Kate Middleton showcases ‘playful’ side in shortest flirty hemline to date

The Princess of Wales has become known for her floor-grazing evening gowns and summery midi dresses, but back in 2013, she experimented with a mini skirt that no longer features in her wardrobe.

Prince William‘s wife, now 44, stepped out on 20 November 2013 to attend the Place2Be Forum at Canary Wharf. Appearing in her capacity as patron of the childrens’ mental health charity, Kate chose an Orla Kiely mini skirt featuring a pleated design.

Princess Kate’s playful skirt

The Princess wore a pleated mini skirt to the event held at the Clifford Chance law firm HQ

The skirt, which was cut above the knee, was paired with a navy fitted jacket by Max Mara, sheer tights, and suede slip-on heels. Meanwhile, her brunette locks were styled in a casual half-updo to offset the formality of her structured jacket.

Kate's skirt highlighted how her style has evolved — Kate’s skirt highlighted how her style has evolved

This throwback look of Kate’s fascinates fashion stylist Sian Clarke of Styled by Sian as it highlights how the princess’ sense of style has evolved.

“Early on, she could absolutely wear a shorter skirt, and it felt right – it suited the moment and the stage she was at in her life. However, it’s not something she would typically choose now,” Sian tells us. “The reason is that her style today is much more sleek, polished, elegant, and poised, whereas a shorter pleated skirt carries a more playful, youthful energy.”

Kate’s style evolution

The Prince and Princess of Wales during the ceremonial welcome

Sian believes that as Kate has grown into her role, her style has become more graceful and considered. “A shorter skirt, even though it would still suit her, wouldn’t convey the same sense of gravitas or importance that aligns with the position she now holds,” says the stylist.

“Her wardrobe choices reflect not just personal taste, but the evolution of her presence and responsibility.”

2013 – the year of the mini skirt

Catherine in dalmatian print dress smiling — Kate wore a Dalmatian print mini dress shortly before giving birth to Prince George

Kate’s outing to the Place2Be Forum wasn’t the only time the royal rocked a mini dress in 2013. Perhaps her most memorable was the dalmatian print coat dress from Hobbs that she wore to Princess Cruises’ ship naming ceremony at the Ocean Terminal in Southampton.

Catherine in dalmatian print dress walking among people — The Hobbs number was paired with black heels

The crew neck number was paired with platformed black heels and an accented hat positioned on the front of her head. At the time of the outing, Kate was pregnant with her first child, Prince George, who was born just over a month later on 22 July.

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