Old School Stylings: Kate Middleton at the Order of the Garter, 2008

Looking back one can see 2008 as the year that William really announced to the world his attentions in regards to Kate Middleton. The year after their 2007 split the couple were going strong and publicly declaring their on-again romance.

Not only was Catherine present when William received his RAF wings, but she also attended the Order of the Garter ceremony in 2008 at Windsor Castle during which Wills was inducted as a knight. Instead of flying solo, Kate arrived with Prince Harry and had a place among the senior royals including Camilla and Sophie, Duchess of Wessex.

For this highly important, highly visible official royal function Kate chose a slim and appropriate black skirt suit with subtle white polka dots. Miss. Middleton's chic accessories included a saucer-shaped hat bedecked with feathers, a black clutch, multi-strand pearl bracelet and what look to be her classic black Prada pumps.

During the ceremony Kate was spotted guffawing with Harry, who always seems to be able to make his future sister-in-law smile. We imagine that the ridiculous hat William was made to wear, floppy and replete with ostrich feathers, only hastened the jokes.

And this isn't the first time the polka dot suit made an appearance, either. Kate was papped sporting it at an event in Dublin in 2007 during her infamous break up with the Prince.

We're not loving these open-toed mumsy shoes.

But notice the hose. It appears that Kate's penchant

for nude tights did pre-date her royal title.