We have completed a magnificent and fashionable collection of enchanting royals wearing their ravishing dresses. Sit back and be prepared to discover what royal style is all about.
The Revenge Dress
Breaking away from the traditional British designers, Diana wore a dress by Christina Stambolian, a renowned Greek designer. Reportedly, for this event, Diana had planned to wear a Valentino dress but, at the last minute, chose the Christina Stambolian design instead. This is an example that sometimes, last-minute decisions end up being for the best!
As this event came shortly after her quickly dissolving marriage, the Stambolian dress was later known as “the revenge dress.” And it was indeed one of Diana’s most unforgettably glamorous looks.
Perfect Duchess Kate
In 2013, Kate and Will attended the Tusk Trust Awards at the Royal Society in London. It was a special occasion as it was the royal pair’s first night out together after the birth of their firstborn son, George. Kate’s sequined pale gold gown was designed by one of her favorites, Jenny Packham.
The dress was extra special, though, because it was custom-made for Kate with an empire waist embellished by a brooch and a keyhole at the back. Kate completed the look with a pair of glittery Jimmy Choo Vamp court shoes and a matching diamond bracelet and earrings.
Princess Eugenie of York
Princess Eugenie is not new to the royal spotlight. She’s been part of Britain’s royal family ever since she was born into it as the third granddaughter of the late Queen Elizabeth. She was Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York. Her mother is Fergie, and her grandad is the late Prince Philip.
She is seen here in a magnificent green dress with an interesting neckline and in a perfect length. Having a not-so-flattering reputation regarding her choice of what to wear, she has toned down in recent years and, as we see here, is doing quite a good job.
Cream Alexander
Although she has been compared to Diana before, Duchess Kate has been very successful in distinguishing her style from that of other members of the royal family. Kate’s looks are elegant and graceful but never dull.
When traveling abroad to different regions, royals have to be sure to choose the right attire for the events and culture they will be immersed in. In 2018, Kate and Prince William were on a royal tour of Norway and Sweden and had a handful of events to attend. For the formal dinner the royals were invited to, Kate chose a lovely, powder pink Alexander McQueen gown.
The Queen Mother
For all of their etiquette and restrictions, royal women do enjoy fashion and dressing to impress their guests. Queen Elizabeth II was known for her fashion sense, and it seems it runs strong in the family.
Her mother, Queen Elizabeth (known as the Queen Mother), was also known for her great sense of fashion and was often seen in elaborate crowns and gowns alongside her daughter. For her 80th birthday in 1980, the Queen Mother appeared at her birthday celebration in a breathtaking white chiffon evening gown paired with a meticulously styled tiara and necklace.
The Engagement Gown
When Kate Middleton first appeared in the public eye, she quickly became known for her youthful, elegant style. She also became a trendsetter after appearing in so many British tabloids wearing her gowns.
Kate wore a stunning silk jersey wrap dress to announce her engagement. British designer Issa designed the dress and after Kate wore it, it sold out in 43 countries! The brand Issa was unprepared for the influx in customer interest and eventually closed its doors to the public.
Saturday Night Fever
This stunning design worn by Princess Diana was created by Victor Edelstein. The gown was an off-the-shoulder, velvet dress in a deep blue that Diana wore for her White House visit in 1985. That evening she had dinner with President Ronald Regan and his wife, Nancy.
Diana was also able to charm the President into inviting John Travolta to the dinner, simply because she was a big fan! Diana’s dream came true that night, and she was able to dance with the iconic star. Her immortalized dress was later sold at an auction for $347,000.
Gorgeous Stella McCartney
Meghan Markle was at the center of every paparazzi’s snapshot on the day of her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018. After changing out of her wedding gown, Meghan slipped into another dress for her wedding reception.
To be a bit more comfortable for the post-wedding festivities, she opted for a white gown by designer Stella McCartney. The high neckline was modest enough for a new member of the royal family and yet was still comfortable to relax and dance in while still looking elegant.
Duchess in Blue
Duchess Kate wore this striking, royal blue dress by Jenny Packham while on a royal tour of India in 2016. Even after being part of the royal family for many years now, Kate’s fashion is still considered trendsetting and put under the microscope by the media and online.
What made this particular design special for her trip to India was that the gown was hand-beaded in India, which paid tribute to the country Kate was visiting. The Jenny Packham design also had a matching cape and a customized bag.
Pure Queen Elizabeth
No matter how many designer gowns and accessories other royal family members have, they can never quite upstage the Queen. Is it the years of practiced etiquette, poise, and style? Whatever it is, Queen Elizabeth knows how to make a lasting impression.
This striking photo was taken in 1987 for the occasion of Elizabeth’s wedding anniversary — it had been 40 years! The white dress had a playful dot pattern that was very elegant on the Queen. The late Prince Philip was also looking his very best, and the two had matching blue sashes to complete their looks.
Meghan Shines
When Meghan was pregnant with her son Archie, she chose this classy, navy sequined dress by Roland Mouret. She was attending a Cirque du Soleil performance dressed in her finest. She highlighted her look with an elegant bun and fresh, simple makeup. For her shoes, Meghan chose Stuart Weitzman heels and accessorized with a striking Givenchy clutch.
Another inside etiquette habit of royals is for the women to hold their purses in their left hand in order to leave the right hand free to greet others or to wave to the public.
Modesty Is the Best Policy
Modesty is a basic principle when it comes to royal outfits, meaning no bare shoulders, no short skirts, and no tacky cleavage. In the photo below, the Princess of Wales proves one can be very modest and look very fabulous.
Here Kate Middleton wears a red pleated skirt by Christopher Kane and a matching turtleneck by Ralph Lauren while attending a charity event. She has no visible shoulders, no cleavage, and not too much leg, and she looks fabulous at every event.
Meghan Markle's Wedding Dress
We couldn't leave this gown aside even if it is a wedding dress. We haven't gotten over Meghan Markle's arrival at Windsor Castle, wearing an immaculately white, thoughtfully simple custom dress by Clare Waight Keller of Givenchy. The gown showed off Meghan's naturally beautiful figure and collarbones with a graceful neckline and allowed her lace-embroidered veil to flow behind her.
The famous French Design studio seems to be Meghan's favorite. Her look was teamed with Queen Mary's diamond bandeau crown and a 16ft veil highlighting intricately hand-embroidered petals.
Queen Elizabeth's Coronation
The coronation of a royal is one of the most important days of their life. For her coronation in 1953, Queen Elizabeth wore an elaborate dress created by Norman Hartnell, a British fashion designer who had worked with the royal family before. The designer gown was made from white, duchess satin, and silk detailed with beads and pearls.
The gown also had special symbolism in its design, with embroidered flowers to represent the commonwealth nations. It may surprise some that female royals re-wear their designer clothes, including the Queen. Elizabeth II wore her coronation dress several times after the special event.
Glowing Meghan
Meghan Markle has become a controversial figure in the Royal Family. The pressures of royal life became too much for her, so she and Prince Harry ultimately chose to leave the UK. Some have noted that Meghan shares the same passionate individuality as Diana, even when it comes to fashion.
Here Meghan wore a gown created by designer Safiyaa while she was on a royal tour to Fiji. Out of respect for the country they are visiting, British royals typically pay tribute to the country through their fashion. This beautiful blue dress is very similar to the blue shade found in Fiji’s flag.
Princess Dior
In 1951, British photographer Cecil Beaton captured this stunning photo of Princess Margaret for her birthday. Christian Dior designed the beautiful dress she is wearing.
The single-shoulder dress was timeless with its elegant cream hue and gold embellishments. Princess Margaret decided to accessorize the gown with a jeweled necklace and earrings. It must have been a special design for her if she chose to be photographed in it for her birthday.
Princess Margaret Wears Pink
In this vintage snapshot, Princess Margaret, the Queen’s younger sister, paid a visit to the White House. For the meeting, she chose a pink dress with a matching bolero and finished the look off with evening gloves. Along with meeting President Lyndon Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird Johnson, Margaret was also accompanied by her husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones.
According to royal protocol, lady royals are not always allowed to wear sleeveless dresses for the sake of modesty, but they can wear any amount of jewelry they want.
Another Kate
Alexander McQueen is another favorite designer of Duchess Kate. For her sister’s 2017 wedding, she wore a custom-made dress by the designer. The Alexander McQueen design was an elegant nude shade and had long sleeves. It was an eye-catching dress that was perfectly suited to Kate’s personal style without upstaging her sister.
To finish the look, Kate chose Gianvito Rossi suede pumps and a hat by designer Jane Taylor. For her jewelry, she chose morganite and diamond drop earrings by Kiki McDonough.
Check Mate
While it has taken a while for Camilla to be fully accepted into the royal family, she hasn’t been a slouch when it comes to fashion. For what she may have suffered in the tabloids, she at least has made sure to stay stylish.
In this 2013 photo, Camilla was attending a dinner in Amsterdam hosted by the Queen of the Netherlands, Queen Beatrix. Camilla showed up, accompanied by Prince Charles, in an elegant dress that was complemented by a glistening tiara.
Colorful Princess Anne
The 70s were a time of unique fashion, with paisley and floral prints, and even the royal family adopted the styles. For a 1973 film premiere in London, Princess Anne chose a floral frock with a high neck and balloon sleeves.
Princess Anne also became known for her signature hairstyle at the time. And, while it appeared to be a high-maintenance style, Princess Anne herself admitted in an interview that doing her hair only takes her 10 or 15 minutes. Even royals prefer things simple sometimes!
A Royal Portrait of Princess Margaret
In this particular royal birthday portrait, Princess Margaret wears a lovely tulle dress. Margaret had just turned 19 at the time, and it was the perfect dress that showed how much of a stylish young woman she had become.
The dress featured a full skirt that was embroidered with blue butterflies. Margaret then chose to accessorize with a few layers of pearls. This particular dress was recreated for the Netflix series, "The Crown," and ended up being one of the most expensive costumes for the series.
Princess Diana's Greatest Impact
Designer Bellville Sassoon had a major impact on Princess Diana’s wardrobe. Altogether, the designer made over 70 gowns for the princess. What’s special about this fashion house is that it was a part of Diana’s life as soon as she became engaged to Prince Charles.
Belville was happy to take on another elite client and had also dressed Princess Margaret, Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1981, Diana wore this blue, lacey ball gown to attend an exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Princess Anne in Floral
Princess Anne chose a lovely floral dress with many ruffles indicative of the 70s. She finished off the look with elegant white evening gloves. Anne wore the dress to an event at London’s Dorchester Hotel, in a youthful yet elegant look for the young princess.
Anne was known to be an experienced horse-woman who rode equestrian in her youth. She even got herself two silver and one gold medal at the European Eventing Championships. And what is most impressive is that Anne was the first member of the British Royal Family to compete in the Olympic games.
Royal Icing
To attend the 90th birthday of her mother in 1990, Margaret wore a captivating, light blue dress. She, of course, paired both a blue necklace and earrings with the dress. Considering this was the Queen Mother’s birthday, there were, without a doubt, many other royals in their best designer formal wear.
Princess Margaret was a life-long subscriber to high fashion looks. She was always a paparazzi favorite because of her style and was typically known to impress almost anyone who saw her.
A Breathtaking Safiyya
Many speculate what Diana would think of her two daughters-in-law. Most agree that she would highly approve of her sons' choices of partners and fellow royal family members. Kate has often been compared to Diana, but Meghan tends to be the one who is willing to take more fashion risks.
In this photo, Meghan wears a dazzling red column dress by designer Safiyya. The capelet shoulders added a touch of femininity to the bold look. As a bonus, she also matched Harry’s handsome military uniform.
A Royal at the Oscars
Nothing says elegance and classic Hollywood like the adorable Grace Kelly, and in addition to all the other titles this woman has, a royal is for sure one of them. At the 1955 Academy Awards, Kelly wowed with a lime green satin gown from designer Edith Head. She added classic pearls as well as a fashionable updo.
The gown was relatively form-fitting and had an exquisite train in the back. This is one of her most memorable looks. A true royal and a true star.
What Does One Wear for Reception?
While on her way to a reception with the King and Queen of Tonga, the Duchess was a vision of loveliness in this fabulous white gown designed by Theia. The dress fits her perfectly and features airy capped sleeves and a little bling on the shoulder, which works well with her diamond earrings.
The dress is simple and elegant, and Meghan radiates class with every step. The black heels complete the look, and the flattering clutch makes the entire look just perfect.
Queen Letizia of Spain
The Queen of Spain has been ruling fashion trends worldwide ever since her royal wedding to Prince Felipe of Asturias at the Cathedral Santa Maria la Real do la Almudena in Madrid. She is the first Spanish Queen who was born as a commoner and worked her way up the royal ladder.
This dress shows that if you are destined to rule, you don't need much to look like a true queen. The design is not very sophisticated, the color is calm and modest, however, her royal highness has managed to upscale this gown to one we will never forget.
A Slice of Class
Meghan Markle stands out even wearing all black on her first night in New Zealand. On her visit to the Wellington Government House to celebrate 125 years of women’s suffrage, she wore a Gabriela Hearst gown and Stuart Weitzman heels.
The look was both stylish and feminine, with an ankle-length cut and adorable capped sleeves. You can never go wrong with a perfect little black dress.
Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton's royal wedding at London's Westminster Abbey was the epitome of regality back in 2011. Nearly 2.5 billion people watch from the comfort of their homes as Prince William of Wales wed his longtime love, Kate Middleton, in a gorgeous Alexander McQueen dress.
The couple first met as young students while in University, and the subsequent media excitement definitely made their relationship more challenging. But their love prevailed, and as we now know, they had a beautiful wedding at Westminister Abbey.
Controversial Princess Diana
The 80s were full of funky and mysterious fashions, even amongst British royals at times. Princess Diana paired this Catherine Walker design with a large, sparkly tiara. She wore the dress in 1986 when she was attending a royal wedding at the Crown Prince's Palace in Saudi Arabia.
The designer gown was made from satin and had unforgettable puffy shoulders indicative of the 1980s and long sleeves. Interestingly enough, royal women are only permitted to wear tiaras if they’re married and, even then, only during formal evening occasions.
She Wore Polka Dots
Since Erin Doherty’s performance as Princess Anne in the riveting Netflix series "The Crown," people have begun to pay more attention to the figure of Anne in the royal family. In this photo from 1974, Anne wears a pink polka-dot gown as she's accompanied by her partner, Mark Phillips, to a dinner hosted by the Honourable Corps of Gentleman-at-Arms.
Though she may not be the best-known royal, Princess Anne has not had a boring life. Someone even attempted to kidnap her in 1974, but thankfully she was not harmed.
The Emerald Catherine Walker
Princess Diana loved showing off the latest fashions. In 1993, she wore this emerald green dress designed by one of her favorites, Catherine Walker. Diana certainly made an impression while attending the state banquet at the Dorchester Hotel.
Although she became known for her unpredictable fashion choices, Princess Diana made sure to keep her clutch close to her chest when exiting a vehicle to keep the paparazzi from snapping any inappropriate shots.
An Unforgettable Queen Elizabeth
In this 1961 photo of national figureheads, Queen Elizabeth is pictured together with her husband, the late Prince Philip, President Kennedy, and his beautiful wife, Jackie. So much history in one photo.
For this momentous occasion, Elizabeth chose a dress by designer Norman Hartnell. She paired the glamorous blue ball gown with white, elbow-length gloves and an abundance of sapphires. In complementary fashion, Jackie Kennedy chose a light blue dress and white gloves for the occasion.
Queen Rania of Jordan
This highly educated and widely respected woman is the Queen of Jordan and hip to the world. Born in Kuwait to a Palestinian family, Queen Rania met Prince Abdullah of Jordan in 1993, and they married after a six-month courtship. In 1999 she was crowned Queen, and above all, she knows her fashion.
This dress looks so wild and so out of this world that only a true queen could get away with it. She has managed to keep the gown modest without revealing parts of her body, yet it is still so feminine and ...what can we say, perfect!
A Classic Walker
Princess Diana is pictured here in a fantastic design by Catherine Walker. Diana chose this pale blue dress for her attendance at the Cannes Film Festival accompanied by her then-husband Prince Charles. It was a fresh choice for a refined, cultural event.
The color of the dress, paired with the chiffon texture and delicate pleats, truly made Diana look like the Princess that she was. She was known to be quite shy in the beginning, but the public was soon won over by her unassuming charm and authentic kindness. These attributes soon labeled her as one of the most beloved royals in history.
Not Anyone Can Pull Off Yellow
Yellow is not a color that just anyone can pull off well, but the sunny hue happens to look lovely on the Queen. While Queen Elizabeth does enjoy wearing bright colors like yellow, it also has a practical purpose. Bright colors (such as yellow) help the Queen’s security easily spot her to ensure she is safe.
In this 1976 photo, Elizabeth is wearing a cheery yellow gown while visiting Washington D.C. She was sure to stand out from the crowd that day!
Simple and Sophisticated
For her 2011 attendance at the BAFTA Brits to Watch event, Duchess Kate selected a stunning light purple Alexander McQueen gown. The event was actually held in Los Angeles, and Kate couldn’t have picked a better look for the star-studded evening.
Middleton paired her elegant purple garment with neutral nails. Another part of the royal protocol is for the women to steer clear of bold colors in favor of blush, nude, or clear polish. Kate completed the look with a Jimmy Choo Ubai clutch and Jimmy Choo Vamp Glitter sandals.
Gorgeous as Always
Clearly one of her favorite designers, Catherine Walker knew Diana’s personal style very well. Altogether, Catherine Walker was behind 1,000 of Diana’s looks. In this photo, Diana was attending a ballet performance in London, sporting a stylish pink and white dress. The simple sheath dress was paired with some elegant details like cufflinks and a complimentary pink clutch.
It is customary for female royals to wear gloves when greeting the public, but Diana preferred not to wear gloves. Her gentle, down-to-earth demeanor is what forever made her “The People’s Princess.”
Queen Elizabeth in Morocco
Seafoam green may not be the first color you’d imagine a royal to wear, but that’s just what Queen Elizabeth wore on a trip to Morocco. She decided on the light green dress with flowing sleeves for a royal banquet she attended.
The royal family is known to be very demure and tries their best to avoid scandals, even when it comes to fashion faux pas. For example, to avoid the wind lifting up her skirt, an old style of weights called pennyweights was sewn into the hem of Queen Elizabeth’s clothes.
Lady in Red
Princess Diana had nearly countless iconic looks that are still remembered today. Her sense of style grew over the years, and it was clear that she had a strong friendship with designer Catherine Walker.
Diana wasn’t afraid to experiment with different cuts, colors, and textures. In 1988, she came to a dinner hosted by the British Ambassador in a stunning number by none other than Catherine Walker. The evening gown had a black and red pattern and a single shoulder. It was a striking, elegant, and even subtly exotic look for the style-savvy princess.
Princess Diana in Hachi Gown
For her appearance at the National Gallery in Washington D.C. in 1985, Princess Diana wore a unique piece by Hachi. The dress made by the Japanese designer featured white silk, a single shoulder, and silver beading detail. The dress was extra special because it was custom-made for Diana herself.
The elegant, single-shoulder dress became a signature style of Diana’s, and this particular Hachi design became part of an exhibition of the princess’s clothes. It was ultimately sold at an auction for $60,000.
Princess Charlotte Casiraghi of Monaco
Eleventh in line for the throne of Monaco, Princess Charlotte is the daughter of Princess Caroline of Hanover and Italian industrialist Stefano Casiraghi. She is also the great-granddaughter of American film legend Grace Kelly, who was married to Prince Rainier III of Monaco, Charlotte’s great-grandfather.
There are no words to describe how beautiful this woman is and how remarkable she looks in what she is wearing. Light shades of blue bring together this remarkable piece. The unique draping, bejeweled waistbelt, and light cape make her look like a real-life Elsa.
Stunning in Yellow
Yellow is not often the most popular color in fashion, but Duchess Kate chose this yellow coat dress from New Zealand designer Emilia Wickstead for this event. Ironically, Emilia Wickstead designed a dress called “the Kate,” which the Duchess has in three different colors. Clearly, a match made in designer-client heaven.
Here, Prince William and Kate arrived in Bhutan for the second leg of their royal tour in 2016. To complete her look, Kate chose a pair of nude L.K. Bennet courts and an L.K. Bennet Natalie clutch and accessorized with Brora’s Gold Charm earrings.
You Don't Have to Be a Bride for White
The Royal Opera House is a beautiful and iconic building that lends itself perfectly to the artistry of ballet. The royal family is often seen at the Royal Opera House soaking up all that royal art and culture.
Princess Anne attended an event at the Royal Opera House in 1980, and what did she choose to wear to the event? A stunning white dress with an intricate, embroidered overlay. While many may have attended the event, it was Anne’s look that really stole the show.
Gorgeous Givenchy
In recent years, it has been Meghan Markle’s royal style that has taken over the tabloids. There is a touch of scandal in this 2018 photo. Meghan is actually violating the Queen’s subtle nail polish preference of neutral shades in favor of a dark color. But, this particular action did not seem to cause any major disruptions in the royal family.
Surprisingly, Meghan, who was pregnant at the time, was also harshly criticized for touching her growing stomach. It’s surprising the critics were not more enamored with Meghan’s stunning Givenchy gown!
Strikes the Pose
Diana has designers like Bruce Oldfield to thank for being a 1980s fashion icon. Oldfield had a humble start to his life but later made a name for himself through his designs. Diana showcased one of Oldfield’s designs at a charity fashion show and ball for a British charity for children called Barnardos.
For the 1988 event, Diana decided to wear a breathtaking, silver pleated dress that looked fit for the red carpet. If there was anyone who championed this dress design, it was Princess Diana.
Wowwww!
Sometimes members of the royal family can be mistaken for Hollywood movie stars. Take Kate Middleton, for example. This photo could easily be mistaken for one being shot at a new movie premier or a red carpet event.
In an off-shoulder, absolutely stunning dress, Kate looks like a princess who has been drawn out of a fairy tale. With her Prince Charming beside her, she is destined for great things.
Flying With Oscar de la Renta
For her royal tour of Australia and New Zealand, Meghan Markle chose an Oscar de la Renta dress. The gown was made of white tulle and had some unique details, including tweed and laser-cut designs of birds, perhaps a tribute to the local wildlife. The remarkable gown was part of the Oscar de la Renta 2018 pre-fall collection.
Because the dress was already a fashion statement in itself, Meghan chose to keep her makeup and hair simple and natural and let the dress be the centerpiece of her look.
Queen Elizabeth in Tulle
In this photo from 1952, the newly coronated Queen Elizabeth wears an elegant tulle gown. The gown was very striking with its beautiful details and metallic lace embellishments. She, of course, wore one of her iconic jewel-encrusted tiaras to complete the look.
Although she is not opposed to wearing pants, the Queen prefers wearing dresses and skirts. But, her preferences do trickle down and impact other royal family members. Younger female royals, such as Kate, also primarily wear dresses to official events out of respect for the Queen.
Silky Diana
Princess Diana could wear both feminine designs and new, cutting-edge trends with grace and style. In this photo from 1983, she is a vision in pink. While visiting Australia, Diana chose a pink, silky full-length dress that was very feminine and elegant.
The media could not get enough of the dress, and Princess Diana’s fashion quickly spread worldwide. As per usual, Diana was very strategic in her accessorizing and chose to wear her stunning sapphire ring as well as a matching necklace, bracelet, and earrings.
Blue and Beyond
Princess Margaret was known to be quite the fashionista and notably showed up to many events wearing bold, extravagant designs. In 1965, while at an exclusive event at L.A.’s Hollywood Palladium, Princess Magaret decided to show up in one of her show-stopping gowns.
With Lord Snowdon accompanying her, she wore a dazzling blue dress and coat. With her glistening jewels as the capstone of the look, the paparazzi couldn’t get enough of Princess Margaret. She certainly knew how to make a fashion statement.
Princess Diana in Glam
Catherine Walker became one of Princess Diana’s favorite designers. While she was on a royal tour to Hong Kong in 1989, Diana chose a white silk, pearl, and sequin gown made by the French-born designer.
The subtly funky dress was playfully nicknamed “the Elvis dress” for its sequins and bolero-style shoulders. Overall, the look was a bold and extravagant choice for what was supposed to be a “demure” royal. But, most everyone knew that Diana was a quiet rebel with a style all her own.
Kate the Great
It comes as no surprise that British royals would support British fashion designers. Duchess Catherine of Cambridge, or Kate as she is affectionately known, is a regular patron of designer Jenny Packham. Packham is known for her glamorous, feminine gowns, and you can find many photos of Kate wearing her designs.
This particular gown is a metallic blush gown with special detailing. Though this was after the royal wedding, all eyes were still on Kate as this was one of her first appearances after the globally televised event in 2011.
Perfect Purple
Of all of her signature looks, Diana was probably best remembered for her full-length evening gowns. In 1996, Diana attended a Gala dinner in Chicago and chose this show-stopping dress. The unforgettable purple dress was by none other than Gianni Versace. She accessorized the column dress with sapphire jewelry, a pearl choker, purple shoes, and a purple bag.
It has been said that purple is the color of royalty and, as is the custom in royal naming conventions, after she married Prince Charles, Diana went from Her Royal Highness to Diana, Princess of Wales.
Natural Meghan Markle
Before leaving the UK, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle still had a few more events to cross off their royal duties list. In September 2020, the couple attended a multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey. For the events, Meghan wore a green dress by designer Emilia Wickstead. Also attending the event were the Queen and other high-ranking members of the royal family.
William Chambers designed Meghan’s fascinator, and Gabriela Hearst designed her purse. Another essential part of the royal protocol is for female royals to wear hats for occasions such as church attendance.
A True Princess
One of the refreshing things about Diana was that, though she was a soft-spoken gentlewoman, she was confident in her bold style choices. Red is not a color for those who don’t want to be seen, but that was no problem for Princess Diana. She looked stunning in red, and she knew it. In 1989, Diana arrived at a banquet (hosted by London's Claridge's) wearing a fiery red gown.
Designer Bruce Oldfield created the beautiful red number. The marvelous design sparkled from top to bottom and was paired perfectly with her equally sparkling tiara.
Celebrating With Dior
On July 10th, 2018, Markle wore a stunning little black dress by Dior to the Royal Air Force’s 100th Anniversary ceremony at Westminster Abbey, London. Despite the color, the dress was quite similar to her wedding dress, with its simple shape and boat neck neckline, which flattered her frame.
She made the look even more fabulous with a stylish fascinator, nude pointy pumps, and Cartier earrings. To highlight the beautiful neckline of the dress, the Duchess wore her hair in a sleek bun.
Alexander McQueen for the Duchess
Alexander McQueen is a well-known, high-fashion designer worldwide and also a favorite of the Duchess. This stunning blue taffeta dress of Kate’s was designed by Alexander McQueen and accented by a tiara. The subtle, baby blue hue of the dress added an extra touch of elegance to its design.
Unfortunately for Kate, the gown drummed up quite a bit of controversy in the press, but it was still worth the risk. She accessorized with pearl earrings, a pearl necklace (that happened to belong to the Queen Mother), and of course, a tiara.
Ravishing in Red
Not everyone can pull off a cape dress. But Queen Letizia of Spain sure can. Queen Letizia wore this stunning red Stella McCartney gown to the private birthday party of King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands. The event was held in The Hague, and the Queen attended with King Felipe. Her understated and elegant gown featured an asymmetrical cape draping over one arm while leaving the other bare.
Queen Letizia paired the dress with a silver beaded clutch and matching diamond jewelry. Oh, and don’t forget her bold red lip that perfectly matched the shade of her dress. We love this gown on Queen Letizia. She must have felt the same way because she wore this dress again to a Spanish state dinner later that year.
Top Gun, Royal Style
William and Kate stole the show when they attended the “Top Gun: Maverick” movie premiere in London. The May 2022 premiere was a star-studded event, but all eyes were on the Duke and Duchess, for good reason. They both looked absolutely stunning. While William worked a classic tuxedo, Catherine wore a Roland Mouret gown.
The black-and-white gown is the epitome of class and Old Hollywood glamor. The gorgeous gown features an off-the-shoulder bodice and a classic hourglass silhouette. Kate completed her glam look with diamond drop earrings in the shape of starbursts and a classic smokey eye. This whole look is the epitome of Kate’s famous, elegant style.
Princess Margaret in Magenta
Princess Margaret was coined “The Royal Rebel” for a number of reasons, one of them being her bold sense of style. The royal princess wore this bold, bright pink gown at Claridge’s in 1992. While Queen Elizabeth was known for wearing bright pastels, Princess Margaret definitely stole the show in this bright, magenta look.
Princess Margaret’s floor-length gown features voluminous draping and bold puff sleeves, both of which were signatures of 80s fashion. Her look is a perfect example of the transition between late 80s and early 90s fashion. Ever the rebel, Margaret completed her look with gold open-toe sandals. Royals are usually prohibited from wearing open-toe shoes. Not this princess.
A Golden Jubilee Gown
A monarch’s Golden Jubilee celebration is a pretty big deal. Queen Margrethe II celebrated her Golden Jubilee in 2022, and royal family members dressed the part. Princess Mary and Prince Frederik of Denmark did not disappoint fashion fans when attending the three-day celebration.
Princess Mary wore a gold and black lace gown with a tiara and golden sash across the bodice. The princess previously wore this black lace gown a few years earlier at a 2017 New Year’s event. The designer, Jesper Høvring, changed the neckline and added the unique black lace overlay. Princess Mary re-wore this gorgeous gown to be more sustainable. Instead of buying new, she often alters and re-wears her designer gowns.
A Stunning Spectre
Anytime Kate Middleton wears anything, it makes headlines. We don’t blame the press. The Duchess of Cambridge has impeccable style, and we’re absolutely obsessed. Kate wore this gorgeous Jenny Packham gown to the “James Bond” movie premiere of “Spectre” in 2015. The ethereal, flowing gown was a bespoke design created for Kate herself.
The light blue gown is cinched at the waist with a bejeweled band that perfectly matches Kate’s crystal-encrusted clutch. The sheer blue fabric flows angelically around Kate’s legs, and the bodice is expertly draped to look Greek goddess-worthy. In a moment of daring, Kate’s dress is also subtly open at the back because of the large keyhole design. Quite daring for a British royal, if we do say so ourselves.
Keep It Simple
Sofia Hellqvist is a model-turned-princess who married Prince Carl Philip of Sweden in 2015. Before they tied the knot, Sofia turned heads and made waves as the Prince’s girlfriend. She quickly established herself as a soon-to-be royal who knew how to dress for any occasion. She wore this simple yet elegant floor-length gown to a 2013 royal wedding.
The wedding between Princess Madeleine of Sweden and Christopher O'Neill took place in June, so it’s only natural that Sofia wore a light pastel color. The gown is a formal take on the classic slip dress with a sheath silhouette and delicate tailoring. She completed her summer wedding look with foliage earrings and a delicate clutch.
Summer Style in Mallorca
Mallorca is known as a luxurious travel destination. Queen Letizia captured the summery vibes of the island during a May 2022 visit. She wore this colorful floral dress during an event at the Marivent Palace. The Royal Family of Spain was taking a summer vacation of sorts, so this dress perfectly walks the line between casual and formal.
Queen Letizia’s orange and green floral dress is designed by the Spanish brand Charo Ruiz. The flowing maxi skirt and off-the-shoulder sleeves are summery, relaxed, and effortlessly chic. Leave it to Queen Letizia to pull off a resort-worthy look while maintaining royal elegance. She paired her dress with gold earrings designed by a Mallorcan jewelry designer, Isabel Guarch.
Where Tradition Meets Modernity
Queen Rania of Jordan is known for her sleek, on-trend style. She seamlessly incorporated modern fashion trends into traditional Jordanian dress during the 76th Independence Day celebration in May 2022. Queen Rania and her husband, King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, attended the celebration festivities with their family.
Queen Rania wore a traditional Jordanian thobe made of lightweight white fabric. The garment had modern pink and purple accents along the collar, waist, and sleeves. The outfit was a beautiful mixture of a traditional silhouette and modern patterns. The sides of the skirt were accented with light pink, airy fabric, which gave the outfit more movement.
Royal Ruching
Queen Letizia of Spain wore this stunning ruched dress to the 2022 Miguel de Cervantes Prize luncheon. The pink-and-white dress captured the energetic vibe of spring, which is when the luncheon was held. Ever the elegant royal, Queen Letizia paired the dress with bold fuschia Carolina Herrara slingback pumps.
The ruching on the dress was a risk as far as royal fashion goes. Not every royal dares to wear something with so much texture! Of course, the Queen pulled this look off with elegance and poise. The dress featured cuffed long sleeves and a somewhat plunging neckline (by royal standards). Queen Letizia completed her casual daytime look with drop earrings and a slick low bun.
A Regal Gown Fit for a Princess
Princess Charlene of Monaco looked every bit the royal in this dark green gown back in 2013. She wore this dramatic evening gown to the Princess Grace Awards Gala. The gown was straight off the Ralph Lauren runway and looked every bit as amazing on the princess. The dramatic draping and ruffled high neckline created a chic, windswept look.
Princess Charlene, who is a former Olympic athlete, looked every ounce the statuesque royal. The train fits her frame perfectly, and the halter neck shows off her athletic shoulders. Her class and elegance embody everything Ralph Lauren stands for, in our opinion. Princess Charlene kept it simple as far as accessories, wearing a simple diamond bracelet. Her brushed-back blonde hair completed the windswept look.
Cool Girl Charlotte Casiraghi
Charlotte Casiraghi may only be 11th in line to the throne of Monaco, but she’s number one in our hearts where fashion is concerned. While that might sound cheesy, we’re not kidding. Charlotte Casiraghi is known for her cutting-edge cool-girl style. The gown she wore to the movie premiere of “Killers of the Flower Moon” is definitely cool-girl material.
Charlotte wore a Chanel gown embellished with playful motifs on the bodice. The top has a youthful appeal because it looks like a cami top. Meanwhile, the skirt portion is lightweight, layered with tulle and satin. It’s giving major 2010s twee energy, and we’re here for it. Charlotte completed her head-to-toe Chanel look with classic closed-toe shoes and a pink quilted clutch.
A Shocking Departure for the Queen
Queen Elizabeth II was known for her colorful skirt suits and expressive hats. However, the gown she wore to the 1999 Royal Variety Performance went above and beyond her usual wardrobe choices. Queen Elizabeth stepped out of her comfort zone with this bold harlequin-inspired gown. The ensemble was a departure from the Queen’s usual monochromatic and conservative gowns.
This unusual and delightful gown featured sequin squares of various colors on the top. It then transitioned to a bright yellow checkered skirt with a cute bow around the waist. The Queen accessorized with a shiny gold handbag, white gloves, and gold bracelets. The Royal Variety Performance is a light-hearted event full of comedy and music, which could be the reason Queen Elizabeth wanted to take an adventurous risk with her outfit.
A Princess in Manhattan
Princess Beatrice has quite a few A-list friends across the pond, including supermodel Karlie Kloss. She attended a charity event with Karlie in 2018 and rocked this all-black ensemble. She wore a simple black maxi dress cinched at the waist with a leather belt. The real stand-out of her look was the elaborate fringe jacket by Galvan, a London-based designer.
We love that Princess Beatrice represented a UK-based designer for this New York look. It’s a classic Royal Family move, and it never gets old. She kept her hair and makeup simple and understated to play into the overall sleek feel of her look. When in doubt, a monochromatic outfit is always a safe bet.
Fabulous Florals
Kate Middleton is known for supporting UK and London-based designers. She wore this gorgeous floral gown designed by Erdem, one of her favorite labels, to a black tie event in 2015. The gown is classic and timeless but infused with a youthfulness that Kate is so famous for. The vivid florals and elegant cut made the Princess stand out from the crowd.
The gown featured a boatneck and drop-waist silhouette that flattered Kate’s figure. She accessorized with a navy blue clutch, a simple diamond bracelet, and earrings belonging to Queen Elizabeth II. We love this dress on Kate because it’s so classy and elegant, yet totally unique.
Striking in Teal
Princess Eugenie is a British royal who is known for her impeccable style and understated fashion choices. She wowed on the red carpet when she attended the 2023 Vogue World event in London. She went with an emerald green Fendi gown designed by Kim Jones. The gown is quite dramatic, with expert draping on the top and chic tailoring on the bottom half.
Princess Eugenie’s red carpet appearance marked her first public event since giving birth to her second child. Obviously, she wanted to make a splashy impression. The gown is a gorgeous color that goes wonderfully with her dark brown hair. Princess Eugenie wore silver pointy-toe pumps and simple silver jewelry so as not to distract from the Fendi piece.
Meghan in Remembrance Red
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left the Royal Family, we saw a shift in the fashion that Meghan wore to public events. This stunning red gown is a perfect example. She stepped out with her husband in this Carolina Herrera gown for the 2021 Salute to Freedom Gala in New York. The couple appropriately wore what many call “remembrance red” in honor of the Armed Forces on Remembrance Day. Harry had a red poppy on his lapel.
Meghan looked absolutely stunning in her floor-length designer gown. The dress featured a layered skirt with a cape overlay and a thigh-high slit. The stunning red dress also featured a plunging neckline and simple straps. There’s no way we would have seen Meghan wearing something so revealing while a member of the Royal Family. She’s absolutely glowing.
Mesh, But Make It Fashion
Mesh is usually associated with emo kids and stockings, but Queen Letizia pulled off this look with ease. She wore this sophisticated little black dress to a “Tiempo de Luz” concert at the Falla Theater in March 2023. The dress might be simple, but it’s anything but boring. The top of the dress featured a unique netted fabric that covered her neckline and shoulders.
From there, a thin layer of long, waist-length fringe hung down from the netting, creating a fun element of movement. We have a feeling that not just anyone would be able to pull off this look. However, Queen Letizia does it with class and effortless style. Who knew netted fabric could look so royal?
Pretty in Pink
Queen Rania Al-Abdallah began her royal reign in 1999 and quickly established herself as an elegant fashion icon. In 2002, she wore this stunning embellished gown to a gala dinner at Versailles Palace, France. The look might be over two decades old, but it’s truly timeless. We can imagine a royal wearing something very similar in our modern era.
The pale pink gown featured a sheer overlay with champagne pink embellishments that look a lot like wild grass and leaves. The crystal embellishments and sheer fabric play together to create an ethereal, weightless look. Queen Rania completed her look with a simple gold handbag and statement earrings.
Every Bit the Royal
As a member of the Danish Royal Family, it’s not uncommon for Princess Mary to wear ballgowns and tiaras. Nowadays, these extremely formal looks are reserved for extremely formal and important occasions. Princess Mary worked this stunning orange gown to Denmark’s Traditional New Year Gala Dinner. She looked every bit the royal.
Princess Mary’s orange gown featured two types of fabric which gathered at the waist to create a classic ballgown silhouette. She also wore a fur stole and jewels that we can only assume belong to the Royal Family’s collection. The tiara on her head is stunning and makes her look like a bonafide princess.
A Noble Gown for the Nobel Prize
Princess Sofia of Sweden wore this stunning blue-gray gown to the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize banquet. The elegant train, floral embellishments, and subtle fabric color combine to create a truly royal look worthy of the royal court. Princess Sofia, who was accompanied by the speaker of the Swedish Parliament Andreas Norlén, is all grace and poise.
Ida Lanto designed the gown, and her tiara was an altered version of her wedding headpiece. In fact, it seemed that the tiara was updated to match her Ida Lanto gown. The crown was topped with ice-blue topaz jewels. This outfit is a perfect example of Princess Sofia’s immaculate attention to detail.