Princess Kate makes a surprise appearance today as she attends a visit to a hospice, re-wearing a £90 Zara dress that cements the check-trend for spring
Kate Middleton makes a poignant visit to a children’s hospice in Wales today as she adorns a £90 high-street dress she’s opted for. The Duchess of Cornwall, 43, visited Tŷ Hafan, a charity that helps children with life-shortening conditions. Tŷ Hafan — which means “Haven House” in Welsh — is located in Sully, South Wales, and was built with the aid of the late Princess Diana.
The timeless and understated dress Kate opted for is a £90 Houndstooth midi from Zara, which is unfortunately sold out. However, if you want to copy the Princess’ affordable high-street look, we’ve found plenty of alternatives for various budgets.
It’s well established that Kate is a huge fan of the check pattern, and as spring approaches, Kate’s re-worn ensemble solidifies the check pattern is sure to be on-trend this spring.
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While you can still find Kate’s exact number from second-hand sources, we have plenty of alternative looks in similar black-and-white check patterns that match Kate’s timeless and casual style.
For instance, Marks and Spencer offer this Checked V-neck ruffle Midi-Waisted Dress, which is retelling, for the slightly more affordable price tag of £45. However, it’s worth noting that this spot-on lookalike for Kate’s recycled outfit is incredibly popular, with several sizes having already left the shelves, so you’ll need to hurry to get this alternative style in your size before it’s gone.
Meanwhile, at OMNES, you can get your hands on this Saint Dress in Mono Check for £59. Boasting the same below-the-knee length as Kate’s go-to number, this long-sleeved dress features a similarly high neckline – though it does abandon the sweet and more formal bow tie detailing. The check dress is currently available in other colourways if you prefer the design but don’t mind ditching the check pattern. The check look, however, is selling fast, so you’ll need to hurry to get yours.
This maxi dress is ideal for work or the weekend. It creates a striking silhouette, just like Kate’s attire, but that doesn’t mean you must compromise on comfort. It’s designed with a shirred bodice and long balloon sleeves, much like Kate’s Zara dress, and comes in a stylish monochrome check-print cotton to match the Duchess’ casual but sophisticated style.
For those with the budget, Mytheresa has a higher-end alternative that matches Kate’s chic ensemble with this Norma Kamali Belted jersey midi dress. Boarding on the more formal side, this Houndstooth number falls at a similar length to the Zara number. It has a fitted, flattering waistline and a blazer-like neckline with lapels, blending Kate’s common coat-dress looks. For £425, this piece is still available in all sizes.
And if you don’t mind missing out on the exact pattern and are happy to settle for an alternative look, check out Nobody’s Child’s hot pick with this Black Check Short Sleeve Midi Dress, ironically called ‘the Katie’. This dress is perfect for the coming spring season and opts for shorter sleeves but mimics the bow detailing of Kate’s Zara look.
This dress offers endless charm with a variation of the classic check pattern. Coming in a bold black gingham rather than the houndstooth of Kate’s chosen look, this dress will surely be your go-to for timeless and chic styling in the spring and summer months.
This dress retails for £110 and is also available in all sizes. Based on Kate’s ability to set trends, we’re imagining sales for check pieces are going to soar, so you may want to act fast to emulate the Princess’ look before it disappears—just like the Zara dress.
