Much has been made of the royal family and their sartorial choices, especially since a new generation of dukes and duchesses have taken the spotlight. But Queen Elizabeth II was making headlines for her mixed prints and colour-blocking way before they were around.
In recent years, we became accustomed to seeing the monarch in colour coordinating suits and elaborate hats. Perhaps you heard that she employed someone to wear in her shoes, or that she wore a lot of blue.
In later life, the monarch was no less fashion-forward than she was during some of her earlier, less expected moments. Like, a statement coat at nine-years-old or the many flower crowns she’s worn over the years.
Check out these vintage photos of the Queen’s style below for a true sense of the late monarch’s style.
Ruffled skirt? Check!
Print Collector via Getty Images
The blanket scarf trend at an early age
Royal Photographic Society via Getty Images
She had the whole "mum and me" thing down
Universal History Archive via Getty Images
Advertisement
Knowing the value of a statement coat
Hulton Archive via Getty Images
And, for that matter, a statement shoulder
Keystone via Getty Images
"Bigger is better" when it came to collars
Universal History Archive via Getty Images
Advertisement
And she nailed the equestrian trend
Lisa Sheridan via Getty Images
She was never afraid to play with prints
Lisa Sheridan via Getty Images
Lisa Sheridan via Getty Images
Advertisement
Keystone-France via Getty Images
She appreciated the power of a red lip
Lisa Sheridan via Getty Images
She was far from a traditional bride
Hulton Archive via Getty Images
Advertisement
And was not above repeating a statement piece.
Hulton Archive via Getty Images
Fox Photos via Getty Images
She really had the best jewels
Universal History Archive via Getty Images
Advertisement
ullstein bild via Getty Images
Sheerly elegant.
Fox Photos via Getty Images
Keystone-France via Getty Images
Advertisement
The power of a floral headpiece
Keystone via Getty Images
George Freston via Getty Images
Serge Lemoine via Getty Images
Advertisement
... and turbans
Serge Lemoine via Getty Images
Serge Lemoine via Getty Images
A little rain never got in the way of her style
ullstein bild via Getty Images
Advertisement
Or a little sun, either
Anwar Hussein via Getty Images
Her headscarf game was on point
STRINGER via Getty Images
Keystone-France via Getty Images
Advertisement
The Queen knew about colour matching...
Serge Lemoine via Getty Images
... And more of those patterns, too
Anwar Hussein via Getty Images
She knew the world was her mirror
David Levenson via Getty Images
Advertisement
And was an ombré master
Anwar Hussein via Getty Images
And when she smiled (which wasn't always), she really smiled
WPA Pool via Getty Images
DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS via Getty Images
Advertisement
Samir Hussein via Getty Images
Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images