The dress we chat about today may be familiar to many readers, it has been written about at length since Miss Middleton was seen in it on her 25th birthday.  For those not as familiar with the garment, the dress was notable not because of any extraordinary styling, far from it.  The frock generated a buzz in large part because of its low price, £40, approximately $65 at 2011 exchange rates.

Referred to as a tunic dress by most writers, it was purchased at Topshop.

Via Catwalk Queen

As with many garments worn by the future Princess and Queen, Miss Middleton’s appearance in it in 2007 had an immediate impact on sales, the dress sold out within 24 hours online and in stores.

Perhaps more importantly, wearing a dress purchased at a mass market retailer sent a message that Miss Middleton’s style was one more accessible to the average fashionista.  Seeing Kate Middleton in a dress purchased off the rack made the possibility real that anyone could have that same elegance and style. It also helped make Miss Middleton a far more sympathetic figure and  eminently more likable, an accomplishment not to be underestimated for someone who will one day be Queen of England.