Queen Elizabeth II - 'Her Life in Style' 
at Buckingham Palace

I visited the exhibition "Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style" at Buckingham Palace this week and what a wonderful day I shared with two friends. I expected to see beautiful clothes, of course, but I didn’t expect to feel quite so moved by it all. It was far more personal, more thoughtful and far more revealing than I'd imagined.

What stayed with me most was that these were never just clothes, every single outfit seemed to carry meaning. Some represented youth and romance, some duty and ceremony, some diplomacy and, later on, practicality and visibility. Walking through the exhibition felt like watching the Queen’s life unfold through fabric, embroidery, color and shape.

From Girlhood to Queen

Christening gown, childhood dresses, dress for the Coronation of her father King George VI

From the earliest days, everything had been incredibly carefully preserved. It was very touching to see an ornate christening gown and exquisite coats and dresses from childhood, then follow her style through the decades. It made the Queen feel more real somehow - not just as a monarch - but as a young woman, a bride, a mother and an older woman adapting, as we all do, to the passage of time. 

It really struck me how early on she must have understood that dressing was part of the role. Her clothes were never casual in the public sense, they had a job to do. They had to reassure, represent and reflect the moment she was in.

The Wedding Dress; so Romantic yet so Symbolic

Wedding Gown 1947 and samples of the detail framed for her grandmother, Queen Mary

Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress was one of the highlights. Designed by Hartnell for her 1947 wedding to Prince Philip, it was made from Chinese silk and beautifully embroidered with Spring flowers. 

It was every bit as exquisite as you would imagine but, probably due to the era "the choice of silk was not a good one" as the fabric deteriorated considerably over the years and the color has dulled.    

What I found especially moving though was the fact that Britain was still in a period of post-war rationing and, even Princess Elizabeth had to use ration coupons towards the dress. Fortunately, the goverment did allow her 200 additional coupons! 

That little detail stayed with me because it grounds the fairytale in real life.

The Coronation Gown - Beauty with a Purpose

Coronation Gown with embroidered floral emblems of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth

The Coronation gown was something else entirely; grand, symbolic and full of meaning. Once again it was designed by Hartnell in ivory silk satin and embroidered with floral emblems of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. The dress was a visual summary of the enormous responsibility she had taken on.

It was beautiful, of course, but it was also diplomatic, ceremonial and deeply serious in it's intent. Every detail seemed to say; this is not just about one woman, this is about service, continuity and national unity. 

This, above all, made me think about the sheer weight of it all - not only the dress itself but what it represented.

And yet, I actually thought it was prettier and more feminine than her wedding dress. How style had changed and softened so quickly from the immediate post-war years!

The Glamor of the Evening Gowns

Evening gowns - wow that's where you really see the glamor: the embroidery, the sparkle, the soft silks, the full skirts, the beautiful detailing. Some of the gowns were absolutely enchanting.

But even the glamorous pieces often had a diplomatic purpose. These dresses were worn to state banquets, official tours and important occasions where every detail mattered. Certain motifs, colors or embroidered elements were chosen to honour the country she was visiting or the people she was hosting. 

That's what makes royal fashion so fascinating; it may look like pure elegance on the surface, but underneath there's strategy, thought and often a subtle political message. Imagine having to dress beautifully while also saying the right thing without speaking at all!

How her Style changed over Time

Another part of the exhibition I found particularly interesting was seeing how Queen Elizabeth's style changed as she got older and, of course, that's something most of us relate to. The shapes and cuts that suit us at twenty-five are not necessarily the ones that suit us later in life. Our bodies change, our priorities change and usually our idea of comfort changes too.

The Queen’s earlier clothes had more of that tiny-waisted, fuller-skirted silhouette of the period. As the years went on the lines became simpler, softer and more practical. There was less emphasis on changing with fashion and more emphasis on dressing in a way that worked for her role, her lifestyle and her age alongside always championing British couture. 

I found that rather refreshing. It felt honest. She didn't cling to youth, nor did she disappear into complete classics. She was very involved in the design process and color choice of her wardrobe. She refined her style and, really, isn’t that what most of us try to do?

Why Color became so important

In later life, her wardrobe became much more defined by bold, clear color. We all remember those bright coats and matching hats in shades of yellow, pink, green, blue and lilac. Seeing that evolution in the exhibition made perfect sense.

The reason, of course, was practical as much as stylish: she wanted to be seen. If people had come to catch a glimpse of the Queen, she felt they should actually be able to see her. I love that, such a simple idea, but also such a thoughtful one.

Those monochromatic outfits became her signature, and they worked brilliantly. They gave her presence, clarity and instant recognition. They also show that style can become more focused and effective with age, not less.

More than just Fashion

My choice of dress Delphine from Boden (now on sale) and 'very' comfortable shoes!

A tiring day but Michelle, Sue and I all came away with a little more understanding of our late Queen. 

We witnessed a portrait of a life lived in the public eye and of a woman who deeply understood the power of presentation; her style continually evolving as her role, her age and the times changed around her.

Yes there's glamor, but there's also restraint and a huge sense of duty. I was acutely aware of the pressure there must have been in dressing for public life when every appearance carried meaning. Her clothes had to reflect stability, respect, continuity and diplomacy, while still looking elegant and appropriate.

That's no small thing and I realized why our Queen chose to relax in her tweed skirt and cardigan!

If you enjoy fashion with meaning, history with heart and a good dose of royal glamor, I think you would find this exhibition every bit as fascinating as I did. 

Royal Fashion

The Tudors fashion style

Queen Victoria's fashion style

Our Rainbow Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Camilla

7 decades of Fashion 1950 - 2020

The Royals at Christas