(Culture)

This Blue Coat Dress Might Be Kate Middleton’s Most-Worn Piece To Date

by Eva Thomas
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Feeling like you can't keep up with the royal news this week? Don't fret, take a breath, and get ready for a quick rundown. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are currently on their 10-day tour of South Africa with baby Archie in tow; Princess Beatrice just announced her engagement to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi with the most romantic Instagram post to bless your feeds all month; and, as per usual, Kate Middleton's got her own calendar chock-full of to-dos — and a practical workwear style to complement her busy days. That blue coat dress Middleton wore on Sept. 26 has been her go-to for busy days for years — aka, it's one of her closet favorites and, as such, earns a big shout-out.

Markle is churning out one covetable look after the other whilst tending to business in South Africa, while Middleton has been keeping her style reign going strong as she attends several events back home in England. On Thurs., the duchess was clearly feeling something blue (and something borrowed, err, recycled) as she stepped out for the naming ceremony for The RSS Sir David Attenborough in Birkenhead, England.

Middleton commanded all the attention on Thurs., as she strutted down the streets of Birkenhead in a gorgeous, sky-blue coat dress from Alexander McQueen. The hero piece of her outfit (and her wardrobe, because, hey, she's worn it to at least three other events in recent years) features large utilitarian pockets with oversized flaps and a belted waistline. What's more, it's crafted from wool, so it's warm enough to wear on a chilly fall day.

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Middleton is the queen of recycling closet staples, so it shouldn't be a surprise that the azure dress wasn't the only familiar thing about her look. The duchess slipped into her all-time favorite suede pumps from Emmy London, which boast a streamlined design and a chunky block heel that's perfect for long days on your feet (which are quite common for Middleton).

A black leather clutch likely held the duchess' daytime essentials, while her Mappin & Webb diamond drop earrings added instant sparkle and glamour. Her fresh honey-colored hair was styled in bouncy waves, and as per usual, her makeup approach was quite understated.

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More blue coat dress sightings? Back in 2016, Middleton wore the same McQueen number while attending the 75th anniversary of the RAF Air Cadets; she's also donned it for the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings back in June 2014; and she sported it while on a trip to New Zealand in April 2014.

Now, only time will tell when she'll reach for it again, but one thing's for certain: the dress' staying (and styling) is undeniable.

Ahead, shop The Zoe Report's favorite coats that easily double as dresses.

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