Outdated Outfits Kate Middleton Has Been Caught Wearing

No one can deny that Kate Middleton has undergone a stunning style transformation during her career as a working royal. The Princess of Wales is blessed with good looks — she even looks flawless makeup-free — and her wardrobe is certainly up to par with her royal status. However, even her natural beauty and signature bouncy blowout are not enough to distract from a poorly coordinated outfit. As impeccable as she appears, Kate is also guilty of royal style mishaps and the occasional inappropriate outfit. What's more, Kate has also been spotted wearing outdated trends, including old-fashioned dresses and outfit combinations.

While it's not a crime to wear antiquated pieces, it's tricky to style certain vintage garments in the modern era, such as skinny jeans and '70s-era fabrics. On that note, there have been several instances throughout the years where fans were forced to pass a double take as the princess stepped out in an ensemble that was undeniably past its due date.

During an athlete workshop held by Sportsaid in 2013, Kate Middleton wore a head-to-toe outfit that included skinny jeans, a Breton-striped sweater, a navy blazer, and a matching set of wedges. The twill denim jeans belong to the J Brand label — which has since ceased production — and is one of the many pairs of skin-tight bottoms worn by the princess during the mid-2000s. In this case, we think it best that Kate follow in the clothing brand's footsteps and abandon her preference for dyed skinny jeans for good.

This blue velvet devoré dress by Erdem garnered mixed reactions by fans when Kate Middleton arrived at Fotografiska Galleries in Sweden during a 2018 Scandinavian tour, with one X (formerly Twitter) user referring to the 'fit as "a pair of 1970s curtains." Indeed, the draping fabric of the bell sleeves and floral pattern are reminiscent of the retro velvet obsession. That said, the dress still sold out, which is likely due to the "Kate effect," rather than the piece's standalone appeal.

The divisive floral yellow dress Kate Middleton wore in 2022 while leaving the Bahamas is a memorable moment in royal fashion history. Most would agree that there are certain styles and trends that should remain in the past, and this '80s-inspired puff-sleeve dress by Alessandra Rich is the perfect example. The old-fashioned silhouette featured a ruffled boatneck collar and a pleated peplum waist — a distinctive '80s-era style. Princess Diana would have rocked this outfit, but Kate failed to win us over with this look in 2022.

While touring the Isles of Scilly in 2016, William and Catherine, Prince and Princess of Wales, made a stop at St. Martins island. The pair donned coordinated navy-and-white outfits, but Kate opted for a slightly outdated garment, even by 2016 standards. Her patterned trousers featured a dizzying print and pencil-thin fit, which she styled with nude wedges and a fitted blazer. Although the public admires Kate for her sustainable wardrobe recycling habits, we hope this early 2000s yacht attire doesn't make a comeback.

In 2016, William and Catherine, Prince and Princess of Wales, enjoyed a safari excursion at the Kaziranga National Park in India. Despite the heat, Kate donned a pair of slim-fitted jeans, a white polka-dot blouse, and beige moccasin buckle flats. Aside from the skinny silhouette, the outdated dark wash and edgy Y2K jean details majorly aged the princess. The side zipper embellishment and ribbed knee patches felt out of place paired with the more formal blouse and bohemian flats. It's seriously time for Kate to ditch the skinny jeans.