Kate Middleton's gorgeous gingham dress is a summer frock option that'll have you looking picnic-ready at all times
Gingham couldn't be more perfect for this time of year and the Princess put a 'grown-up' spin on it at the polo
We rarely get to see the Princess of Wales truly off duty and although I love both her Wimbledon final outfits this year, her polo look from a few days earlier has to be my favourite. She’s attended the Royal Charity Polo Cup before and because these aren’t official appearances, Kate can enjoy wearing something a little more relaxed.
Like us, she relies on summer dresses in hot weather and went to watch Prince William compete wearing a black and white gingham frock by British clothing brand, Temperley London. It’s the first time the Princess has worn it publicly but since it’s past season, this is surely a piece she’s had for a while as part of her "everyday" wardrobe.
Falling to just above the ankles, it had an A-line skirt that skims the legs. This keeps the silhouette sleeker and more low-key compared to voluminous skater dress shapes which are very feminine and can feel a bit too formal.
Recreate The Princess of Wales's Polo Outfit
These slingbacks from Dune are on the luxurious side but are so timeless that they're easy to style with so many different looks. Crafted from smooth leather, they have a refined pointed toe and mid-height block heel. The ankle stap is adjustable and secure.
Cut in a similar silhouette to the Princess's dress but in a brighter colourway, this gingham design is gorgeous for sunny days. The blue and white combination feels so summery and there's a flattering square neckline and side pockets. The dress is cotton-rich and is lined for comfort.
The Princess of Wales's earrings from Sézane are past season but if you love the look of the brown resin drop then this affordable pair from Oliver Bonas is worth checking out. They have interlocking loops and are finished with a gold-toned stud fastening.
Featuring a black and white gingham pattern, shirred bodice and lace trims, the Darla dress is a fabulous option if you want a Kate-esque outfit. You can get 15% off using the code SUN15 and it has an elasticated waist making it extra comfy. It falls to maxi length and has a relaxed tiered skirt.
You can get this piece in regular and petite versions and it's crafted from pure cotton for a breathable finish. It's got a fit-and-flare shape with bias side panels and seam detailing at the waist for extra structure. The square neckline and delicate straps frame the decolletage and it has a zip at the back.
This dress is selling fast in the navy and white gingham print but it comes in various other designs too. You can remove the spaghetti straps to make it a bandeau frock and it has a shirred back and side pockets. The material is seersucker and there's a concealed zip fastening.
Unusually for Kate, this Temperley design had straps rather than sleeves and a square neckline. Although spaghetti straps are lovely to wear in the heat, thicker styles are naturally better for concealing bra straps. The future Queen’s dress was made from a black and white gingham material and the checked motifs were bold and large.
Gingham is one of those patterns that is especially popular in summer and conjures up images of picnic blankets - in the chicest way. The jumbo gingham trend has been huge for 2026 and monochrome colours are striking and yet still quite classic. Navy and white is another timeless option, but you can also go for pastels for a softer look.
"Much like florals scream spring, gingham is the perfect print for summer. Larger squares like Kate is wearing feel like the grown-up way to wear this trend, and in a classic colour like black and white, you can't go wrong," says woman&home Digital Fashion Ecommerce Editor Caroline Parr.
She adds, "I love the square neckline of her Temperley dress, plus the belted waist and flared skirt are super flattering. With such a statement print, keep accessories minimal and pared-back to allow the gingham to do all the talking."
Kate accessorised hers with her go-to summer shoe style - slingbacks. She’s worn Camilla Elphick flats to the polo before and this time she opted for heels.
Slingbacks usually have either a buckled strap or elastication in the strap to keep them secure on your feet and they’re a bit less restrictive and covered than court shoes. The Princess’s pair had pointed toes and were a subtle beige-pink tone that didn’t pull focus from the dress.
Her earrings were brown resin Sézane hoops and she added two cuff bracelets and Ralph Lauren sunglasses. This year Kate didn’t appear to bring a bag with her, though a white or black design would’ve both looked so cohesive with the gingham frock.
Although this probably isn’t exactly how the Princess dresses in her everyday life it’s a lot closer than we usually get. She was off-duty at the polo, happily holding hands with Prince William and giving him a kiss on the cheek.
The match raised more than £1 million to support the vital work of several charities that make a lasting difference around the UK and world, and which are close to William and Kate's hearts. These include Wales Air Ambulance, Evelina London Children’s Hospital and The Passage.
