FOUND: Kate Middleton's Grey Check Dress from Bacon's College Visit

I feel like it's been awhile since we've explored the sartorial comings and goings of Kate Middleton, otherwise known as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. But, with our girl Kate making the rounds at Olympics-related events -- and changing outfits as many as three times per day -- we've been newly inspired to address some of her clothing choices. For example, the delightfully casual and affordable grey check dress she wore to an Olympics pre-event at Bacon's College.

Want to steal Kate Middleton's grey check dress style for yourself? She's wearing the Hobbs Check Wessex Dress. This ultra affordable dress from the UK's accessible Hobbs label quickly sold out after the Kate sighting, but the site is promising that this dress will be back in stock this week. It was sale priced when Kate wore it, but we suspect this frock will be back to its £119.00 (about $187.00) original price when it reappears. Still, not bad for a royal-approved day dress.

The Essex Dress is a Hobbs best-selling silhouette, recently re-imagined in this grey and white checked linen print for summer 2012. This vintage-inspired '50s shape features a full skirt, short sleeves and a concealed back zipper closure. It's perfect for an outdoor summer event that requires a step up from super casual, such as a bridal shower or brunch.

This dress is quite elegant paired with white accessories, just how Kate styled it. But, a daring fashionista not constrained by royal etiquette could have quite a bit of fun experimenting with more stand-out colors. Personally, I think this dress is just screaming for lemon yellow accents in the form of a belt, shoe or handbag.

→ Buy the Hobbs Check Wessex Dress, £119.00, at hobbs.co.uk; US delivery £20.00.

photo: instyle.com