Beautiful in blue! Kate wows in striking velvet dress

They say fashion comes in cycles and it looks like the Duchess of Cambridge is hoping to bring back one the boldest style eras in modern history: the 1970s.

Kate has been embracing a more retro look since touching down in Sweden on Tuesday, and she doesn’t look to be stopping anytime soon, stepping out in a stunning blue velvet dress with her husband, Prince William, over night. The royal couple joined Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel for an event the Fotografiska Gallery where they were treated to music, dancing and plenty of laughs.

Despite her growing baby bump and full day of walking around Stockholm, Kate donned a pair of towering black heels for the evening and a velvet dress by Canadian designer Erdem.

She kept her hair simple with an elegant bun and chose a pair of silver earrings to complete the look. It’s the second Erdem dress Kate has worn on the tour, both boasting a decidedly ’70s-inspired feel.

It’s a far cry from the Duchess’ usual sleek style, which often consists of well-tailored skirts, jackets and smart dresses. The break away from her traditional style is perhaps a nod towards Sweden’s Princess Victoria, who is known for her bold fashion choices and often ‘un-royal’ style choices.

Either way, it appears both Kate and William have enjoyed their whirlwind two-day tour of the city, having packed in visits to design centres, schools, a medical research centre and a game of bandy — a popular winter game in Sweden.

At their final dinner at the Fotografiska Gallery, Prince William gave a speech thanking the Swedish royals for their hospitality.

“When Catherine and I first planned our visit here, we knew that we wanted to come here to learn,” he said. We wanted to find out what it was about Sweden that gave you such an enviable reputation in the world … What are, we wanted to know, are the magic Swedish ingredients?”

“Of course, on one visit, we can only touch the surface. But in the past two days, Catherine and I have experienced some of the unique mix of factors that contribute to the Swedish way of life.”

He said they were inspired by the country’s love of the outdoors and their ability to enjoy it in sub-zero temperatures, noting that even children were encouraged to play outside come rain, hail or shine.

The Duke and Duchess have committed to a number of tours throughout Europe since Britain decided to leave the EU in 2016, in an effort to maintain ties between the two institutions.

“There is a Swedish saying that I won’t attempt to say in Swedish but which translates in English something like, “It matters to you, too, when a neighbour’s wall is on fire.” Your security concerns are ours, and it is hugely important that we continue to work ever more closely together to reduce threats,” William said.

The royal couple will head to Norway next for a two-day tour of Oslo.

Read more: Shabby or chic? Kate turns heads in retro ’70s-inspired gown

What do you think of Kate’s dress? Do you like it?