Royal women have access to a plethora of designers eager for their creations to be showcased on a global scale.
However, original designs don’t always comply with royal protocol, prompting some ladies to modify revealing necklines and daring slits to create bespoke pieces.
Rather than constantly searching for new outfits, some, like Kate Middleton, choose to refashion existing dresses, as she famously did with her floral Alexander McQueen gown.
Similarly, Meghan Markle recently gave her scarlet Carolina Herrera frock a fresh twist by removing the detachable overskirt to reveal a figure-hugging silhouette.
But it was Princess Diana who first experimented with altering her outfits, often transforming them completely – as we explore below.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
Carolina Herrera gown with detachable skirt
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Meghan Markle debuted her Carolina Herrera silk gown in 2021 but recently removed the detachable overskirt, revealing a figure-hugging silhouette
Meghan with model pal Kelly McKee Zajfen at Children’s Hospital gala
Meghan recently upcycled a striking scarlet Carolina Herrera dress for the LA Children’s Hospital gala.
Previously, she donned the £5,232.98 silk gown at a 2021 gala in New York that honoured the military ahead of Veterans Day in the US and Armistice Day in Britain.
For her latest appearance, Meghan removed the dramatic overskirt, revealing a slinky figure-hugging silhouette.
She expertly styled the look with Aquazzura ‘So Nude’ heels in a lipstick red hue.
Veronica Beard ‘Cary’ dress
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Meghan wore a cerulean blue shirt dress by Veronica Beard during her tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga with Prince Harry. The £470 design originally featured two thigh-high slits, which Meghan had partially sewn up for a more modest aesthetic
During her tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Tonga with Prince Harry, Meghan debuted a cerulean blue shirt dress by Veronica Beard.
The £470 design originally featured two thigh-high slits, which Meghan had partially sewn up for a more modest aesthetic.
With the addition of Castaner wedges, her outfit quickly became a favourite.
Maggie Marilyn ‘Leap of Faith’ blazer dress
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Meghan chose a blazer dress by sustainable New Zealand-based designer Maggie Marilyn for an engagement in Wellington. She personalised the £485 frock by having the long sleeves removed
For an engagement in Wellington, Meghan chose a chic dress by sustainable New Zealand designer Maggie Marilyn.
She personalised the £485 ivory blazer dress by removing the long sleeves while preserving the classic lapels and double-breasted buttons.
This alteration achieved a seamless balance of smart and sophisticated.
Catherine, Princess of Wales
Jenny Packham bespoke dress
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This year’s Trooping the Colour was particularly significant as it marked the Princess of Wales’ return to public life following her cancer diagnosis. For the event, Kate opted to re-wear a Jenny Packham dress she had introduced the previous year
This year’s Trooping the Colour was particularly significant as it marked the Princess of Wales’ return to public life following her cancer diagnosis.
For the event, Kate opted to re-wear a Jenny Packham dress she had introduced the previous year.
The monochrome design was refashioned with a striped ribbon belt and matching bow at the shoulder for a fresh touch.
Alexander McQueen tiered jacquard dress
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At the 2017 Baftas, Kate wowed in a bespoke version of Alexander McQueen’s tiered jacquard dress from the resort 2016 collection. Two years later, Kate wore the same dress to a gala at the National Portrait Gallery, but this time it featured a new bodice with a square neckline and short sleeves
At the 2017 Baftas, Kate wowed in a bespoke version of Alexander McQueen’s tiered jacquard dress from the resort 2016 collection.
The British fashion house tailored the £5,942 gown to create a flattering off-shoulder neckline by modifying the bust and straps.
Two years later, Kate wore the same dress to a gala at the National Portrait Gallery, but this time it featured a new bodice with a square neckline and short sleeves.
Both gowns offered different yet equally beautiful effects.
Elie Saab embroidered gown
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For the wedding of Crown Prince Al-Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif in Jordan, Kate selected an exquisite gown from Elie Saab’s autumn/winter 2017 collection
For the wedding of Crown Prince Al-Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif in Jordan, Kate selected an exquisite gown from Elie Saab’s autumn/winter 2017 collection.
While the original design included sheer paneling in the bodice and skirt, Kate opted for opaque fabric instead.
This alteration did not detract from the intricate embroidery and blush hue, which perfectly complemented her radiant complexion.
Alessandra Rich silk jacquard dress
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Kate transformed a £1,455 Alessandra Rich dress before wearing it for the A Berry Royal Christmas television programme in 2019
Kate Middleton talks about William cooking her Bolognese
Kate transformed a £1,455 Alessandra Rich dress before wearing it for the A Berry Royal Christmas television programme in 2019.
She had a revealing keyhole opening at the neckline removed, before adding a wide bow to the neck of the dress, giving it a sophisticated finish.
This thoughtful modification made the outfit more appropriate, while maintaining the retro aesthetic of the original dress.
Jenny Packham ‘Goldfinger’ gown
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The Princess of Wales captivated at the 2021 world premiere of No Time to Die in an opulent gown by one of her favourite designers, Jenny Packham
The Princess of Wales captivated at the 2021 world premiere of No Time to Die in an opulent gown by one of her favourite designers, Jenny Packham.
Adorned with gold sequins, the £4,000 ‘Goldfinger’ dress showcased structured shoulders and caped sleeves that swept the red carpet.
The neckline was subtly raised for Kate, aligning with her signature demure style.
Diana, Princess of Wales
Catherine Walker embroidered gown
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Princess Diana wore a pale blue embellished Catherine Walker gown during an official visit to Qatar in 1987. Two years later, she refashioned the dress, removing the sleeves and creating a sweetheart neckline to wear, for an evening function in Cameroon
Princess Diana donned a pale blue embellished gown by Catherine Walker during an official visit to Qatar in 1987.
Two years later, she had the dress remade, removing the sleeves and creating a sweetheart neckline, for an evening function in Cameroon.
This extensive tailoring transformed the gown from a conservative style to one exuding red carpet-worthy glamour.
Victor Edelstein polka dot dress
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For the Epsom Derby in 1986, Diana chose a ruffled polka dot ensemble by Victor Edelstein, complemented by a similarly dotted hat from Frederick Fox. A year later, she wore the dress at a polo match but had it modernised by removing the peplum, giving it a more streamlined look
For the Epsom Derby in 1986, Diana chose a ruffled polka dot ensemble by Victor Edelstein, complemented by a dotted hat from Frederick Fox.
A year later, she wore the dress at a polo match but had it modernised by removing the peplum, giving it a more streamlined look.
Instead of earrings, the royal accessorised with a pearl necklace and opted out of the matching hat.
Catherine Walker embellished gown
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In March 1989, Diana selected a stunning Catherine Walker gown, featuring a lilac taffeta skirt, for her meeting with the Crown Prince of Kuwait. At a banquet in Seoul, South Korea, in 1992, she embraced changing fashion trends by wearing a remixed version of the dress
In March 1989, Diana selected a stunning Catherine Walker gown, featuring a lilac taffeta skirt, for her meeting with the Crown Prince of Kuwait.
At a banquet in Seoul, South Korea, in 1992, she embraced changing fashion trends by wearing a remixed version of the dress.
This time, the striking skirt was replaced with a slim column, while the embellished bodice remained untouched.
