Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II cultivated the style of a fashion icon and dressed according to a mantra: “I have to be seen to be believed.”
Over many decades, the queen in her public appearances maintained a silhouette of practicality over trend, usually a structured jacket and matching hat, along with Anello & Davide calf leather loafers. As armor, Elizabeth slung a Launer handbag over her forearm.
Her regality is on display in “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style,” the largest-ever exhibition of clothing worn by the monarch, who died at age 96 in September 2022. The Buckingham Palace show features outfits she wore throughout each stage of her life.
Elizabeth’s daywear of utilitarian elegance spanned every color of the rainbow.
Royal Collection textile conservator Cecilia Oliver poses with the Coronation dress of 1953 forming part of “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style”, an exhibition of clothing and outfits marking the centenary of the late queen’s birth, in The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, London, Britain, April 9, 2026. REUTERS/Toby Melville
(FILES) Library filer dated 02 June 1953, of Queen Elizabeth II receiving the homage of her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh at her coronation in Westminster Abbey. 50 years on the anniversary will be marked later Monday 02 June 2003, with a service in the Abbey, attended by members of the Royal family, invited guests and 1,000 members of the public. UK OUT UK OUT B/W ONLY EPA-PHOTO/PA FILES/
See the dress the 27-year-old Elizabeth wore at her coronation in 1953. In her formalwear, Elizabeth favored elaborate embroidery of satin, lace, and silk that incorporated pearls, crystals and sequins.
Elizabeth was a quiet fashion influencer and supporter of British couture.
A Royal Collection Trust poses beside an item forming part of “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style”, an exhibition of clothing and outfits marking the centenary of the late queen’s birth, in The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, London, Britain, April 9, 2026. REUTERS/Toby Melville
Above are outfits Elizabeth wore to the 1960 wedding of her sister, Princess Margaret. She entered ahead of her son Charles, now king, and the Queen mother.
