The subtle tweak Princess Kate made to her garden party dress we all missed

The Princess of Wales wore an off-the-peg dress by Self-Portrait, which she made her own with one simple switch

he Princess of Wales kicked off the garden party season on Friday afternoon to co-host the famous Buckingham Palace event on behalf of King Charles with her husband, Prince William.

The royal couple looked incredibly stylish in their finest attire, and it was exciting to see Kate donning an all-new outfit, as opposed to a recycled garment.

The mother of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis donned a white blazer dress by one of her most-worn brands, Self-Portrait. It was crafted with a gentle peplum, and the double-breasted number was finished with three-quarter length sleeves and a Carrie Bradshaw-style corsage at the bust. This looked wonderful teamed with the lightly pleated midi skirt, adorned with polka dots, which was expertly attached.

© Alamy Stock Photo
Kate looked so beatiful for the occasion, wearing an ensemble by one of her go-to brands, Self Portrait

On initial inspection, Kate’s dress looked to be an off-the-peg item. An almost identical style is on the brand’s website, known as the ‘Cream 3D Flower Polka Dot Midi Dress’. Priced at £460, it’s been flying off the virtual shelves since Kate wore it.

Kate’s Self-Portrait dress can be purchased online – with a slightly different skirt

The website said of the style: “A polka dot print skirt brings light-hearted ease to this tailored midi dress. The cream wool top boasts an elegant flower corsage and suits-all square neckline – add heels for trips to the opera.”

© Alamy
Kate’s dress had a pleated hem

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The skirt part of the dress is designed with a prom-style cut, which creates significant volume. Kate’s skirt, although etched with polka dots, was pleated and fit a little closer to the body. It appears that the royal made this simple change to her look, which is in keeping with her signature style.

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Princess Kate wowed at the 2025 Wimbledon women’s final, wearing a bespoke Self-Portrait dress

This isn’t the first time that Kate has donned a bespoke dress by the brand. Kate attended Wimbledon in 2025 to watch the Ladies’ Singles Final. The royal looked stunning in her cream gown, made especially for her. It featured a standing collar, short sleeves, and a belted waistline. The designer number also boasted the most romantic pleated skirt and a set of utility pockets down the bodice for a modern touch.

Princess Kate-style blazer dresses

A blazer dress with a contrasting skirt is such an elegant ensemble that’s perfect for a formal occasion where you want to appear elegant and well-presented.

This Very dress has a similar, tailored finish

This belted midaxi dress from Very has a hugely similar silhouette to Kate’s dress, and this polka dot number by Joe Browns features the same polka dot skirt, with a black tailored blazer instead of white.

Polka dots are always big news for summer dressing

Kate’s Self-Portrait support

The wife of Prince William has always loved wearing ensembles by UK-based brand Self-Portrait. The label boasts an A-list clientele, including Beyoncé, Reese Witherspoon, Kristen Stewart, and Miranda Kerr. It was founded in 2013 by Malaysian-born designer Han Chong, and its headquarters are based in London.

© Max Mumby/Indigo, Getty
Princess Kate first wore white Self-Portrait in 2016

Her devoted admiration for the brand began in 2016, when she first wore the label at the premiere of A Street Cat Named Bob in London. The elegant gown she chose daringly featured an Angelina Jolie-esque thigh-high split.