Princess Kate looked radiant in a polka dot dress at Buckingham Palace over the weekend (Image: Getty / Freemans)
If there is one trend quietly dominating both the high street and luxury fashion houses right now, it is polka dots – and Princess Catherine just gave the timeless print her royal seal of approval once again.
Stepping out at the Buckingham Palace Garden Party on Friday, the Princess of Wales looked effortlessly elegant in a chic £460 Self-Portrait dress that cleverly created the illusion of a two-piece outfit. The sophisticated design featured a tailored jacket-inspired bodice paired with a flowing polka dot midi skirt, striking that perfect balance between polished occasionwear and modern femininity the royal, 44, does so well.
But if you do not want to spend hundreds recreating the look, we have found a far more affordable alternative from Freemans that captures a very similar feel for a fraction of the price.
Zara Tindall was snapped carrying the ‘Stylist’ Strathberry bag (Image: Strathberry)
The pretty Freemans dress leans more fully into the soft, floaty side of the trend compared to Catherine’s sharper tailored Self-Portrait version, but it still delivers that same timeless elegance thanks to the flowing polka dot midi skirt and flattering fit-and-flare silhouette.
Available in sizes 8 to 22, the design features a feminine sleeveless cut, softly cinched waist and fluid skirt that moves beautifully with every step, giving it that effortless, expensive-looking feel shoppers are always searching for during occasionwear season. It would make the perfect look for a wedding guest outfit, a glamorous day at the races or any summer event where you want to stand out while still feeling classic and polished.
While Catherine’s look plays with the illusion of structured suiting layered over a dress, the Freemans version feels a little more relaxed and wearable for everyday occasion dressing. In many ways, though, that softer finish is exactly what makes it such a strong high street find – chic, feminine and the kind of timeless polka dot piece readers will likely reach for year after year.
More dresses inspired by Princess Kate
This White Polka Dot Asymmetrical Dani Midi Dress is 20% at Nobody’s Child (Image: Nobody’s Child)
For anyone loving Princess Catherine’s recent look but wanting something a little more fashion-forward for summer, this Nobody’s Child dress feels like the perfect modern update.
The lightweight fabric, delicate spaghetti straps and contrast of oversized and smaller polka dots give it a far more relaxed, contemporary feel compared to Catherine’s polished garden party look, while still tapping into that same timeless monochrome elegance royal women always gravitate towards.
Available in sizes 4 to 18 and currently reduced by 20% in the sale, it is exactly the kind of easy statement piece shoppers will end up reaching for all season long.
The Coast Polka Dot Tiered Organza Midi Dress, £129 (Image: Coast)
If you loved Princess Catherine’s chic Self-Portrait garden party look, this Coast dress delivers a similarly elegant polka dot feel, just with a slightly more romantic and fashion-forward twist.
Where Catherine’s design leaned into the illusion of tailored suiting layered over a flowing skirt, this style embraces softer occasionwear dressing through its dramatic tiered ruffle hem and statement corsage-style flower detail at the neckline. However, the timeless monochrome polka dot print and flowing silhouette still tap directly into that same classic aesthetic the Princess of Wales gravitates towards time and time again.
The contrasting black waistband cinches the silhouette beautifully, and adds a sharper finish to the softer fabric. And if you wanted to recreate more of Catherine’s signature two-in-one look, you could easily layer a cropped blazer or tailored jacket over the top to give the dress a more structured, polished feel for race days or formal summer events.
Available in sizes 10 to 16, it feels like one of those standout occasion dresses that looks incredibly expensive without feeling too overdone – elegant enough for weddings and garden parties, but timeless enough to rewear season after season.
Boden’s two piece is so trendy (Image: Boden)
Now, if you loved Princess Catherine’s chic two-in-one dress moment, Boden has quietly created the perfect summer-ready take on the silhouette with this elegant linen skirt and matching jacket.
Sold separately, the pieces work together to create that same polished suit-style illusion Catherine leaned into at the Buckingham Palace Garden Party, but with a softer, more relaxed warm-weather feel thanks to the breathable linen fabric and feminine polka dot print.
I especially love how versatile the set is – the midi skirt gives beautiful movement, while the cropped jacket adds just enough structure to make the whole outfit feel incredibly put together without looking too formal.
Available in both petite and regular fits across sizes 6 to 22, the skirt also comes in additional colourways, including a chic brown version, making it feel like one of those timeless capsule wardrobe buys you could style endlessly throughout spring and summer.