As the Princess of Wales marks her 44th birthday on 9 January, one standout look from her past feels especially fitting for the occasion. Back in 2017, Prince William’s wife stepped out solo to attend the opening night of 42nd Street at London’s Theatre Royal. The event raised funds for the East Anglia Children’s Hospice (EACH), a charity for which Kate serves as patron.

For the evening, the royal chose a striking crimson gown by Marchesa Notte, the luxury American label known for elegant designs inspired by Italian fashion muse Marchesa Luisa Casati. The dress featured a fitted bodice with capped sleeves and a flowing A-line skirt, creating a timeless silhouette.

Delicate details elevated the look further. A criss-cross design and intricate beading at the waist gave the illusion of a belt without adding bulk, while subtle swirl embellishments across the bodice resembled tiny roses thanks to the deep red shade.

The tea-length dress, with its fit-and-flare shape, gave Kate a classic, old-Hollywood feel. She paired it with suede Gianvito Rossi heels and a Mulberry clutch. While she often opts for understated jewellery or meaningful heirloom pieces, on this occasion she added a playful touch with bold pom-pom earrings from Kate Spade.

Why is Kate’s dress perfect for a birthday party?

Although the gown was originally chosen for a theatre outing, it would translate effortlessly to a birthday celebration. The vivid red colour naturally draws attention, making it ideal for a guest of honour, while the voluminous skirt creates a sense of occasion suited to a milestone event.

Kate is well known for her sustainable fashion choices and regularly re-wears items from her wardrobe. However, this particular dress—reported to have cost £1,105 at the time—has only been worn once. While the brand experienced a quieter period shortly after 2017, it has since enjoyed renewed popularity.

Even so, it seems unlikely the Princess would bring this exact gown back into rotation. Instead, she could easily take inspiration from its colour or silhouette while opting for something new.

How to recreate Kate’s party dress moment

While Kate wore a designer piece, her look can be recreated with more accessible options. Stylist Angela Kyte, who has over a decade of experience in the fashion industry, explains why the outfit works so well.

“The party dress works so beautifully because it balances romance with structure: the rich burgundy hue feels luxurious and festive, while the fitted bodice and softly flared skirt create a timeless, flattering silhouette,” Angela tells us. “The sheer texture and statement earrings add drama without overwhelming the look, proving that elegance at evening events comes from proportion, polish and restraint rather than excess.”

She also shared practical advice for achieving a similar effect:

“Choose a rich, saturated colour like burgundy, emerald or navy, deeper tones instantly feel more elevated and photograph beautifully in evening light.
Look for dresses with a defined waist and gentle volume through the skirt; this creates movement while keeping the silhouette elegant and timeless.
Balance texture with structure.
Finish with classic heels and minimal accessories so the dress remains the focal point, ensuring the look feels refined.”

With the right colour, shape and styling, Kate’s memorable 2017 look offers plenty of inspiration for a sophisticated birthday outfit today.