Kate Middleton has always been a source of inspiration for us when it comes to styling outfits that look modern and elegant. Adding another memorable look to the impressive record of Kate Middleton’s best outfits, The Princess of Wales stepped out for the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day celebrations which took place on May 8 in a graceful polka dot dress that captured the attention of the media and fashion experts alike.
She looked regal in this white long-sleeved midi dress with black polka dots that added a touch of sophistication while the cinched waist and cuffs creates a sleek and slender silhouette. She accessorised this look with a gorgeous pair of drop pearl earrings, a camel handbag and matching pumps. As she joined Prince William, King Charles, Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family in attending the Service of Thanksgiving at the Westminster Abbey, there were several reasons as to why this dress grabbed the attention of the media.
Kate Middleton has previously worn the same dress by Alessandra Rich for the Order of the Garter Service in June 2023 and this has garnered praise as an effort towards promoting sustainable fashion and normalising the idea of royals reusing and re-styling outfits for formal occasions.
When it comes to looking for fashion inspiration, we love to look at how our favourite celebrities style simple outfits like Amanda Holden’s summery dresses or Sophie Raworth’s coral jumpsuit that went viral. While these celebrity outfits often come with a hefty price tag, there are several affordable high street brands you can shop from to get the same classy appeal – whether you are looking for the best alternatives for Kate Middleton’s dresses or seeking inspiration from Kate Garraway’s stylish outfits to update your wardrobe for the summer.
So, if you loved Kate’s polka-dot dress as much as us, you would also love this list of the best alternative brands to shop from to recreate the look for less. We browsed through the best brands we know you love and trust to save you the trouble of looking for hours, so you can invest in a similar timeless and classic dress that is perfect for warmer days.
Alternatives to Kate Middleton's polka dot dress
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This Sosandar White Spot Print Keyhole Detail Belted Fit & Flare Dress is a close match to the cut and style of Kate Middleton’s dress. It is a timeless and flattering pattern with a ruffle hem, a chic high keyhole neck and a waist accentuating buckle belt that creates a flattering silhouette. It is machine washable and made of 100% Viscose making it easy to wash and does not require much ironing.
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This Sally White Polka Dot Midi Dress is the perfect choice if you are a fan of the polka-dot pattern but wish to go for a more casual fit. The short sleeves and flared skirt make it a lovely summer dress and the material is made from a soft woven fabric with a shirred top and tiered neckline creating a flattering look. It can be paired with sandals, trainers or even heels for a more elegant look.
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This Hobbs White Larina Dress is an elegant choice that closely resembles Kate’s dress, matching it in print, cut and style. The tailored top with the collar, pockets, sharp sleeves and gold button details is coupled with a classic polka dot print, a cinched waist and playful pleats that makes the dress perfect for formal occasions when paired with heels and accessories to go as well as casual events when worn with sandals or trainers. It is also machine washable and made of 100% Polyester.
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The Phase Eight Cream Jaqlyn Spot Dress is a more playful version of Kate Middleton’s ensemble with its elegant polka dot pattern and beautiful ruffle detailing around the neck and bodice. The flouncy sleeves add to the appeal and creates volume on the top which flows into a full midi skirt that drapes and moves easily with you. The dress is perfect for special occasions, black-tie events or even just a fun party.
Why buy polka dots?
Fashion experts and trend forecasters have also predicted a massive comeback for polka dots as the most popular print for summer 2025, overturning the usual dominance of florals.
Another reason why this dress stood out was that it bore a very close resemblance to one of Princess Diana’s iconic looks – a similar polka-dot ensemble she wore to the Epsom Races in 1986, which was a two-piece set featuring a blouse with a cinched waist, flaring out into a peplum skirt that ended at her knees. While Princess Diana’s look was more tailored compared to Kate’s dress, fashion historians were quick to link the two iconic looks together, proving that polka dots are a timeless print.
Akhila Thomas is a digital writer at Yours.co.uk and her areas of interest are beauty, fashion, food, wellness and lifestyle. She has previously written for magazines like Leftlion, Women’s Health and t’Art and worked extensively with art, culture, fashion and social media trends. She also likes to travel and explore new cultures and cuisines.