Is This The Best Outfit Kate Middleton Has Ever Worn?

Okay, okay, so perhaps nothing will beat the Duchess of Cambridge's jaw-dropping Alexander McQueen wedding gown, masterminded by Sarah Burton. But, Kate Middleton, always an ardent supporter of British fashion, comes damn close in another McQueen creation — a custom-made, knee-length, nude lace dress that stole the show at St Paul’s Cathedral during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee festivities.

While she had sported the label both of the two days prior as well (a crimson red pleated concoction Sunday, a fitted black leather jacket Monday), she certainly subscribed to the maxim of saving the best for last; her choice of a body-hugging stunner — paired with a beaded, veiled hat by Jane Taylor, a Prada clutch, and did-you-think-they-were-going-anywhere LK Bennett flesh-colored heels — cemented our growing belief that Catherine is morphing from proper princess to trendsetting global style icon.

Sure, the look's still conservative, what with the long sleeves and demure length, but it's chic, like Carla Bruni-at-the-start-of-her-First-Ladyship chic. And the hair, gathered at the back in loose curls, is a welcome departure from her usual 'do. Coupled with her recent ensembles, including that low-cut Jenny Packham at the Olympic concert and the Roland Mouret fitted white number with that daring slit, it seems that her highness' sartorial evolution is occurring at an even faster pace than that of other U.K. phenomenon, Princess Di.

While we still encourage Kate to try even more avant-garde designers and some new statement accessories, we realize she also has to balance the sentiments of her subjects public, some of whom grumbled about the dress's price-tag — around £2,865, according to The Daily Mail. Somehow though, we doubt that, unlike her Zara purchases, she'll recycle this baby again. DoC, we'll trade you a new pair of LKs for a royal discount?