Kate Middleton rocked a variety of frocks during the recent royal tour under.
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April 7, 2013: an official welcome on the grounds of Government House in Wellington, New Zealand.
Kate’s style tour started off on a questionable note: This Catherine Walker dress coat is beyond frumpy. Its bright red hue and even bolder buttons completely overwhelm the princess’ natural beauty. Next.
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April 11, 2013: before boarding two America’s Cup yachts in New Zealand’s Auckland Harbour.
Off-duty Kate prefers blazers and skinny jeans. Hey, even princesses need downtime. We’ll give her a pass.
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April 13, 2014: walking across the tarmac at Dunedin (New Zealand) International Airport.
Kate shows some leg in another monochromatic look, this one by Emilia Wickstead. It’s an on-trend win: Pleats are a thing for spring, and the matching fascinator is fanfreakingtastic.
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April 16, 2014: greeting the crowds outside Australia’s Sydney Opera House.
This Roksanda Ilincic dress is perfection: a sleek silhouette and cool color-blocking whipped from the sunniest shade of yellow. But the princess’ go-to pumps just aren’t on par with everything happening north of her ankles.
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April 17, 2014: meeting crowds at Echo Point in the Blue Mountains in Katoomba, Australia.
This printed DVF number was the frock heard ’round the world: It sold out within minutes. But I ask you — if your best friend wore this dress, would you make a mad dash for your debit card, screaming, “I NEED THIS”? Probably not.
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April 18, 2014: strolling in the sand at a lifesaving event on Sydney’s Manly Beach.
At last — a flirty little number! Kate nods to her host country in this Zimmermann dress (the label is Australian). It’s full-skirted, all white and finished with a pretty eyelet print. All a big fashion DO.
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April 20, 2014: leaving Sydney’s St. Andrews Cathedral after attending an Easter Sunday service.
Just because it’s designer doesn’t make it right. Kate makes a major mid-tour blunder in this custom Alexander McQueen dress coat. Elegant as the neckline and shoulders are, the rest of it makes the princess look like the Queen Mother.
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April 23, 2014: at a skate park in Adelaide.
Smartly swapping out her signature fitted frocks, the princess nails it in this figure-flattering, full-skirted blush pink Alexander McQueen look. Proof positive that you don’t need sparkles to shine.
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April 24, 2014: arriving at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra.
Kudos to Kate for being unafraid of color. But this shade of Kermit the Frog green does nothing for her. Nor does this boxy Catherine Walker coat dress, which overwhelms her slender frame.
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April 24, 2014: at a reception at Canberra’s Government House.
Kate winds down her royal tour in an ivory lace Lela Rose cocktail dress. She could have elevated this look with a statement-making minaudière and a shoe in anything else but basic black. What I wouldn’t give to see her rock this with a tiara.
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April 25, 2014: at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier, Canberra.
This Michael Kors look is flawless: meticulously fit, perfectly styled, beautifully coordinated. But how many dress coats can one own? ’Tis the season of skirts and sweaters — Kate, go for it!
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