Pippa Middleton's plunging butterfly mini dress everyone missed before royal wedding

Nichola Murphy
·2 min read
Pippa Middleton in a strappy cream dress
(Dave M. Benett)

The Princess of Wales' sister Pippa Middleton became a style icon the moment she stepped out in her Alexander McQueen cowl-neck bridesmaid dress at the royal wedding in 2011, but she had begun making waves in the fashion industry years earlier.

While the focus was firmly on Prince William's then-girlfriend, Pippa was often pictured showing off her style credentials as she made solo appearances at chic events. One example was the Reuben Foundation & Virgin Unite Haiti Fundraiser at Altitude 360 in May 2010, one year before the Prince and Princess of Wales got married.

Pippa Middleton in a grey mini dress with embellishments
Pippa rocked a dove grey mini dress at Altitude 360 in May 2010 (Dave M. Benett)

Pippa donned a dove grey mini dress with a low V-beck, an embellished neckline and a fitted waist leading to a flowing skirt. She accessorised with shimmering sheer tights and black heels that matched her clutch bag.

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Her dark brunette hair fell in an effortless style that both she and her elder sister have become known for, with soft layers falling to her shoulders and face-framing strands around her cheekbones.

Bridesmaid dress

Pippa Middleton at Westminster Abbey ahead of the wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton.
James Matthews' wife gained recognition as a style icon after her appearance as Kate's bridesmaid (Getty)

While the world was enthralled by Kate's lace wedding dress in April 2011, Pippa did not foresee her role in the royal wedding causing such a huge reaction.

"[The attention] was completely unexpected," she told NBC. "You know, I think the plan was not really for it to be a significant dress. Really just to sort of blend in with the train."

Pippa Middleton holding kate's wedding train
The Princess of Wales' sister looked stunning in an Alexander McQueen dress

Pippa described it as both "flattering" and "embarrassing."

She continued: "It’s actually still in my wardrobe at home I haven't worn it since. But I think I'll just keep it there... I think it's the sort of thing that I'm sure I'll bring out if someone wanted to see it or my children one day want to see it. Then I'll show them."

Pippa's style evolution

Kate and Pippa middleton laugh in cab
Kate and Pippa were often pictured out together before the royal wedding (Getty)

As she entered the spotlight in the early 2010s, Pippa favoured tailored blazers, skinny jeans, and on-trend fitted dresses.

Since then, the 41-year-old – who is now married to hedge fund James Matthews – has gradually moved to longer hemlines and a modern, sophisticated wardrobe.

In 2012, she made headlines for her bright pink jeans which she teamed with a collared shirt, double-breasted blazer and black accessories.

2023, Pippa Middleton departs Westminster Abbey after the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 06, 2023 in London, England. The Coronation of Charles III and his wife, Camilla, as King and Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the other Commonwealth realms takes place at Westminster Abbey today. Charles acceded to the throne on 8 September 2022, upon the death of his mother, Elizabeth II. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Pippa looked elegant at the King's coronation in 2023 (Getty)

Fast-forward to 2023 and she attended the King's coronation in a pale yellow coat dress by royal-approved designer Claire Mischevani featuring an ultra-flattering fit-and-flare silhouette.

LOOK: Pippa Middleton's backless silk gown was an unmatched red carpet look

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