Kate Middleton has long been applauded for her ability to recycle her wardrobe –working and reworking high street dresses, Jigsaw jackets and her ever-faithful black suede boots.


Indeed the Duchess of Cambridge has slipped on her trusty black boots once more – this time for the royal couple's visit to a Camberwell hostel earlier this evening .


Kate stuck to her elegant style formula, slipping on a £350 turtleneck dress by Ralph Lauren and finishing the look with big n’ bouncy waves courtesy of her favourite hair stylist Richard Ward.


The dress may be designer – and a preppy Polo-inspired one at that – but dressed-down elegance is just what was called for at the event, during which Kate and Prince William are expected to to take part in a healthy cooking session, making mince pies and gingerbread men.


Kate’s love affair with chiconomical styling started way back in May 2011 when she snubbed high fashion labels, packing high street favourites Warehouse, Monsoon and Zara into the couple’s mini-moon wardrobe.


The Duchess isn’t afraid to wear more luxe lines for her red carpet moments though, slipping on an Alexander McQueen velvet gown for Monday’s Military Awards that drew comparisons with both Princess Diana and famed Chelsea girl Elizabeth Hurley.


Princess Diana famously loved doing charity work and Kate’s latest dressed-down look will undoubtedly draw similar comparisons to Prince William’s late mother’s winter wardrobe too.


Frugal, vintage or just weather-appropriate, there’s no question that Kate looks suitably chic.