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Look Back at Prince William’s Style Evolution: From Short Shorts to Polished Suits

A posh prince! Since entering the spotlight in 1982, Prince William has had quite the style evolution. But, no matter the decade, his age or chapter in his life, the Duke of Cambridge has always made a point to be fashion forward.

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Normally, the royal is sporting a prim and proper suit or some denim with a cashmere sweater. In his younger years though, he had much more laidback approach to fashion.

Princess Diana and Prince Charles dressed him in shorts all the time — rain or shine, winter or summer. The proclivity towards shorter hems is a decision that’s in line British Royal Code.

Once his toddler years were far behind him however, Prince William began to embrace crewnecks and khakis. Fast forward to his first day at St. Andrews University, and the royal was snapped in what’s one of his most iconic looks to date. He donned a pair of light wash jeans and a navy sweater over a blue button down. The outfit was equal parts casual and chic. 

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By the time 2010 rolled around and the Duke got engaged to his now wife Duchess Kate, royal styler watchers began to see more and more suits from the royal, typically navy or black in color.  

Then, when he welcomed his first son, Prince George, in 2013, his style took a bit of a turn. While he still broke out a suit for formal engagements, Prince William also embraced more laidback looks — especially when stepping out in front of the hospital.

When introducing his children to the world in 2013, 2015 and 2018 respectively, Prince William decided to wear blue. First a button down, then a cashmere sweater and, later, a blazer.

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As his kids grew older, Prince William unquestionably picked up some matchy-matchy tendencies, too. During a 2021 outing to Manor Farm with Duchess Kate, the Duke matched his partner’s outfit to a T, wearing a green jacket, brown boots and navy pants. 

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Later that year, he twinned with his eldest son while attending the Euro soccer championship. Both donned matching navy suits and red and white striped ties. 

But regardless of whether Prince William was a toddler, in uniform or rocking a dad-on-duty look, he is always fashion forward. To take a look back at his fabulous fashion evolution, keep scrolling!

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