelsea Collar Blue Polka Dress
This one first made an appearance at the Wimbledon Men’s Finals in July 2022 – where she presented the trophy to Novac Djokovic – and then to open Hope Street, Southampton earlier this month.
The frock features gold buttons, puff sleeves, a statement frilled collar and a peplum waist, and previously retailed for £1,335.
If that’s out of your price range, give these high street buys a go.
Alessandra Rich Navy Dagger Collar Dress
Mum-of-three Kate donned the designer once more to a Bletchley Park exhibition in 2019.
The dress featured a 70s-style dagger collar and contrasting white buttons and cuffs, along with a gently pleated skirt that typifies the Princess’s elegant style.
We also saw the dress in official pictures marking Prince Phillip’s 70th birthday the year before.
Get the look without breaking the bank below.
Altuzarra Aimee Dress in Blue Polka Dot
This piece has stood the test of time, first seen on the Princess at a Heads Together event in the autumn of 2016, then for a video filmed to mark International Nurses Day in May 2020, and most recently in May 2022 to shoot a message for Mental Health Awareness Week’s Mental Health Minute.
With a v-shaped neckline, a classic midi tea dress shape, and gathered puffed sleeves, it’s ideal for when you want to feel smart but not restricted.
Although Altuzarra made a number of different colourways in this style, it’s now sold out (plus it retailed at over £1,600) so we’ve got some similar ones to try.
Emilia Wickstead Anatola Dress
In July 2020, the then-Duchess of Cambridge sported spots while meeting families for the BBC’s ‘Tiny Happy People’ initiative.
True to form for Kate, it featured a sharp collar, midi length and a slight balloon sleeve, and was part of Emilie Wickstead’s exclusive 2019 collection with Matches Fashion.
The original retail price was £1,735, and although it then went on sale for £780, these alternatives may suit your budget better.
Alessandra Rich Pleated Polka Dot Midi Black
You may recognise this black and white number from Prince Philip’s life at Westminster Abbey in March 2022.
Once again, it’s by Alessandra Rich, and made in silk crepe de chine with a drop-waist skirt, shoulder button detailing and puffed sleeves.
It’s said to be a nod to the classic styles of the ’70s, and the Net-A-Porter product description described it as ‘as playful as it is elegant.’
Want the look for less?
Jenny Packham Blue Polka Dot Mini
While introducing Prince George to the world in 2013, on the steps of St Mary’s Hospital in London, the Princess of Wales glowed in Jenny Packham.
The exact dress was a bespoke creation by the designer, who has dressed the royal on a number of occasions.
However, you can get your hands on this strikingly similar ones here.
Alessandra Rich White and Brown Polka Dot Dress
This one was a real triumph, chosen by Kate for Royal Ascot in June 2022 and more recently for the annual service of The Most Noble Order of the Garter, at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.
The white dress was said to be a nod to one worn by Princess Diana in 1988 to Royal Ascot, by designer Victor Edelstein.
With a similar ruched waist and high neckline, we can see the resemblance. And you can get the look too, with these bargain buys.
Polka dots really are a wear-anywhere print.
So to steal the royal’s timeless style, get hot for the spot.
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MORE : Love Kate Middleton’s Wimbledon 2023 look? Here’s where to get the outfit for less
MORE : The £435 heels from Kate Middleton-approved brand that’ll last all day and all night
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