A look back at the amazing fashion history of Queen Elizabeth II…
Update: Buckingham Palace announced that Queen Elizabeth II passed away on Thursday 8th September at 96 years of age.
While Princess Diana and Kate Middleton have, of course, made lasting impacts on the fashion industry, when it comes to OG style, there is no doubt that Queen Elizabeth's best outfits take the crown (pun very much intended).
Queen Elizabeth II was officially the longest-serving monarch and celebrated her Platinum Jubilee this past June. It's safe to say that in 96 years of being in the public eye, HRH had a lot of practice in the style department, and I can honestly say she never put a sensibly heeled foot wrong.
Even as a child, she was all about smock dresses and sensible pearl necklaces (her father King George VI carried on Queen Victoria's tradition of gifting his daughters a pearl a year for their birthdays, so they would have a full set by the time they turned 18).
Fast forward a few years, and she was married in one of the most iconic royal wedding dresses of all time, using materials she rationed during the war. In the 1950s, she was known for her impeccable full-skirted dresses and matching hats. After her coronation in 1953, she stepped up her game even further, now being thrown in the spotlight and hosting and attending many balls and events, some of which required ballgowns and tiaras.
Year after year, ribbon cutting after gala diner after state visit, she offers a masterclass in how to stay chic, classic and most importantly of all, appropriately dressed without skimping on colour or glitz when needed. There's a reason 'Queen Elizabeth best outfits' is a popular Google search query, especially bearing in mind that Google wasn't created until decades after she was born.
Over the years, she has become famous for wearing bright, block colours, pearl necklaces, pristine white gloves, headscarves and plaid skirts. With her instantly recognisable style along with her synonymous Launer handbags, Queen Elizabeth II has even been the inspiration for an entire Dolce & Gabbana collection.
During her long reign, the Queen's style has certainly evolved. From the smart dress coats she wore as a child to the statement turban-style hats of the 60s, she mixed things up but always remained true to her regal heritage.
One of her most fashionable moments (aside from that stunning wedding dress) came in the form of a stunning white ball gown with floral embellishment for her tour of America. Scroll for more of Queen Elizabeth's best outfits.
This story has been updated to reflect the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing on Thursday 8th September 2022.
Queen Elizabeth II, July 2021
Queen Elizabeth II attends the Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Windsor Cup polo match wearing a bold lime green coat and matching hat.
Queen Elizabeth II, March 2020
As colourful as ever, just before the Coronavirus lockdown.
Queen Elizabeth II in 2020
On her way to the Commonwealth Day Service, the last big public engagement before the pandemic.
Queen Elizabeth II, January 2017
The Queen chose a vibrant suit (with signature matching hat of course) to visit an exhibition in Norwich. To say she brightened up a bleak January day is an understatement.
Queen Elizabeth II, December 2016
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the annual evening reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace.
Queen Elizabeth II, November 2016
Whereas the Queen often wears bright colours for outside engagements, she opted for a pastel green suit to greet Princess Alexandra of Kent. Very elegant.
Queen Elizabeth II, November 2016
For the sombre occasion of Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph, the Queen wore a black ensemble and a posy of poppies on her shoulder.
Queen Elizabeth II, October 2016
For a day at the races, Queen Elizabeth II mixes things up with a boucle coat, and, dress code oblige, a matching feather hat.
Queen Elizabeth II, April 2016
Even at 90 she would work bright pink like no other. We love.
Queen Elizabeth II, October 2015
Queen Elizabeth II wears a pastel orange coat and hat while attending the QIPCO British Champions Day racing meet at Ascot Racecourse.
Queen Elizabeth II Sapphire Jubilee Portrait, 2014
To celebrate 65 years on the throne, this portrait of The Queen shot by David Bailey was re-released (it was taken in 2014). Her Majesty looks incredible in a blue sating dress, with sapphire and diamond jewels gifted to her by her father King George VI on her wedding day.
Queen Elizabeth II, November 2015
Never one to shy away from colour, this turquoise and pink pairing is one of her best.
Queen Elizabeth II, 2007
The Queen opted for a chic baby blue two-piece to celebrate her diamond wedding anniversary in Hampshire. We love everything about this look- and the adorable picture.
Queen Elizabeth II, 2006
Colourful and practical, this Windsor Polo Club look says everything about the Queen's well-honed ability at dressing appropriately.
Queen Elizabeth II, 1998
This is the time the Queen matched (perhaps unintentionally) her striking yellow dress and hat with the McDonald's sign, while at the drive-thru restaurant on a visit to Chesire Oaks Designer outlet in Ellesmere Port.
Queen Elizabeth II, 1993
For the wedding of Viscount and Viscountess Linley's wedding in 1993, Queen Elizabeth opted for a chic and demure-length pink coat, floral dress and her synonymous white gloves and mid-heel pumps.
Queen Elizabeth II, 1987
Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana show off their faultless style while celebrating the Queen Mother's 87th birthday at Clarence House.
Queen Elizabeth II, 1985
When not on international engagements, the Queen's signature style often incorporates Windsor-appropriate hues and a signature headscarf.
Queen Elizabeth II, 1984
The Queen opted for a deep purple coat and matching hat while on tour of Canada in 1984.
Queen Elizabeth II with Nancy Reagan, 1983
Queen Elizabeth II and Nancy Reagan arriving at Star's Concert in California, in 1983.
Queen Elizabeth II, 1982
Queen Elizabeth II walking in the grounds of Windsor Castle, dressed in by pink and tweed - this is the perfect summer country show look.
Queen Elizabeth II, 1982
Queen Elizabeth II on the 30th anniversary of her reign in 1982, with the Duke of Edinburgh on their estate at Sandringham, Norfolk.
Queen Elizabeth II, 1977
Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a green-and-white floral pattern dress with a green-and-white hat, during a walkabout in New Plymouth, New Zealand.
Queen Elizabeth II, 1970s
The Queen wearing a turban style hat and blue ensemble. We love the pattern of this dress.
Queen Elizabeth II, 1975
The Queen's love of colour and chic white accessories made for the perfect choice during a sunny trip to Jamaica.
Queen Elizabeth II, 1974
Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and Princess Anne attend the UK film premiere of 'Murder on the Orient Express' at the ABC Cinema, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, 1974.
Queen Elizabeth II, 1974
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in New Zealand during their Commonwealth Tour, 1974.
Queen Elizabeth II, 1973
The Queen Attending A Premiere In The West End Circa 1973
Queen Elizabeth II, 1970
Queen Elizabeth II wearing a white and green dress with Prince Philip at a State banquet in 1970.
Queen Elizabeth II, 1970
The Queen creates the Maori Queen, Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu as a Dame Commander of the British Empire in an investiture ceremony at Wellington Town Hall, during her tour of New Zealand.
Queen Elizabeth II, 1969
Queen Elizabeth II with U.S President Richard Nixon.
Queen Elizabeth II, November 1967
Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain visiting Malta.
Queen Elizabeth, 1962
Queen Elizabeth II walks through a guard of honour formed by Boy Scouts during her visit to watch their 1962 gangshow at the Golder's Green Empire in London.
Queen Elizabeth II, May 1960
Queen Elizabeth II attending the Royal Variety Show at the Victoria Palace Theatre, London.
Queen Elizabeth II, February 1954.
Queen Elizabeth II wears a slim-fitting white lace dress to a garden party in Sydney, Australia, February 1954.
Queen Elizabeth II, 1953
For her coronation, Queen Elizabeth II rose the the occasion in an embellished ballgown and bespoke cape, plus crown jewels of course. The Queen wore a pair of custom Roger Vivier heels.
Queen Elizabeth II, November 1947
Who can forget Queen Elizabeth’s wedding dress, worn at her wedding to Philip Mountbatten at Westminster Abbey? The dress was inspired by Botticelli’s painting of Primavera, hence the motifs of scattered flowers. The star-patterned train was also a symbol of rebirth after the war. The dress was decorated with 10,000 pearls and crystals, imported from the US.
Queen Elizabeth II, June 1947
Princess Elizabeth accepts a bouquet of flowers from a small boy at the Centenary Service of Thanksgiving at Radley College.
Queen Elizabeth II,July 1936
Elizabeth, Duchess of York and Queen Elizabeth II sitting on a garden bench in the grounds of 145 Piccadilly.
Queen Elizabeth II, 1933
Queen Elizabeth II and her younger sister Princess Margaret in 1933. We love her timeless double-breasted coat and cute embroidered bag.
Queen Elizabeth II, 1927
Even as a baby, Queen Elizabeth II showed some serious fashion flair.
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