Queen Elizabeth II’s Best Style Moments of All Time
Bazaar Arabia shares Her Majesty’s most memorable looks through the decades
Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne at the age of 25. Throughout her reign she exuded grace, resilience and stability which translated to her dressing. Her fashion choices continued to reflect the different eras of her illustrious career to public service. From elaborate gowns and dresses that defined the 1950s to bright colours, styled with her go-to Launer top handle bags that have become synonymous with the monarch, The Queen will forever be a style icon in her own right.
In memory of Her Majesty, Bazaar Arabia shares a few of her best style moments here.
Official Portrait to Mark the Beginning of the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations, 2022
The Royal Family’s official Instagram page shared a portrait to mark the beginning of the Platinum Jubilee festivities. The photograph was taken at Windsor Castle with The Queen seated in an alcove by the window and dressed in a powder clue coat with beautiful embroidery.
70 Years Since Accession Day, 2022
Her Majesty is seen wearing a bright lime green dress as she attends to one of her famous red boxes from which she receives daily papers from her Private Secretaries. The series of images were shared on February 6, to commemorate 70 years of Her Majesty’s accession. The Queen is also wearing two diamond ivy leaf broaches that were gifted by The Queen Mother on her 21st birthday.
Her Majesty Opens Parliament, 2019
For the opening of Parliament, The Queen donned the “Royal Robes” and the George IV State Diadem. The 2019 opening of Parliament marked Queen Elizabeth II’s 65th session, truly a big moment.
Her Majesty Delivers her Annual Christmas Speech, 2018
A TV staple on Christmas Eve, The Queen was dressed in a beautiful embroidered gown paired with a three-strand pearl necklace and broach for the broadcast of her Christmas address to the nation.
The Sapphire Jubilee, 2017
The Queen celebrated her Sapphire Jubilee in 2017, the 65th year of her accession to the throne of the United Kingdom. In honour of the occasion, Her Majesty wore an eye-catching embroidered silk dress with a suite of sapphire jewellery that was gifted to her by King George VI for her wedding in 1947.
Trooping of the Colour, 2016
The Trooping of the Colour takes place annually on the monarch’s birthday and in 2016, Her Majesty was seen attending on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in a neon jacket and hat to match as she celebrated surrounded by her family.
State Opening of Parliament, 2006
Her Majesty arrives at the UK Parliament dressed in an elegant white gown, fur stole and hand gloves carrying a white purse. The Queen also sported the George IV State Diadem.
Royal Variety Performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome, 1999
The Queen truly showed us how to party like it’s 1999 in this bright colour-block gown. From the gold accessories to the glittering jewels, it was the perfect way to end the millennium.
Portraits, 1992
A rare choice for Her Majesty who generally adopts solid colours, here she is seen wearing a paisley print dress and diamond and sapphire broach as she sits for her portrait. Truly an elegant ensemble.
Her Majesty with Her Former Prime Ministers, 1985
Having worked with 14 Prime Ministers throughout her reign, here The Queen is photographed with six of her former Prime Ministers at a dinner at 10 Downing Street. Her Majesty is seen wearing a gorgeous embroidered gown and carrying her favourite white Launer handbag.
Silver Jubilee Celebrations, 1977
On the occasion of her Silver Jubilee, The Queen was ahead of her game, stepping out in a white and green printed dress and matching hat on her trip to New Zealand. One of our favourite looks from Her Majesty.
Official Birthday Portraits, 1968
An insight into The Queen’s official birthday portraits that were taken in October 1968 at the Buckingham Palace’s White Drawing Room. The series of images include Her Majesty dressed in a Hardy Aimes turquoise gown, the Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara, Queen Mary’s True Lover’s Knot Brooch and Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee Necklace and Diamond Bracelet. The Queen also wore The Order of the Garter Riband and the accompanying Garter Star, Queen Alexandra’s Wedding Earrings and the Diamond Evening Watch.
Welcoming President John F Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy to Buckingham Palace, 1961
Queen Elizabeth II looked elegant and regal in a beautiful cobalt blue tulle ball gown for the welcome reception.
Official Portraits, 1960
Queen Elizabeth II was photographed by Anthony Buckley in the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace for a series of official images. Her Majesty wore an exquisite embroidered cream gown and accessorised with Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik Tiara and the George VI Festoon Necklace amongst many other Crown Jewels.
Series of Portraits Ahead of Her Majesty’s 1959 Tour of the US and Canada, 1958
Queen Elizabeth II wore a Norman Hartnell pink gown detailed with intricate embroidered designs. For her jewellery, Her Majesty chose the Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara, Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee Necklace and Queen Mary’s Chain-link Bracelets.
Her Majesty Visits the Royal Opera House, 1955
As Patron of the Royal Ballet, Queen Elizabeth II attended a gala at the Royal Opera House dressed in a stunning ballgown and eye-catching Crown Jewels.
Her Majesty with Prince Charles and Princess Anne, 1954
The Queen has proved that women can have it all, here she is glowing in a maroon dress, two-strand pearl necklace and diamond brooch accompanied by a laughing Charles, Prince of Wales and Anne, Princess Royal.
Her Majesty’s Coronation, 1953
Possibly the monarch’s most iconic looks to date, Queen Elizabeth II’s looked graceful in her royal regalia for her coronation in 1953, the first to be televised and the BBC‘s first major worldwide broadcast. The historic event took place at Westminster Abbey, which has seen the coronation of every British monarch since 1066. Her Majesty wore Saint Edward’s Crown, made in 1661, for the ceremony before changing into the Imperial State Crown on her way back to Buckingham Palace.
Her Majesty’s Wedding to Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, 1947
Inspired by Botticelli’s Primavera, Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding dress was designed by Sir Norman Hartnell, and made from duchesse satin and had a 15-foot long silk tulle train. The dress was adorned with pearls, crystals and transparent applique tulle embroidery. Possibly the most beautiful dress we have ever seen till date.
Lead image by Indigo/Getty Images
This article was originally published on June 2, 2022 and was written by Chandni Mehta. it was updated and republished by Laura Kell on September 9, 2022.