Best of Kate’s pre royal style — Including the scandalous look which left William breathless!

Kate Middleton is the very embodiment of elegant and timeless style as of late; with her marriage into the royal family 14 years ago significantly transforming her style overnight.

However, the Princess of Wales was once a common English girl, attending university to further her prospects in life, while dressing like one as well.

Before she met the man for whom she would eventually leave it all behind, there were the brief instances where the future queen was captured letting her natural fashionable instincts flow, before she stepped into the spotlight of the ever present scrutinies which come with the royal life.

Often seeming like lost media, the former Duchess of Cambridge’s style does in fact survive in pictures, and here are some of the best ones:

Disco derby

One of the most eye-catching pre-royal moments Kate Middleton has ever served came at a Midnight Roller Disco party in 2008.

Dressed in brightly coloured yellow micro shorts, a sequined halter neck sea green top, and a hint of pink leg warmers peeking from above her black suede boots, this look was an extravaganza of colours, and one which we rarely see the Princess rocking anymore.

A far cry from her much more subtle wardrobe now, with a single scheme of shades dominating every look, Kate’s choice of pairing multiple hues together certainly makes for an epic throwback.

Clubbing sisters

When Prince William’s then girlfriend went clubbing with her sister, Pippa Middleton, in 2007, she decked herself out in an unconventional silhouette by her current standards.

A dark grey and white silk dress, with opulent gold printed patterns, and ruins of multiple accessories, were Kate’s choices for the night she went into town at a cocktail bar and London’s Mahiki club.

Donning a layered string necklace with black and brown beads, plethora of copper coloured bangles, and a trendy shoulder bag by her side, the Princess’s personal style overflowed with the best of her youth’s chicest offerings, while the minimal makeup added to her inherent grace.

The low cut neck and the pointed trims of her dress’ hem, however, the mother-of-three would be sure not to repeat anymore.

Fated ensemble

In many ways, the look which sealed Kate’s fate, was this; a sheer creation designed for a student fashion show at St Andrew’s University, where both the Princess and her future husband were students.

When Kate stepped on to the runway, scantily clad in a design from fellow student Charlotte Todd, the Prince of Wales reportedly took a shine to the woman he would eventually make his bride for the very first time.

According to British Vogue, “Friends of the prince at the time recall that the event made him see Kate in a different light, and there’s a general consensus that it was a major turning point in their relationship and at least partly responsible for taking them from friends to something more.”

Moreover, the young prince bid a sum of £200 to catch a front row seat at the charity show, while also remarking, “Wow, Kate’s hot”, to his friend when his future wife first stepped foot onto the catwalk.

Lesser known fact about the dress? It was never supposed to be a dress at all; the designer later revealed that she had made a skirt, which Kate herself pulled up to wear as a dress, paired with black undergarments and curly styled hair.

Street style

Kate’s pre-royal street style was fairly laid back and simple, with jeans and boots of all kinds dominating the looks.

The one accessory she seemed rather fond of in her daily life prior to joining royal ranks seemed to be belts.

Most of her casual denim looks featured thick belts, often with prominent buckle details, all in classic black and brown shades.

From Ugg boots to classic tote bags, the Princess of Wales enjoyed pairing her old wardrobe with the trendiest accessories of the time, as opposed to the enduring and ageless pieces which influence her style today.

Graduation chic

When Kate graduated from her and William’s Scottish alma mater in 2005, the British future consort stepped out in a look which sort of predicted what her royal style was going to become.

Dressed in classic wardrobe staples from head to toe, the Princess’s collared white shirt, short black pencil skirt, and black suede pumps were pieces whose glimpses have also been spotted in her royal style.

Paired with sheer black stockings, a basic brown handbag, and white drop earrings, Kate’s graduation look was simple yet effective.

Pre-royal formals

Kate’s formal style before her initiation into the royal family still evoked a touch of individuality which has been largely gentrified as of now.

Her preppy looks featured sharp silhouettes, with long boots under form fitting skirts, and hemlines which usually ended above her knees, among other personalisations.

Also letting herself go wild, the Princess often went for unconventional headwear, as well as shoes which featured stylised details; in stark contrast with her more simplified, but sophisticated, choices these days.

Daring necklines

One fashion detail which Kate Middleton has entirely retired at this point is her old admiration for a tasteful plunging neckline.

The Princess of Wales often stepped out in dresses, formal and otherwise, which featured low cut upper bodices.

While she continued wearing a few bold looks like the ones from her pre-royal era during the early days of her marriage, Kate is rarely seen sporting them anymore.