The Royals prove you can wear the same outfit more than once – style expert Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey top tips to make pieces feel brand new

You might think wearing the same outfit twice, particularly to a wedding or special occasion, is a fashion faux pas. But the royals consistently prove this idea is far from the truth. The Princess of Wales has long championed rewearing pieces, including several Alexander McQueen pieces, and her archive is packed with items she's returned to time and time again.

And she’s certainly not alone. Princess Anne has been rewearing favourite pieces for decades, including coats and dresses that have been in her wardrobe for years, while Queen Camilla makes small accessory changes to give a favourite look a new lease of life.

For fashion style expert Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey, this sends an important message about rewearing your clothes: “They lead by example, and that can extend to fashion,” she says. “Kate Middleton has a great wardrobe. Why not rewear it?”

I was keen to discuss with Ginnie not just why rewearing your occasionwear is something we should all try, but how the royals make their existing outfits feel fresh and exciting. Focused on mindful shopping, while dipping your toe into the autumn/winter fashion trends 2026 can be great; she recommends buying timeless pieces that suit your style and body type, and last beyond one season.

If you feel hesitant to re-wear special occasion items, Ginnie suggests you: "Ask yourself, do you remember what your friends wore to that wedding or that Christmas party? Do you actually remember? If you think that maybe there were two standout outfits, fundamentally no one really remembers."

And she's right. With a host of parties on the horizon, if, like me, you're trying to maximise what you already own, this is a great idea to carry into Christmas and New Year's Eve.

"But also, I very much believe that you should buy items you truly love", Ginnie explains, "and not buy them because you’re told to buy them or because your favourite influencer wears them". And that means you'll want to keep wearing the same pieces because they add joy, not fashion points.

But one key question is on my mind: how do we make things feel fresh when nothing is new?

Ginnie refers back to the Princess of Wales and her use of accessories. She discusses the power of jewellery and, of course, your hairstyle too. "The Princess has got the best jewellery box ever, and she uses accessories to change her look, a clutch bag versus a top-handle bag (for example)."

In the photo above, you can see the Princess wearing the same Alexander McQueen red coat. However, both looks feel different: in 2024, she adds a black bow to the collar, fast-forward to 2025, she wears it over a black polo neck. It's a small hack, but it delivers enough distraction to create a 'new' look.

Ginnie reveals how to change up a party dress: " I’d switch up the earrings, and I would slick my hair back. I love gold jewellery. I think again, gold has a timeless element to it. I always consider: can I wear it in the day on a casual weekday with my children, but can it also serve me well if I want to upgrade my look?"

"And then shoes, unless I want the shoes to do the talking, I usually stick to metallics or classic looks. Personally, I’d rather my clothes do the talking. I think it’s (a way to ensure people are) looking up rather than down at you."

And when it comes to actually shopping for something new?

"I always say ponder every purchase. If it’s still on your mind months later, then there’s usually something in it."

When it comes to occasionwear, she says that practicality is an important part of making a piece worth investing in. Ginnie recommends that we think beyond the event itself. “Think about the next day after you’ve worn it. Are you going to regret it?” And then says that before investing in a piece, ask yourself whether you can comfortably walk, sit and eat in it – and whether you can genuinely afford it too.

And what about clearing out our wardrobes? Ginnie recommends that even if you have fallen out of love with something, don’t automatically get rid of it because reworking it into something new could be simple.

Try adding or changing a collar or cuffs to transform an old favourite. A "trusted seamstress" can transform a piece you’ve stopped wearing. Want a speedier and more cost-effective fix? A new belt or layering an item differently can give it a whole new look.

"It’s just simple tweaks. You might change the buttons, add a different colour, or cut away a neckline for a different shape."

Perhaps the real Royal-approved approach to getting dressed is to love what you own and find new and exciting ways to wear it, and we could all do with taking that advice at this time of year.

Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey