Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend Canada Day Celebrations at Parliament Hill on day 2 of the Royal Couple's North American Tour on July 1, 2011 in Ottawa.Mark Large - WPA Pool / Getty Images
Catherine Duchess of Cambridge struck a patriotic chord with her Canada Day ensemble, stepping out in items from U.K. labels in the colours of the Maple Leaf, and a symbolic jewelry piece from the monarch with ties to Canada.
While Kate donned new looks from Canadian labels for the first day of her first official visit abroad, she went back into the wardrobe Friday for a more familiar favourite.
The Duchess arrived at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Que., wearing a cream dress from Reiss. The Nannette dress - with three-quarter length sleeves, an asymmetrical draped neckline and ruffle detail - is the same one she wore for her official engagement photo with Prince William.
Her topper from milliner Sylvia Fletcher at Lock and Co. had a distinctive Canadian flavour, complete with its rich red hue and adornment of fabric maple leaves.
And for an added regal touch, the duchess wore the Queen's diamond Maple Leaf brooch. The Queen, as Princess Elizabeth, wore the brooch on her first visit to Canada in 1951 and again on Canada Day last year.
Kate completed the look with a straw cream and red fan clutch purse from Anya Hindmarch, and red heels.
Canadian womenswear designer David Dixon said he thinks Kate's look was appropriate for the occasion.
"The fact that she has worn this dress before sends a message that she is aware of her role, and that she may not be willing to take on the role of a fashion icon as of yet, or simply to be known or noticed for what she wears," Dixon said in an email to The Canadian Press.
"Kate - like U.S. first lady Michelle Obama, I believe - wants to be taken seriously as a modern woman, not just a fashion plate."
Kate changed her look for the night-time Canada Day concert on the Hill. She wore her signature tresses pinned up and appeared in a purple V-neck dress by British-based designer Issa.
The label appears to be one favoured by the dutchess - it also designed the blue dress she wore for her engagement announcement and the black and white bird dress she recycled at a youth event at Rideau Hall Thursday night.
Kate accessorised her Friday night look with the same diamond Maple Leaf brooch she had worn earlier in the day, drop earrings and black pumps.