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Kate Middleton's Fashion Repeats (PHOTOS, POLL)

The Huffington Post   First Posted: 08/01/2011 8:15 am Updated: 10/01/2011 5:12 am

After a recent pair of repeat sartorial performances, one at Zara Phillips' yacht party and another at her wedding, we decided to take a look at some of the former-Kate Middleton's favorite things.

The Duchess of Cambridge hasn't hesitated to shop her closet, bringing back oldies but goodies on the regular. Her Canadian tour gave us a previously unprecedented glimpse into her wardrobe, showing us just how much she loves a recycled outfit. Twill pants by J Brand, nude L. K. Bennett pumps, a Smythe blazer and Pied à Terre slingback wedges got the most wear on the 11-day tour, but since being named Duchess of Cambridge, she's also worn dresses and coats from years ago...dating back to even -- gasp -- 2006!

As Rachel Zoe so poignantly put it, "I think that just makes her so much more human and approachable. Like, I just went into my closet and grabbed this pair of skinny jeans, little jacket and left. And I think that's great, and that white [Reiss] dress that she wore, she's worn that twice, which I love."

Take a look at a handful of the Duchess' outfit repeats and let us know what you think -- which looks are worth a re-wearing and which should be left behind?

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  • Erdem Dress

    LOOK 1: At the Trooping of Colours event in June 2012. LOOK 2: At a friend's wedding in September 2012. (Getty/Ikon Pictures)

  • Whistles Dress

    LOOK 1: At the Diamond Jubilee Concert, June 4, 2012 LOOK 2: At the London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony, August 12, 2012 (Getty photos)

  • Roksanda Ilincic Frock

    LOOK 1: North American Royal Tour in Beverly Hills, July 8, 2011 LOOK 2: Arts reception during the 2012 London Olympics, July 30, 2012

  • Jane Troughton Brocade Coat

    <strong>LOOK 1</strong>: At a wedding in London on August 14, 2009. <br> <br><strong>LOOK 2</strong>: At a celebration for Prince Philip's 90th birthday on June 12, 2011, wearing a Zara dress and L. K. Bennett shoes. (Getty photos)

  • Ted Baker Trenchcoat

    <strong>LOOK 1</strong>: At the Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival in England on March 14, 2008, wearing a black fedora, scarf and boots. <br> <br><strong>LOOK 2</strong>: Arriving at a hotel in Yellowknife on July 4, 2011, wearing navy pumps. (Getty photos)

  • Issa Dress

    <strong>LOOK 1</strong>: Arriving at the Goring Hotel on April 28, 2011, wearing L.K. Bennett wedges. <br> <br><strong>LOOK 2</strong>: Speaking with volunteers in Ottawa on June 30, 2011, wearing Pied à Terre slingback wedges. (Getty photos)

  • Gold Sign Jeans, White Ten Gallon Hat

    <strong>LOOK 1</strong>: At a rodeo demonstration in Calgary, Canada on July 7, 2011, wearing a blouse by Temperley. <br> <br> <strong>LOOK 2</strong>: Watching a rodeo demonstration at the BMO Center in Calgary, Canada on July 8, 2011 in an Alice by Temperley blouse. (Getty photos)

  • Jane Troughton Gold Brocade Coat

    <strong>LOOK 1</strong>: Worn with a feathered fascinator to the nuptials of Laura Parker Bowles and Harry Lopes. <br> <br><strong>LOOK 2</strong>: Paired with an elaborate hat at Zara Phillips' wedding. (Getty photos)

  • L.K. Bennett Nude Pumps

    <strong>LOOK 1</strong>: Arriving in Ottawa, Canada in an Erdem dress on June 30, 2011. <br> <br> <strong>LOOK 2</strong>: Arriving at the Calgary airport in a Jenny Packham dress on July 7, 2011. (Getty photos)

  • DVF "Maja" Dress

    <strong>LOOK 1</strong>: At the British Consul-General's residence in L.A. on July 8, 2011. <br> <br><strong>LOOK 2</strong>: At Zara Phillips' pre-wedding party. (Getty photos)

  • Reiss Dress

    <strong>LOOK 1</strong>: Keeping it simple while posing for official engagement photos. (AP photo) <strong>LOOK 2</strong>: Arriving at the Canadian Museum of Civilization for a Canada Day celebration in Quebec on July 1, 2011, wearing a Sylvia Fletcher/Lock and Co. hat. (Getty photo)

  • Sebago Shoes

    <strong>LOOK 1</strong>: Attending a dragon boat race in Charlottetown, Canada on July 4, 2011, wearing J Brand twill pants. <strong>LOOK 2</strong>: Boarding a sea plane in Yellowknife Canada, wearing J Brand pants on ​July 5, 2011. (Getty photos)

  • Pied à Terre Slingback Wedges

    <strong>LOOK 1</strong>: Speaking with volunteers in Ottawa on June 30, 2011, wearing an Issa dress. <br> <br><strong>LOOK 2</strong>: Boarding a plane in Yellowknife, Canada on July 6, 2011, wearing a Smythe blazer and J Brand twill pants. (Getty photos)

  • Smythe Blazer

    <strong>LOOK 1</strong>: Departing for Canada on June 30, 2011 in a Roland Mouret dress, carrying a Mulberry bag. <br> <br><strong>LOOK 2</strong>: Boarding a plane in Yellowknife, Canada on July 6, 2011, wearing twill J Brand pants and Pied à Terre wedges. (Getty photos)

  • Katherine Hooker Coat

    <strong>LOOK 1</strong>: At the Cheltenham Races on March 17, 2006, keeping warm with a fur hat. <br> <br><strong>LOOK 2</strong>: Launching a lifeboat in Wales on February 24, 2011. Catherine got the coat shortened (a look we much prefer!). (Getty photos)

  • J Brand Twill Pants

    <strong>LOOK 1</strong>: Boarding a sea plane in Yellowknife, Canada, wearing Sebago boat shoes. <br> <br> <strong>LOOK 2</strong>: Boarding a plane in Yellowknife, Canada on July 6, 2011, wearing a Smythe blazer and Pied à Terre wedges. (Getty photos)

  • L.K. Bennett Black Wedges

    <strong>LOOK 1</strong>: Arriving at the Goring Hotel the day before the Royal Wedding in a dress by Issa. <br> <br><strong>LOOK 2</strong>: Leaving Buckingham Palace the day after the Royal Wedding, wearing a Zara dress. (Getty photos)

  • Zara Dress

    <strong>LOOK 1</strong>: Leaving Buckingham Palace the day after the Royal Wedding, wearing L. K. Bennett wedges. <br> <br><strong>LOOK 2</strong>: Celebrating Prince Phillip's 90th birthday on June 12, 2011 in a Jane Troughton brocade coat. (Getty photos)

  • Princess Diana's Repurposed Earrings

    <strong>LOOK 1</strong>: Paired with a Temperley London frock at Wimbledon on June 27, 2011. <br> <br><strong>LOOK 2</strong>: On the last day of her North America tour, in a Whistles ensemble. (Getty photos)

  • Amanda Wakeley Suit

    <strong>LOOK 1</strong>: Meeting with children at a soccer club in Darwen, north-west England on April 11 with a half-up hairdo. <br> <br><strong>LOOK 2</strong>: Posing for the official North American Tour portrait on June 3 in London with a sleek, natural-looking coif. (Getty photos)

  • Natalie Handbag By L.K. Bennett

    <strong>LOOK 1</strong>: Worn with a hand-painted, chinoiserie silk dress by Jenny Packham to a polo match in Santa Barbara on July 9, 2011. <br> <br><strong>LOOK 2</strong>: Worn with a canary yellow Jenny Packham dress at Calgary Airport two days earlier. (Getty photos)

  • Queen Elizabeth's Maple Leaf Brooch

    <strong>LOOK 1</strong>: Stuck on a red Catherine Walker coat during the couple's last hours in Canada. <br> <br><strong>LOOK 2</strong>: Pinned to a purple Issa dress on Canada Day. (Getty photos)

  • Suede Prada Pumps

    <strong>LOOK 1</strong>: At a welcome ceremony in Charlottetown, Canada on July 4, 2011, wearing an Alexander McQueen dress. <br> <br><strong>LOOK 2</strong>: Meeting participants in an Inner City Arts program in a Whistles skirt on July 10, 2011. (Getty photos)

  • Lavender Jenny Packham Dress

    <strong>LOOK 1</strong>: The wedding of Emily McCorquodale and James Hutt on July 7th, 2012, paired with her bronze pillbox hat and a gray Katherine Hoooker coat. <strong>LOOK 2</strong>: At Kate Middleton and Prince William's Royal Canada & California tour, on July 9, 2011. (Getty photos)

  • Blue Tweed Coat Dress By Missoni

    LOOK 1: Diamond Jubilee Event at Fortnum & Mason, March 1, 2012 LOOK 2: Diamond Julbille visit to Nottingham, June 13, 2012 (Getty photos)

  • Pink Pleated Dress

    LOOK 1: Sovereign Monarchs Jubilee Lunch in Kensington, May 18, 2012 LOOK 2: Diamond Jubilee Party at Buckingham Palace, May 26, 2012 (Getty photos)

  • Alexander McQueen Sailor Dress

    LOOK 1: Canada tour in Prince Edward Island, July 5, 2011 LOOK 2: Wimbledon, July 4, 2012 (Getty photos)

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10:14 PM on 09/27/2011
She is pretty. I hope the media is nicer to her than they were to her mother!
07:35 PM on 09/27/2011
She is such a beautiful, thoughful young woman that this old lady admires. Kate and her husband really look like they truly respect and love each other. She has such a gorgeous smile. Who cares what she wears, anything would look good on her.
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travelingblogger
07:09 PM on 09/27/2011
Everyone is re-thinking Diana, who only twice re-wore the same gown. You have to remember, the majority of Diana's clothing was given to her either as gifts or on loan. It was mostly the jeans, casual jackets, and shirts that were hers. As for the jewelry, most of it was hers or came from the Royal collection.

The fancy gowns came from dressmakers, knowing that if she wore it the crowds would flock to that designer.
06:51 PM on 09/27/2011
I applaud The Princess for her sensibility. How many people, check that, how many ORDINARY people wear an outfit once and never show it the light of day again? I understand the Windors are one of the wealthiest families in the world, but do they REALLY buy new underwear every day?. Way to set a good example!!
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Raejeanowl
05:28 PM on 09/27/2011
Oh, like she'd only wear a pair of earrings or shoes once-give me a break!

Otherwise, I think it's great she re-wears her clothes. While not exactly "thrifty" in the way you and I would see it, not being a spendthrift with the clothing budget is an admirable trait in anyone...certainly class-sensitive and humanizing in a young wife and future queen of what hopes to become a modern nation when her husband ascends to the throne!
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Sherri Gordon Garner
04:13 PM on 09/27/2011
Catherine is stunningly beautiful,sophisticated and has superb taste. Her sensible use of her outstanding wardrobe is a credit to her fashion saavy and certainly to be respected when things are in such a critical financial in much of the world.

I admire very much.

Critics, back off. You can learn a great deal from this woman.
02:24 PM on 09/27/2011
Who really cares if she repeats. She was born a commoner who married a prince. Old habits are hard to break. And I'd rather see she hasn't let the monarchy go to her head!
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narsilpdh
USCG Veteran
09:35 PM on 09/26/2011
Why is it some important whether or not the lady wears the same outfit more than once?

Do these 'writers' even have a life?? Do they go out and buy something new and 'fashionable' each time they make an appearance in their favorite Starbucks or dive bar?

Leave the lady alone, Fer Chrissakes! Sshe's a pretty lady, yes...but should be granted the privacy of a private citizen.

People shoud retaliate and start hounding writers like these paparazzi!
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07:28 PM on 09/26/2011
Pelt them with cheeseburgers
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bob riversmith
Unregulated capitalism is organized crime.
10:03 PM on 09/26/2011
Touch not The Kate!
05:19 PM on 09/26/2011
What's so terrible about recycling her wardrobe? I think it's very admirable. Does she really need to have a new outfit every time she steps outside.....good for her. It proves she's her own woman and has a lot of confidence.
04:49 PM on 09/26/2011
I think she looks amazing in every photo. That is the perk of not being brought up royal, she knows how to recycle things and to conserve. Perhaps the Royal family could learn a lesson from her. And yes, it is highly commendable that she do this while things are tough but there is absolutely nothing wrong with being frugal all the time -- princess or not.
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Susan Shaffer
watching you...
03:19 AM on 08/31/2011
whilst it is commendable that she is not spending too much on clothes during a time when people are struggling financially, I am surprised that the lovely lavender brocade jacket was not taken in to fit her slimmer figure. it folds around the bust area and looks sad.
02:26 PM on 09/27/2011
wow.. I didn't notice.. you must have enlarged the pict big time!
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PatA
Juan Martinez! Rock Star!
03:35 PM on 09/27/2011
dear me, susan, i feel your pain.
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opmik75
01:05 PM on 08/19/2011
I praise her for repeating outfits.

These our bad economic times and I think she is setting a good example that even a future queen of England could stand to wear something more than once and it's ok!
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Francheska
Calling me a Liberal will never hurt my feelings.
12:20 PM on 08/19/2011
I think she dresses fine and wearing repeats is okay and even sends a good message...people in Britain are hurting just like people in the US, she is a part of the royal family...at least she is not out spending millions on clothes...because if she was the tabloids would have something to say about that as well...
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EmmaNYC
shoes & ships & sealing wax, cabbages & kings
02:34 AM on 08/04/2011
She's only supposed to wear a pair of shoes or a coat once? She'll need a whole palace as a closet.
06:54 PM on 09/27/2011
That would sure smack of Imelda Marcos, wouldn't it?