Duchess Kate Wears Bird Print Dress For Solo Visit To Oxford

Posted: 21/02/12

Katie Jones

Follow: Duchess Of Cambridge, Fashion, Kate Middleton, Orla Kiely

With her husband way in the Falklands, the Duchess of Cambridge is becoming quite a pro at the solo royal visit. Today Kate visited a primary school in Oxford, to mark her first engagement as patron of The Art Room, a charity which helps disadvantaged children gain confidence.

kate-middleton Duchess Kate in Oxford. Photo: PA

Despite the fact that it's mid-February, Duchess Kate shunned an overcoat. In fact, as well as getting used to the royal walkabout, Kate is also becoming quite an expert in wearing dresses that double up as coats, and vice versa (see her outfit for the Freud exhibition opening).

This time she chose a belted, bird-print design by Orla Kiely, paired with brown tights, suede ankle boots and a matching clutch. (If you were thinking of snapping up Kiely's design, the good news is it's half price in the sale, the bad news is it has already sold out, in both colours and every size).

Her hair was left down and curled as usual, and judging by the smile on her face, it looked like she was doing just fine without William by her side.

kate-middleton Photo: PA

Let us know how you rate Kate's latest look and see how her look has changed in her style evolution below.

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.