How Queen Elizabeth II’s Style Evolved: From the Lengths of Her Skirts to the Styles of Her Gowns
14.09.2022 - 19:57
/ usmagazine.com
Queen Elizabeth II will forever be remembered for her vibrant wardrobe. The late British monarch lit up every royal engagement she attended with her colorful hats and pastel coats.
While she managed to create a signature aesthetic with her lively fashions, the queen’s closet underwent subtle changes throughout her 70-year reign, according to royal expert Bethan Holt.
“The lengths of her skirts did change a little bit,” the Queen: 70 Years of Majestic Style author told Us Weekly exclusively on Monday, September 12. “She never went, like, full miniskirt in the 1960s, but I think there was a little glimpse of knee at one point.”
In 1969, Elizabeth famously met then-President Richard Nixon in a sprightly pink dress that stopped above her calves.
Holt also shared that Her Majesty observed trends, specifically those popular in the ’70s. “I really noticed that these kind of big, long-flowing maxi dresses and caftans were in style, she actually really embraced that trend, especially in the evenings,” the Telegraph editor explained. “You would really see [the queen] in these big, bold printed evening gowns and sweeping skirts … I think that was her way of kind of having a little bit of fun with fashion.”
True to Holt’s recollection, the queen dazzled onlookers in 1973 when she stepped out in an embroidered gown and a fur stole for a premiere in London’s West End.
Elsewhere during her time on the throne, the late royal sported looks that were cinched at the waist, which Holt called a “radical” fashion move for the time period.
When it came to accessories, Her Majesty’s selections were always intentional. Holt explained that Elizabeth’s hats were always tailored to show her face. “She couldn’t have anything that was covering her face,”