Kate's quick change: Duchess is captivating in cocktail attire for reception after charming kids earlier in the day

The Duchess of Cambridgestepped out for an embargoed event earlier today -- kept under wraps until she was on her way home -- and then had a quick change for a more formal evening reception. Both of today's engagements were in support of Place 2 Be, one of Kate's chosen charities, and she spent the day charming children left and right.

Kate first stepped out at the Natural History Museum in London in L.K. Bennett, wearing the Cersei Evergreen Silk Dress (ummm, tribute to Game of Thrones, Kate?!) and paired the look with a new pair of snakeskin pumps. The classic silk dress retails for £375.00, about $465, and is still available in most sizes.

She wore her hair down in that bouncy blowout we all know and love. (And try desperately to recreate.)

See both of Kate's gorgeous looks in the gallery:

For the evening reception, Duchess Kate attended the Place2Be Wellbeing In School Awards, and she was decked out in a gorgeous black Preen cocktail dress. The Duchess doesn't often wear black, but she definitely makes a statement when she does.

Paired with new Prada pumps with sleek cutouts along the sides, a glittering belt and a staggering pair of diamond pendant earrings on loan from the Queen. We do love to see Kate dip her hands into the royal jewelry box every now and again!

If this Preen dress looks familiar to you, it's probably because Kate has worn it before! While in Canada, the Duchess was a total show-stopper in the same dress in red -- and she clearly loved it so much that she bought it in multiple colors! Isn't that the best way to shop, though? You find the perfect pair of jeans and buy them in every color, in multiples.

See how Kate styled this stunning dress in red, below: