Queen Elizabeth's 40 Most Iconic Outfits of All Time
Queen Elizabeth's 40 Most Iconic Outfits of All Time
Catherine Santino, Emily KrauserTue, April 21, 2026 at 12:00 PM UTC
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Queen Elizabeth in 1979, 2011, 1988 and 1961Credit: Serge Lemoine/Getty; Kurt Krieger/Corbis via Getty; Anwar Hussein/Getty; Bettmann/Getty -
Queen Elizabeth died on Sept. 8, 2022, at age 96
The late monarch would have turned 100 on April 21, 2026
The Queen was known for a bold, colorful style and was loyal to a handful of designers, including her longtime personal dresser Angela Kelly
Not only was Queen Elizabeth the longest-reigning monarch of Britain, but she also had one of the most colorful fashion senses of any royal.
As is customary within the royal family, the late monarch's fashion choices provided a means of communicating with the public and fellow diplomats. In her 2019 memoir, The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, The Dresser and the Wardrobe, Angela Kelly, Queen Elizabeth's longtime personal dresser and close assistant, explained why the monarch often opted for bold color schemes.
"The Queen is conscious that she must be easily visible to as many people as possible when she is out and about, so I choose mainly striking colors that will be easily seen," Kelly wrote.
Colorful frocks and matching hats became staples of the Queen's fashion. However, in her early years of her reign, she also experimented with daring silhouettes and — on rare occasions — a pair of trousers here and there. For many years, she also frequently used Norman Hartnell as a go-to designer.
From her demure style as a young princess to the ornate ballgowns and velvet capes she wore as monarch, take a look back at some of the late monarch's most iconic fashion moments in honor of what would have been her 100th birthday on April 21, 2026.
Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle in England in June 1940
Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle in England on June 22, 1940Credit: Lisa Sheridan/Studio Lisa/Hulton Archive/Getty
The young royal, then 14, perched by a window in Windsor Castle for this 1940 portrait. For the sitting, she wore a patterned dress with a ruffled collar and styled her hair in a wavy crop.
Queen Elizabeth poses for a portrait in 1943
Queen Elizabeth wears a Girl Scout uniform at Buckingham Palace in London in 1943Credit: Apic/Getty
Years before her reign as Queen would begin, then-Princess Elizabeth was a member of the Girl Scouts. Here, she's pictured wearing her official uniform.
Queen Elizabeth on her wedding day in London in November 1947
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip are photographed on their wedding day in London on Nov. 20, 1947Credit: Hulton Archive/Getty
Queen Elizabeth's wedding dress was designed by Hartnell, who was inspired by Botticelli's famous painting, "Primavera." Hartnell evoked the coming of spring by adorning the gown with wheat and flowers in gold and silver thread.
The intricate ivory silk dress also featured a 15-foot train embroidered in pearl, crystal and appliqué duchess satin. She paired the gown with the Queen Mary diamond fringe tiara, which her granddaughter, Princess Beatrice, would later wear on her own wedding day.
Queen Elizabeth in Malta in November 1949
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip are pictured at the Villa Guardamangia in Malta, where he was stationed in the Royal Navy, on Nov. 23, 1949Credit: Hulton Archive/Getty
Then-Princess Elizabeth, in a gray suit and pearl necklace, stood close by her husband, Prince Philip, while visiting him in Malta, where he was stationed with the Royal Navy.
Queen Elizabeth at a royal viewing of Because You're Mine in London in October 1952
Queen Elizabeth leaves the Empire Theater in Leicester Square in London after seeing the musical 'Because You're Mine' in October 1952Credit: Bettmann
Early on in the Queen's reign, she made waves when she wore a black-and-white blazer-style dress at a royal viewing of the musical comedy Because You're Mine at the Empire Theatre in London. Magazines and newspapers quickly printed photos of her in the Hartnell gown, prompting manufacturers to produce replicas of the dress.
Queen Elizabeth on her coronation day in London in January 1953
Queen Elizabeth wears a Norman Hartnell gown for her coronation ceremony on June 4, 1953Credit: Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty
For her coronation day, the Queen commissioned designer Hartnell to create her memorable gown. The final design represented all of the territories over which the Queen would now reign, resulting in an intricate palette of greens, pinks and yellows made from silk threads, pearls, diamonds, amethysts, crystals and sequins. The entire process took nine weeks, six embroiderers and 3,000 hours to complete.
Queen Elizabeth in Australia in March 1954
Queen Elizabeth stands on the balcony of the Government House in Melbourne, Australia, in March 1954Credit: Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty
Queen Elizabeth was the first monarch to pay an official visit to Australia in 1954 when she was 27 years old. While in Melbourne, she wore a stunning emerald green evening gown paired with a double-strand pearl necklace and a white cap.
Queen Elizabeth in France in April 1957
Queen Elizabeth sees a ballet at the Palais Garnier in Paris on April 9, 1957Credit: Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho
During an official visit to France, the Queen attended a gala performance at Paris' Palais Garnier wearing a gown by Hartnell.
According to British Vogue, the designer is said to have created the dress as a nod to France, with national flowers and bees — the emblem of Napoleon — embroidered on the skirt. The late monarch completed the look with the Grand Duchess Vladimir tiara and the Delhi Durbar necklace.
Queen Elizabeth with President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jackie Kennedy in England in June 1961
From left: President John F. Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth, Jackie Kennedy and Prince Philip are photographed in England in June 1961Credit: Bettmann
At her famed meeting with President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jackie Kennedy at Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth was as glamorous as ever in a royal blue tulle ballgown by Hartnell, which she paired with diamond-and-sapphire jewelry, white gloves and a silver handbag.
Queen Elizabeth at the premiere of Lawrence of Arabia in London in October 1962
Queen Elizabeth attends the world charity premiere of 'Lawrence of Arabia' at the Odeon Leicester Square in London in October 1962Credit: PA Images via Getty
The Queen's embellished ivory Peau De Soie taffeta gown with matching Duchess satin trim by Hartnell was first worn by her at a state dinner in Rome in 1961. Known for repeating outfits, she pulled out the frock again at the world charity premiere of Lawrence of Arabia in London in 1962. For both occasions, she paired the gown with Queen Mary's Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara and white elbow-length evening gloves.
She donned the dress at least one more time in 1966 for the State Opening of Parliament. That wasn't the last public appearance for the gown, however — Princess Beatrice wore it, though slightly altered, for her July 2020 wedding to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
Queen Elizabeth at Prince Charles' investiture ceremony in Wales in July 1969
Queen Elizabeth crowns son Charles, then-Prince of Wales, during his investiture ceremony at Caernarfon Castle in Wales on July 1, 1969Credit: Hulton Archive/Getty
Though the investiture of her son, King Charles, as the Prince of Wales was a momentous occasion, designer Hartnell opted for a more subdued look for the Queen. He created a simple pale yellow shift dress and coat with a stand-up collar, while milliner Simone Mirman crafted a Tudor-style cap embellished with pearls and bugle beads.
Queen Elizabeth in London in January 1973
Queen Elizabeth attends a premiere in London's West End, circa 1973Credit: Tim Graham Photo Library
The Queen was the picture of glamour when she stepped out for a premiere in London's West End in a colorful embroidered gown. A fur stole, white gloves and a glittering diamond tiara finished off the regal look.
Queen Elizabeth in Balmoral, Scotland, in January 1974
Queen Elizabeth arrives at Aberdeen Airport in Balmoral, Scotland, with her corgis in 1974Credit: Anwar Hussein/Getty
The Queen and her beloved corgis arrived at Aberdeen Airport to start her holidays in Balmoral, Scotland. For the trip, she sported a forest green suit with a matching hat and a pearl necklace.
Queen Elizabeth poses for her Silver Jubilee portrait in February 1977
Queen Elizabeth II poses for a Silver Jubilee portrait in the Throne Room of Buckingham Palace in London on Feb. 6, 1977Credit: Hulton Archive/Getty
In an official portrait to celebrate her 25th anniversary as monarch, Queen Elizabeth wore an ornate white-and-gold gown and red fur-lined velvet cape.
According to Historic Royal Palaces, the crown she wore was created for King George's coronation in 1937 and contains diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, pearls and rubies. The Queen previously wore it for her own coronation in 1953.
Queen Elizabeth in New Zealand in February 1977
Queen Elizabeth wears a floral dress and hat during a walkabout in New Plymouth, New Zealand, during her Silver Jubilee tour on Feb. 25, 1977Credit: Serge Lemoine/Hulton Archive/Getty
While visiting New Zealand in 1977, the Queen embraced a patterned look in a green-and-white floral dress with a matching hat. She completed the ensemble with white accessories, including a belt, gloves, a handbag and shoes.
Queen Elizabeth in New Zealand in February 1977
Queen Elizabeth wears a lilac suit and checkered turban-style hat during a walkabout in Wellington, New Zealand, during her Silver Jubilee tour on Feb. 27, 1977Credit: Serge Lemoine/Hulton Archive/Getty
Two days later in Wellington, the Queen wore a lilac suit with a checked collar and turban-style hat.
Queen Elizabeth at the Trooping the Colour ceremony in London in June 1977
Queen Elizabeth sits atop a horse in the uniform of Colonel-in-Chief of the Scot Guards and Prince Philip during the Trooping the Colour ceremony in London in 1977Credit: PA Images via Getty
Queen Elizabeth made quite the entrance at the 1977 Trooping the Colour ceremony, arriving on horseback in the uniform of Colonel-in-Chief of the Scots Guards.
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Queen Elizabeth in Zambia in January 1979
Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth are pictured on a safari during a state visit to Zambia in 1979Credit: Serge Lemoine/Getty
The Queen was rarely seen in trousers, but while on a safari in Zambia with Prince Philip in 1979, she leaned into a more modern look in a pair of beige trousers. A cream blouse with gold, crimson and blue patterns and a pair of sunglasses completed her casually chic outfit.
Queen Elizabeth in Saudi Arabia in February 1979
Queen Elizabeth is greeted by King Khalid Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud on arrival by Concorde at Riyadh Airport in Saudi Arabia in 1979Credit: Tim Graham Photo Library
For her 1979 trip to the Middle East, designer Hardy Amies and milliner Frederick Fox created a series of modest looks for the Queen. Following the tour, her long dresses were shortened and worn again at the Royal Ascot.
Queen Elizabeth at the Windsor Horse Show in May 1981
Queen Elizabeth takes photos at the Windsor Horse Show in Windsor, England, on May 15, 1981Credit: Tim Graham Photo Library
The Queen wore a brown coat and patterned headscarf while attending the 1981 Windsor Horse Show. An avid photographer, she was spotted taking photos of her own during the outing.
Queen Elizabeth at Prince Charles and Princess Diana's wedding in London in July 1981
Princess Diana, then-Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on the Prince and Princess of Wales' wedding day on July 29, 1981Credit: Terry Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty
All eyes were on the bride during then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana's lavish wedding on July 29, 1981. However, the Queen still made her mark in a bright turquoise dress. She accessorized with a matching hat, a pearl necklace and white gloves.
Queen Elizabeth visits the Solomon Islands in October 1982
Queen Elizabeth visits the capital of the Solomon Islands on her Commonwealth Tour on Oct. 18, 1982Credit: Tim Graham Photo Library
The Queen wore one of her most unique hats while visiting the Solomon Islands in 1982. The lavender feathered piece perfectly matched her polka dot dress, which she paired with white shoes and gloves.
Queen Elizabeth with President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan in San Francisco in March 1983
From left: Prince Philip, Nancy Reagan, Queen Elizabeth and President Ronald Reagan attend a banquet in San Francisco during the Queen's official visit to the United States in 1983Credit: Tim Graham Photo Library
For a San Francisco banquet with President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan in 1983, the Queen wore a floor-length chiffon gossamer gown with voluminous, tufted sleeves and a ruffled bodice. She completed the look with white opera gloves and a sparkling tiara.
Queen Elizabeth at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Windsor, England, in May 1988
Queen Elizabeth wears riding gear while visiting the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Windsor, England, in May 1988Credit: Anwar Hussein/Getty
The Queen looked relaxed in trousers, riding boots and a blazer at the 1988 Royal Windsor Horse Show. She also wore one of her beloved headscarves in a green, red and white pattern.
Queen Elizabeth in Washington, D.C., in May 1991
Queen Elizabeth and President George H.W. Bush walk on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on May 14, 1991Credit: Arnie Sachs/CNP/Getty
During a visit to the U.S. in 1991, Queen Elizabeth accompanied President George H.W. Bush on a walk on the White House's South Lawn. For the outing, she wore a purple suit with a coordinating purple-and-white striped hat.
Queen Elizabeth in Blois, France, in June 1992
Queen Elizabeth visits Blois, France, on June 11, 1992Credit: Tim Graham Photo Library
While visiting France in 1992, the Queen donned a bright pink coat with taupe accessories and a matching hat. Late British dressmaker Ian Thomas, who also served as a personal assistant to couturier Hartnell, designed the look.
Queen Elizabeth in Hungary in May 1993
Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth arrive for a banquet during their official tour of Hungary on May 4, 1993Credit: Tim Graham Photo Library
During her official tour of Hungary in 1993, the Queen opted for a pink floor-length gown while attending a banquet with Prince Philip. She accessorized with a silver tiara, sparkling jewelry and white gloves.
Queen Elizabeth at the Royal Variety Performance in Birmingham, England, in November 1999
Queen Elizabeth attends the Royal Variety Performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome in Birmingham, England, on Nov. 29, 1999Credit: Indigo/Getty
Dubbed the "Harlequin" dress, the multi-colored ensemble that the Queen wore to 1999's Royal Variety Performance in Birmingham went down in history as one of her most memorable.
Created by Karl-Ludwig Rehse, the gown featured a gold chevron-striped skirt and was topped with a sequined, diamond-patterned bodice.
"People seemed to be thrilled at how she looked. She was stunning," Rehse reportedly told the Daily Telegraph (via Scottish Daily Express). "She's like all ladies, she'll go for something new. She's fun to work with and very knowledgeable about fabrics. She knows how the clothes have to behave — how they have to move."
Queen Elizabeth in Jamaica in February 2002
Queen Elizabeth visits Jamaica during her Jubilee Tour on Feb. 18, 2002Credit: Tim Graham Photo Library
Queen Elizabeth brought out all the bright colors during her royal tour of Jamaica in 2002. Hardy Amies designed the orange jacket-and-skirt ensemble, which she paired with a matching hat by milliner Frederick Fox and a cream-colored Launer handbag.
Queen Elizabeth in Jamaica in February 2002
Queen Elizabeth visits Sam Sharpe Square during her visit to Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Feb. 20, 2002Credit: Julian Parker/UK Press/Getty
While out and about in Montego Bay a couple of days later, the Queen went for pastel perfection in a pink-and-purple floral ensemble, accessorized with a pink hat and white handbag, gloves and shoes.
Queen Elizabeth at Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding in London in April 2011
Queen Elizabeth is pictured at Westminster Abbey in London for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29, 2011Credit: Kurt Krieger/Corbis
For the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29, 2011, the Queen chose a pale yellow dress created by her longtime dresser, Kelly. Along with the primrose-yellow number, the monarch wore a matching coat and a flower-adorned hat.
Later that year, she repurposed the look for a church service in Canberra, Australia, where yellow is the national color.
Queen Elizabeth in Dublin in May 2011
Queen Elizabeth arrives at Baldonnel Airport (now known as the Casement Aerodrome) in Dublin on May 17, 2011Credit: Tim Rooke-Pool/Getty
The Queen's 2011 visit to Ireland made her the first monarch to visit the country in a century. She arrived wearing a bright green jacket and hat, a symbolic shade that sent a message of peace following years of conflict between the two countries. According to The Irish Times, Stewart Parvin designed the Queen's outfit, and Rachel Trevor-Morgan created her jade green hat.
Queen Elizabeth at Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall's wedding in Edinburgh, Scotland, in July 2011
Queen Elizabeth attends Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall's wedding at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland, on July 30, 2011Credit: Indigo/Getty
The Queen appeared at her granddaughter Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall's intimate nuptials on July 30, 2011, wearing a bright coral coat over a floral dress. She topped the look with a matching hat with intricate ribbon and feather details.
Queen Elizabeth at a Christmas Day church service in Sandringham, England, in December 2012
Queen Elizabeth leaves St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, after attending Christmas Day service on Dec. 25, 2012Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty
Seemingly full of holiday cheer, the Queen was spotted attending traditional Christmas Day services at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, in 2012. Rather than opting for the usual green or red, the monarch chose a deep teal coat with a zig-zag detail along the button placket. To keep warm, she also wore a black fur scarf and gloves, which matched her black handbag.
Queen Elizabeth at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding in Windsor in May 2018
Queen Elizabeth smiles after the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, on May 19, 2018Credit: Alastair Grant - WPA Pool/Getty
Queen Elizabeth celebrated Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's fairy tale wedding on May 19, 2018, wearing a lime green ensemble designed by Parvin. Her coat was an edge-to-edge design with a fastening in lime silk tweed, the same material Kelly used to design the monarch's matching hat.
Queen Elizabeth in Chester, England, in June 2018
Queen Elizabeth departs Chester Town Hall after she and Meghan Markle (not pictured) attended lunch as guests of Chester City Council in Chester, England, on June 14, 2018Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage
The Queen chose lime green again for a lunch held at the Chester City Council, which marked her first official engagement with Meghan in the latter's new role as the Duchess of Sussex. The brightly colored suit dress was designed by Parvin and was paired with a matching neon, flower-adorned hat by Trevor-Morgan.
Queen Elizabeth at Trooping the Colour in Windsor in June 2020
Queen Elizabeth attends Trooping the Colour at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, on June 13, 2020Credit: Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage
In June 2020, the Queen attended her birthday ceremony at Windsor Castle in an eye-catching jade outfit by Parvin, per Hello!. Underneath the coat was a matching "jade grey and dusty pink" floral silk dress with a pleated hem detail, and she finished the look with a Trevor-Morgan hat and a diamond leek brooch.
Queen Elizabeth at Westminster Abbey in London in October 2021
Queen Elizabeth arrives for a Service of Thanksgiving to mark the centenary of the Royal British Legion at Westminster Abbey in London on Oct. 12, 2021Credit: Pool/Max Mumby/Getty
While attending a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in 2021, Queen Elizabeth wore a royal blue coat and coordinating hat with floral details.
Queen Elizabeth at Sandringham House to mark the start of her Platinum Jubilee Year in February 2022
Queen Elizabeth is photographed at Sandringham House in Sandringham, Norfolk, England, to commemorate Accession Day, marking the start of her Platinum Jubilee Year, on Feb. 2, 2022Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty
To commemorate Accession Day, marking the start of her Platinum Jubilee Year, Queen Elizabeth was photographed in a pale green dress and a pearl necklace.
Queen Elizabeth at the Platinum Jubilee in London in June 2022
Queen Elizabeth smiles during Trooping the Colour in London on June 2, 2022Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty
Queen Elizabeth celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, the 70th anniversary of her reign, in June 2022. For the Trooping the Colour parade during the celebrations, the late monarch sported a baby blue coat and hat designed by Kelly, which she also wore one week prior for her official Platinum Jubilee portrait. For the ceremony, she paired the embroidered look with a matching hat, pearl jewelry and a pair of sunglasses.
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