Queen Elizabeth’s Top Outfits: Her Most Memorable Looks Ever
From vibrant dresses to lavish ballgowns, a retrospective of Queen Elizabeth’s unforgettable fashion moments
Throughout her 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II became Britain’s longest-serving monarch and had a significant global impact. Her passing on Sept. 8, 2022, may have marked the end of an era, but her legacy will endure for generations.
As is tradition within the royal family, the Queen’s attire was often a way of conveying messages to the public and diplomats. Her longtime personal dresser and close aide, Angela Kelly, shed light on the Queen’s preference for vibrant colors in her 2019 memoir, The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, The Dresser and the Wardrobe.
Her vibrant dresses and matching hats became iconic, but during her early reign, she also explored daring silhouettes and — occasionally — even wore trousers.
From her elegant style as a young princess to the elaborate ballgowns and velvet capes she donned as a queen, continue reading to explore Queen Elizabeth’s most iconic fashion highlights.
Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle in England in June 1940
The young royal posed by a window in Windsor Castle in this 1940 portrait when she was just 14 years old. She wore a patterned dress with a Peter Pan collar and had her hair styled in soft curls.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip at their Royal Wedding in 1947
Queen Elizabeth married Prince Philip in Westminster Abbey on November 20, 1947. She wore an ivory satin dress designed by Norman Hartnell, featuring intricate embroidery, crystals, and 10,000 seed pearls.
Queen Elizabeth at her Coronation Ceremony in 1953
Queen Elizabeth II was officially crowned at Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953. She wore a white satin dress designed by Norman Hartnell with intricate embroidery representing the nations of the Commonwealth.
Queen Elizabeth at a State Banquet in 1970
At a state banquet in London in 1970, Queen Elizabeth dazzled in a turquoise evening gown adorned with intricate beading. She completed the look with a matching tiara and diamond necklace.
Queen Elizabeth at Trooping the Colour in 1986
At the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony in 1986, Queen Elizabeth wore a vibrant green coat and matching hat, making a bold statement as she participated in the celebrations.
Queen Elizabeth at the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011
Queen Elizabeth attended the wedding of her grandson Prince William and Kate Middleton in April 2011. She wore a cheerful yellow dress and matching hat, embodying her signature style.