Kate Middleton is getting sexier in style Kate Middleton She's known for choosing classic silhouettes, neutral pumps and longer hemlin...

Kate Middleton is getting sexier in style

Kate Middleton

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.

•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.

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?

(Agencies)