Can you believe that Kate Middleton has come under fire for – gosh, horror – wearing the same clothes more than once?
People are saying that as a future Queen she should have a new frock every time she steps out the door. Ridiculous. And those same people would be the ones throwing their two cents in if she did have a throw-away mentality to her wardrobe.
Kate Middleton, left, dressed for a friend's wedding in a frock she also wore clubbing in 2007. Photo: Yahoo 7! Lifestyle
Here’s what I think.
She’s doing the right thing. Times are tight all around the world. Flaunting an unlimited clothes budget doesn’t endear you to the general public who put feeding their kids ahead of a new frock.
And I’m a big believer in bringing out a cocktail dress or a business outfit “from the vault” and slightly updating my look by adding a statement necklace or a new jacket. I get to re-live that feeling that I had when I first wore that outfit.
This is smart wardrobing at its ethical and sustainable best – and I think Kate’s clever enough to realise that.
This concept of recessionista chic first evolved at the start of the GFC three years ago. It became not only acceptable to re-cycle what you have in your wardrobe, it’s expected that you do so.
Except it seems if you are the Duchess of Cambridge?
What do you think? Should Kate re-cycle her frocks? Do you like bringing out something from “the vault”?
Comments 45
Seriously, there is no pleasure some elements. As you say, the same people who are aghast at this would also burn her at the stake for flaunting countless new outfits.
I think it shows her respect for the tough times we face – even if the royals dont feel the pinch like us. To flaunt it seems so vulgar. And vulgar she is not.
And if its a FAVE outfit that she adored wearing, why shouldnt she enjoy it a second time around??
Author
Couldn’t have said it better myself!
Great post Nikki and here’s an idea….how about some posts explaining how to re-gig the pieces we have to create several looks across the seasons? I tend to wear my garments in the same combinations each time and would love to be a little more creative/unpredictable!
Author
Great idea! I’ll put it on the list.
Oooh yes, love it!!
I agree! I think it’s great to see her wearing the same dress twice.
Author
It’s quite refreshing, Kelly … I want to see more of it.
Go Kate! Ticking all the boxes, making all the right moves. I think the press got the reaction they were hoping for…
Nice post Nikki…struck a chord again.
A:)
Author
Yes, the media did … but I was still surprised that some commentators were saying she should be wearing new outfits all the time!
I agree that some people have far too much time on their hands if they can sit around and go through photos from years ago – give the girl a break and instead congratulate her for saving tax dollars!!
Author
My thoughts exactly. Especially since those same people would be the first to have a go at her if she didn’t recycle her outfits!
I think she’s fabulous! Good for her, she’s letting women know that you don’t need to keep consuming to look/be perfect!
Author
Which makes her the perfect woman for the “job” of future Queen.
I applaud Kate for having the sense to wear clothes more than once. It’s better for the environment and the pocket. She should never be ridiculed for being recycling savvy!
Author
It does seem a crazy thing to be ridiculed for doesn’t it. I actually make a point of telling girlfriends how great they look in an outfit that we both know has been recycled more than once.
So true Nikki. And she has such beautiful clothes they deserve to get more than one wearing!
Author
So true!
Boy she’s doing the right thing. She’s a winner in my books.
A-M xx
Author
She’s definitely got it sorted.
Love her. I think wearing clothes more than once is absolutely spot-on in setting the right tone for her new role.
Author
She seems to have a grip on setting that right tone, doesn’t she?
If I had that stunning dress I would be dissapointed if I didn’t get to wear it more than once!!
Author
Me too!
I love how she’s keeping it real. She’s got a good head on her shoulders. People can learn a thing or two from her.
Author
Definitely. Amazing that she just seems to know how to read the exact requirements of the job vs keeping it real.
Hear hear! I remember when this first “came out” that it’s nice to see someone in her position reusing clothes. I’m sure her obviously large wardrobe has plenty of pieces we’ll see again, re-jazzed. Besides, the people who sit down and go through all the photos to find a photo from that long ago clearly have too much time on their hands!!
Author
I’d love to have that job – let’s see if we can match Kate’s outfit with one she wore four years ago. First world stuff!
I have a girl crush on her! I think she is gorgeous, its great thats she has a dress from 2007 still in her wardrobe, I dont, I’ve had two kids since then! Got Kate.
Author
Don’t think you’re the only one with the crush!
I have a very, very small wardrobe.
I have a few nice going out clothes that I rotate and change up as you said by either changing my shoes or jewellery or a new top or jacket. I just don’t have the money to go out and buy a new outfit every time I go out.
A tip for getting a new look is raiding a friends wardrobe. I often raid my younger sisters as we are a similar size, and my best friend is always offering up her clothes. I just wish we were the same shoe size!
Author
Ahh, I wish I had sisters. My teenage daughter almost has the same size feet as me. The only things we share are Metalicus at the moment!
I can’t believe it’s even an issue! She looks divine x
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Here, here, Holly!
Nice to see a royal who’s in touch with the real world. Onya Kate!
Author
Exactly! It’s a very good thing, Janet.
I’m a huge advocate of change your look with accessories!
I love that she always looks great, and has ‘real world’ values.
I think I would be horrified if I couldn’t wear my favourite pieces over again.
You’re right, she would be criticised if she had a ‘throw away’ wardrobe. Good on her for being true to herself!
Author
I would be horrified too. Imagine putting so much effort into find an outfit for an occasion to be told that was the only time it would ever come out to play?!
Kate just keeps doing it for me. She is in touch with the ‘real world’ and has a great sense of style. I love how she has changed her look with her accessories.
I just wish she’d hurry up and get pregnant so I can add her to my Mummy Crush list.
Author
Oh, can you imagine her preggers … so gorgeous!
She.Is.Amazing!
No matter what she does!!!
Author
Girl crush 😉 I get it!
i was just having this conversation with a friend the other day! we decided if we love the dres sand it makes us feel good, it deserves a rewear – just hopefully in a different scenario/different people.
i love the way she has just changed the accessories and given it a fresh update. acutally, i just love the Duchess!
Author
So, so true Belle. I’m also upfront with my friends – I tell them that they’ll be seeing a dress a lot – particularly if it’s one that makes me feel a million dollars every time I put it on!
She looks gorgeous and is saving money from the public purse? How dare she!
Author
I know! How dare she save money?!