People.com Celebrity How Kate's Style Is Getting Sexier Plunging neckline. Flashing some leg. The Duchess ups her fashion ante in two edgy gowns this week By Kate Hogan Kate Hogan Instagram Twitter Kate Hogan is Director of Digital Specials and Features at PEOPLE. In her 14 years at the brand, she has covered everything from pets and babies to style and Sexiest Man Alive, interviewing celebrities including Céline Dion, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Chris Evans. Currently, she oversees the creation of photo galleries that complement breaking news and major PEOPLE moments like The Beautiful Issue and 100 Reasons to Love America. She has offered expert celebrity commentary on Good Morning America and Access Hollywood. Before joining PEOPLE in 2008, Kate was an editorial assistant at Morris Visitor Publications. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication and resides outside of Chicago with her husband and three kids. People Editorial Guidelines Published on May 12, 2012 09:20 AM Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Rex USA; Niki Nikolova/Filmmagic She’s known for choosing classic silhouettes, neutral pumps and longer hemlines, but the Duchess of Cambridge has shown a sexy streak this week at official events with husband Prince William. How so? • Rocking that slit. For a private dinner on Tuesday, Kate chose a flattering white Roland Mouret dress (left). But the real “wow” factor came from the gown’s sexy slit, exposing the demure Duchess’s hose-less legs like never before; even her most dazzling gowns, like this Alexander McQueen, have kept her quite covered. COVER STORY: Kate’s Sexy Style Shows Off Her Blossoming Confidence •Showing some skin. Kate stunned again on Friday, this time choosing a teal Jenny Packham creation (right) for the BOA Olympic Concert event at London’s Royal Albert Hall. This dress, fairly conservative at first glance, also held a sexier secret: a button-up lace back. In the past, when wearing outfits that expose a bit more, she’s often covered up with a cardigan or blazer. • Working a plunging neckline. Kate’s Packham gown also dipped much lower in front than her usual V-necks, including the famous Issa dress she wore the day she announced her engagement. •Wearing open-toed shoes. It doesn’t seem like a big deal, but Kate’s glimmering sky-high Jimmy Choo sandals – worn to both events – are against palace norms: both the Queen and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall make a habit of wearing low-heeled, closed-toe heels. PHOTOS: Kate’s Fashionable First Year of Marriage Kate herself has generally worn her favorite nude L.K. Bennett pumps, or similarly subtle styles. Could Kate’s sexier style mean a modern move for the Palace? Or is she just coming into her own a year into her life as a royal? What do you think of the Duchess’s latest dresses?