The Duchess Of Cambridge Dazzles For First Solo Engagement

Posted: 27/10/11

Katie Jones

Follow: Beauty, Catherine Duchess Of Cambridge, Duchess Of Cambridge, Kate Middleton

The Duchess of Cambridge took centre stage at Clarence House last night, as she hosted her first charity dinner for In Kind Direct.

duchess-of-cambridge The Duchess of Cambridge hosts In Kind Direct dinner. Photo: PA

Kate stepped in for Prince Charles and was without her husband at the engagement, but it looks as though she managed to hold the fort. She dazzled in a sequin embellished gown and matching diamond jewels and as usual, she kept things chic but simple in the beauty department.

The Duchess opted for a half-up, half-down style to show off her blonde highlights and tumbling curls and we're happy to see that Kate went easy on the eyeliner this time round. There's just one thing that's puzzling us. According to the Daily Mail, the young royal was wearing hair extensions for the event (the extension line can just about be seen in the photo below). Extensions or no extensions, they're not just for Kim Kardashian after all...

Let us know how you rate Kate's latest look and see more of her stylish moments below.

duchess-of-cambridge Are those hair extensions lurking beneath Kate's locks? Photo: PA

Style Evolution: Kate Middleton

1986
 In Jordan aged four, with sister Pippa and dad Michael - where the family lived for two years.
1987
 A family photo of Kate aged five.
2005
 Kate Middleton attends the Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park in 2005.
2006
 Kate Middleton attends a party to celebrate The Shop at Bluebird opening.
2006
 Kate attends the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour's pre-Wimbledon party hosted by Sir Richard Branson at The Roof Gardens in 2006.
2007
 Kate makes her way home after a day at work at high street label Jigsaw.
2007
 At the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2007.
2007
 Kate at Badminton Horse Trials in 2007.
2007
 Kate steps out for a book launch in London.
2007
 Out and about in London in 2007.
2010
 Prince William and Kate Middleton announce their engagement at St James' Palace on November 16, 2010.
2011
 For her first official appearance since the engagement announcement, Kate attended a lifeboat naming ceremony in North Wales.
2011
 Prince William and Kate return to the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
2011
 And the bride wore Alexander McQueen...
2010
 Kate attends Harry Meade & Rosie Bradford's wedding in Northleach, Gloucestershire.
2011
 Attending Derby Day at the at Epsom racecourse.
2011
 Dressed to impress at the Annual Absolute Return for Kids (ARK) Gala Dinner in June 2011.
2011
 The Duchess arrives at the wedding of Sam Waley-Cohen and Annabel Ballin.
2011
 The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at Summerfield Community Centre in Birmingham.
2011
 Taking in a spot of tennis at Wimbledon before setting off on the royal tour of Canada.
2011
 At the Canada Day celebrations as part of the royal couple's North American Tour.
2011
 At a reception at Calgary Zoo in Canada.
2011
 Kate the cowgirl? The Duchess attends Calgary Stampede.
2011
 Next stop, the Canadian War Museum.
2011
 Then on to the Province House in Charlottetown, Canada.
2011
 The Duchess of Cambridge visits a part of town devastated by a fire in Slave Lake, Alberta.
2011
 At Calgary Airport on day eight of the royal couple's tour of North America.
2011
 The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the BAFTA Brits To Watch event held at the Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles.
2011
 The Duchess of Cambridge arrives for her departure at Los Angeles International Airport.
2011
 At Santa Barbara Racquet and Polo Club for a Foundation Polo Challenge.
2011
 Another royal wedding, this time it's for Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh.
2011
 In Alexander McQueen at The Sun's Military Awards.
2011
 In Temperley London at the War Horse premiere.
2005
 William and Kate on the day of their graduation at St Andrews.