Kate Middleton wears £16 Zara dress for the second time as she spends work day in London

(Image credit: Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)

Kate Middleton has stepped out in a Zara dress for her latest royal engagement in London and it’s not the first time she’s wowed in this autumnal outfit. 

Kate Middleton was glimpsed re-wearing an old favourite as she visited University College London’s Centre for Longitudinal Studies where she met with early years researchers. The Duchess of Cambridge, who recently wowed fans with her purple suit and was hailed the “ultimate Bond girl” for her No Time To Die premiere outfit, is known for re-wearing beloved clothing pieces throughout her time in The Firm. Now she has worn a very autumnal Zara dress for a second time for a royal engagement.

The dress was reportedly originally priced at £89.99 before being reduced in the sale to a very affordable £15.99. The first time Kate was pictured wearing the check-pattern, midi-length dress was just weeks after her birthday in January 2020 for a visit to Bradford. 

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge helps to make glasses of Kulfi lassi

Photo by CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

During the Cambridges’ visit, they went from outside City Hall to restaurant, MyLahore, which does charitable work in the local community, and Kate was even snapped helping to make delicious yoghurt-based drinks called lassis.

Now, Kate has once again chosen to showcase this affordable Zara classic as she learnt more about UCL’s landmark ‘Children of the 2020s’ study.

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Recreate Kate's Look | M&S Pure Cotton Checked Midi Tiered Dress - £45
Effortlessly replicate Kate Middleton's stunning Zara dress look with this equally fabulous M&S outfit. Featuring a checked design, tiered skirt and tie waist, this dress' classic design details and pattern provide a similarly timeless look.

This will help provide insights into the most critical aspects of early childhood, as well as illustrate just how important the first five years of life really are.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge talks with Professor Pasco Fearon during a visit to University College London's Centre for Longitudinal Studies

It will also look into the factors which either support or hinder more positive life outcomes. The Duchess is known for her interest in the Early Years and earlier this year launched The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood which also hopes to raise awareness of why the first five years of life are so important for our future life outcomes.

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Recreate Kate's Look | Black Check Tie Neck Tiered Smock Dress - £13 
With a tiered hem and 3/4 length puffed sleeves, the voluminous effect of Kate's Zara dress can also be seen in this highly affordable New Look smock dress. Complete with a tie neckline and soft grey checked pattern, there's so much to love in this autumnal look.

For such an important and busy day, Kate’s comfortable, yet stylish, Zara dress was a brilliant choice. Featuring a pleated skirt and cuffed, voluminous sleeves, the dress has a very elegant silhouette.

Whilst the autumnal grey shade of the check pattern and pussy-bow detailing around the neckline adds another layer of detail. Kate paired her Zara dress with simple heels in a complementary shade of warm grey and kept her hair loose and gently curled. 

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Recreate Kate's Look |Forever New Holly Check Midi Dress, White/Black - £56
It might have a more contemporary thigh split, but this Forever New midi dress also has the classic check print that makes Kate's Zara dress so wearable. The v-neckline and short puffed sleeves also make this a brilliant option for those days where it's not quite so chilly.

Kate Middleton's recent engagement wearing this beautiful Zara dress comes just days after she and Prince William traveled to Derry-Londonderry. Here William, who is second in line to the throne, made a brave move, holding a snake. Whilst Kate met a surprising guest that their daughter Princess Charlotte would no doubt have approved of.

Opting for a magnificent purple suit for the trip, Kate Middleton's love of re-wearing classic looks such as her Zara dress could suggest that fans might see it again in the no-too-distant future.

Emma Shacklock
Senior Lifestyle Writer

Emma is a Senior Lifestyle Writer with six years of experience working in digital publishing, ranging from book publishing to magazines. She currently looks after all things Lifestyle for Woman&Home, Goodto.com, and My Imperfect Life.