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We Can't Get Over The Risqué Low-Cut Mini Dress Kate Middleton Wore In 2011 Days Before Her Royal Wedding

August 10, 2025 by Maria Pierides
shefinds | Celebrity
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Kate Middleton has wowed fans with her flawless fashion choices since returning to select royal engagements now that her cancer is thankfully in remission. And while fans are clearly loving her latest looks, they still can’t get enough of her iconic outfits from the past!

It’s no secret that the mom-of-three has refined her wardrobe since becoming the Princess of Wales, choosing even more sophisticated outfits to reflect her new role. These days, she tends to opt for elegant, modest pieces – think longer hemlines, tailored silhouettes, and more conservative necklines – which is why seeing her in one of her racier, pre-royal looks feels so surprising now.

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Kate Middleton shopping Kings Road Chelsea April 2011

Kate Middleton Wore A Low-Cut Issa Dress Back In 2011

One blast from the past that has been making the rounds on social media this month is all the way back from 2011, just days before she and Prince William tied the knot at their royal wedding at Westminster Abbey. That's right, we're talking pre-Duchess of Cambridge era Kate!

The brunette beauty was papped indulging in some retail therapy on the King's Road in London, wearing a jet-black wrap dress by Issa – the same designer behind her now-iconic engagement announcement look. Clearly a favorite designer of hers, and for good reason! She finished the look off with brown Salvatore Ferragamo pumps, a brown Prada bowling bag that we were all obsessed with that year, and her signature bouncy brunette waves. Some things never change!

The dress itself is undeniably very chic, but it's not something we would see her wear now. It featured a daringly low-cut V-neckline and a hemline that hit well above the knee to show off her seemingly endless legs, both of which would be considered off-limits for her current royal wardrobe. Despite the low neck and high hem, Kate still looked every bit the sophisticated soon-to-be bride; how did she do it?!

Kate Middleton shopping Kings Road Chelsea April 2011

Fan Comments

"What a diva!" exclaimed one fan on an Instagram post featuring the outfit, followed by the heart eyes emoji. "Beautiful as always," gushed a second, as a third said "she has been always gorgeous," followed by several red heart emojis.

"Always stunning," echoed a fourth, followed by the heart eyes emoji, as a fifth concurred: "She is effortlessly beautiful. It's just her natural glow." "Naturally beautiful," agreed a sixth, as a seventh added: "She looks wonderful here."

"These pics are among my all-time fave of hers," claimed an eighth fan, as many others complimented her signature shiny brunette tresses, with a ninth saying, "Best hair ever," and a tenth adding, "The hair! Always the hair!" followed by a red heart emoji.

Author:

Senior Celebrity Writer

Maria has spent the last decade writing about entertainment, fashion, and lifestyle for online and print publications all around the globe – including InStyle, OK!, and The Mirror. At SheFinds, Maria covers breaking celebrity news, red carpet looks, celebrity transformations, A-list couples, and has a watchful eye on celebrity social media accounts. You can reach her at contactmariapierides@gmail.com

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