The royals frequently wear their regimental uniforms when representing their regiments at military events. Prince William and Prince Harry have served in the armed forces and often wear their regimental colors. Prince William served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and held the title of Colonel of the Irish Guards.
Prince Harry joined the British Army’s Blues and Royals Cavalry regiment and served as an Army Air Corps Pilot in Afghanistan. In 2015, Harry ended his ten-year military service, which he described as one of the best times of his life. In 2013, Prince William completed his military service; however, he still holds on to his pilot qualification.
Keeping Hats in Place
Have you ever wondered how royal women manage to always keep their gorgeous headwear in place? It never seems to move, no matter how strong the wind is. Princess Diana hid combes inside her hats that would make sure they wouldn’t fly off in the middle of an English wind gust. In fact, it was the Queen’s rule never to have a hat fly off.
Above, Diana is seen pulling off another perfect hat look at the Arch of Triumph in Paris – a classy, dark blue velvet veiled hat. Back then, milliner John Boyd was one of the main hat makers for the princess.
A Classy Way to Hide Cleavage
Leave it to the crafty Princess Di to come up with a way to hide her daring cleavage in a seamless way. There was no way she was NOT going to wear this gorgeous dress. The trick? Simply hold an elegant little clutch bag over your cleavage, and voila!
In the photos above, the Princess is seen in a daring light blue dress designed by the famous Jacques Azagury. “I will need a really good, s#xy dress”, demanded the princess when meeting with Azagury, and he delivered. His job was so well done that she had to cover her chest with an oval-shaped, pearl-colored clutch.
Wear Weights on Your Hems
We all love that iconic pic of Marylin Monroe with her skirt being blown up, but in the Royal world, this would be a huge no-no. So, how do you avoid this when you’re constantly wearing dresses in a place with really bad weather? You would sew dressmaking (or old curtain) weights in your hems, just like Kate Middleton does.
Above, the Duchess of Cambridge is seen in a pink floral Kate Spade dress that flows nicely and stays down despite the weather in London. A modern 21st-century princess with a medieval clothes hack. How come no one has come up with a more modern solution?
Striking Colors that Capture Looks
One might think that the royals are probably more suited to wearing classic colors, like beige, white, brown, or grey. However, the late Queen Elizabeth II was known for loving bright, solid colors. She can be seen below dressed in a bright blue suit and hat from head to toe.
Apart from loving the tones, there’s another reason for the use of bright colors – the Queen wanted to be easily spotted when she was out in the town. In a sea of royals, gorgeous princesses accompanied by charming princesses, one must do whatever one can to be seen and noticed.
Using Hairnets to Keep Wild Hairs in Place
While most of us don’t exactly associate hairnets with elegance, the Duchess of Cambridge uses them all the time. We don't know if she is obliged to do so or if she chooses to; whatever the reason is, this royal beauty hack works. Kate Middleton loves her chignon bun style and uses a hairnet to keep wild strands of hair from popping out.
Above, the Duchess wears her signature chignon bun and covers it with her trusty hairnet while attending Easter Day Service at Windsor Castle. She tops the look with a cream-colored cap with a bow. Whatever she has on, she manages to nail it.
Black Is Only for Funerals
As serious and elegant as "The Crown" outfits may be, there is a protocol in place that states the Royal family should only wear black when attending a funeral. Every Royal should always travel with at least one black outfit in case of any emergency situations. There is not such thing as attending a funeral in any other shade.
For the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Consort Camilla wore traditional black attire, with an astonishing piece of jewelry to adorn the all-black look. On the left of her black suit, one can see Queen Victoria’s Hesse Diamond Jubilee brooch. She topped the look with a black veiled hat.
Use Hats to Protect Your Hair
A hat can be a gorgeous accessory or a shield to protect your locks. Kate Middleton also uses the hat trick to keep her hair from blowing in her face, especially since she’s often carrying one of her children. With beautiful-looking hair, she wouldn't want to get it damaged by too much sun or strong winds. But the hat trick has been used for decades, especially by the beloved Princess of Wales.
Above, Princess Diana uses a beautiful blue and white Philip Somerville turban hat on an official visit to UAE in 1989. She paired it with a classy white suit with a blue lapel designed by Catherine Walker.
Modesty Is the Best Policy
Modesty is a basic principle when it comes to royal outfits, meaning no bare shoulders, no short skirts, and no tacky cleavage. For years, the royals have appeared in public, covered from top to toe. Even on hot summer days, the royal women find a way to cover up and stay cool. In the photo below, the Princess of Wales proves one can be very modest and look very fabulous.
Here, Kate Middleton wears a red pleated skirt by Christopher Kane and a matching turtleneck by Ralph Lauren while attending a charity event. She has no visible shoulders, cleavage, and not too much leg, and she looks fabulous at every event.
Keep Your Hands Clean and Classy
The late Queen Elizabeth II might have loved bright colors for her suits, but she always kept it neutral when it came to her gloves. The Queen was almost always seen wearing a pair of black or white gloves. Apart from being very classy accessories, which are crafted by a special royal glove maker, they allowed the Queen to stay hygienic after shaking so many hands.
Above, the Queen attends the Ceremony of the Keys in her traditional light blue suit and white gloves, the perfect color combination. Like always, she looks smart, elegant, and very much royal. The white gloves are a tradition carried out for years, and it doesn't seem to be going anywhere.
Denim Is for Walking the Dog
It is no surprise that in the Royal family, wearing denim is strictly reserved for going out to walk the dog. However, rule breaker that she was, Princess Diana wore denim on more than one occasion – and she rocked it! Seeing her walking down the street ( which didnt happen very often), one could accidentally mistake her for a simple commoner doing her morning runs.
Here you can see Princess Di wearing a casual pair of jeans with a white and blue colored, V-neck cable knit sweater back in 1992. She paired the ensemble with some elegant flat slippers and walked gracefully down those stairs.
Have Beauty Favorites
When it comes to fashion and beauty, we all have favorites – products and styles we remain loyal to throughout the years. Queen Elizabeth II was no exception, as was evidenced by the many photos of her applying her trusty lipstick. Her favorite was Elizabeth Arden’s Beautiful Color Lipstick, in the Fig shade ( we wonder if the sales of this shade have accelerated after reading this).
Apparently, Elizabeth Arden has a Royal Warrant since it is the preferred beauty brand of the Royals. Above, we see the Queen applying lipstick during the Windsor Horse Show in 1985. A royal color for a royal member.
Go for the Bodysuit
As a Royal lady, you must always look chic and elegant, and this includes making sure your shirt is never untucked. It doesn't matter if you were born into the family or managed to work your way up the royal ladder; this beauty tip is a must. To not have to deal with constantly checking her shirt, Meghan Markle has chosen a much simpler option – wearing a bodysuit.
The Duchess of Sussex loves her bodysuits, as is seen in the above photos, with Markle wearing a sleek Alexander McQueen black suit with a shirt-style white bodysuit from Tuxe. We have to say, she looks great.
Headbands Are Always Welcome
When tired of wearing a hat, Royal ladies opt for a classy headband. Years ago, this was not acceptable; however, these days, it goes without saying. After all, a fashionable headband can jazz up any outfit. Below, we see Princess Beatrice attending her sister Eugenie’s wedding in Windsor.
Princess Beatrice wears a dark blue dress by Ralph & Russo and pairs it with a purple headband designed by Sarah Cant. The princess was her sister’s maid of honor, which is not traditional at a royal wedding, and to top it off, she wore a different outfit than the rest of the bridal party. However, that headband made her look fabulous.
The Silicone Pantyhose Keeps Things Slip-Free
Another dress protocol for Royal ladies is that they must always wear pantyhose to not expose their legs. It can rain, it can shine, and the pantyhose is mandatory. But as many of us know, pantyhose can sometimes slip, and ripped pantyhose is the tackiest thing to be caught in. Luckily, the royals have a solution for that, too.
To avoid accidents, Kate Middleton always wears pantyhose with silicone pads in the bottom so they can stick to her shoe. This is exactly what she did when attending Harry and Meghan’s wedding in 2018 in her white suit. Honestly, we didnt know she had them on.
Use Nude Nail Polish or Go Natural
Royals are usually seen with very neutral, nude nail polish, as demanded by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Her favorite shade was Essie’s ‘Ballet slippers,’ which obviously went very well with her bold-colored outfits. Even though she mostly wore gloves, her hands always had to look perfect. Clean, soft, and just with a little touch of color.
The Duchesses have followed in the Queen’s footsteps, wearing clear or nude nail polish. Above, we see Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle attend the Royal Foundation Forum with classy hands adorned with clear nail polish. Will we ever see them in bright red or dark purple polish?
Jazz Up Your Outfit
Being a Royal doesn’t mean you can’t have fun when picking your outfits. No one took this more to heart than Princess Anne, the Queen’s only daughter. Below, she is seen in a 1975 Village Fete wearing a groovy patterned orange and green dress with a cute neon-green hat.
Now, on an everyday event held by commoners, this would have been considered outrageous; however, on the Royal Princess, it works. Her glamorous smile seems to add some spark to the total look, too. By some force of nature or divine styling, the flowers in her hand look like the perfect match for her outfit.
Show Off Your Figure
The former fashionable Princess of Wales wore the 80s style like no one else. The princess knew how to show off her figure while looking elegant. She never had to be too revealing or wear something outrageous to stand out. Even the most modest dress looked a million dollars on her.
Below, she is seen in a puffy white top, a chic burgundy belt, and a floral pencil skirt while attending a polo match in Cirencester in 1985. The key is to always balance your figure by wearing either puffy tops with pencil skirts or puffy skirts with slender tops.
The Search for a Fantastic Fascinator
There is no need to look too far, and even the word sounds amazing – a fascinator. We have all become fascinated by this. These are basically hats that are out of the ordinary, like pieces of art for your head. Royal sisters Princess Eugenie and Beatrice love their fascinators, as seen below. Whenever they get a chance, they go for the wildest one and have proven it works. They are always noticed, and there is always something to say about how they look, whether they are good or bad.
In a Ceremony to honor Queen Elizabeth’s birthday, at the Trooping the Color Parade, Princess Eugenie wears a Vivien Sheriff fascinator with colorful brown and purple feathers. Princess Beatrice dons an ochre asymmetrical fascinator that resembles orange peels. Classy orange peels.
Go Easy on the Makeup
Wearing the right makeup can make or break a look, and the ladies in royalty know this. You don't have to be a genius to know that if you have the wrong color of eye shadow on, you could be out of the door. You will never see a member of the royal family wearing colorful and flashy makeup. On the contrary, a neutral, natural-looking finish is the way to go.
One can see the elegant then-Duchess of Cambridge attending the UK Creative Industries Reception in 2012, wearing a minimal amount of makeup and very basic, light colors. Of course, a touch of black blended eyeshadow never hurt anyone.
The Chic Pillbox Hat
Pillbox hats are the epitome of understated elegance, which is why they are so often used by royalty. Jacqueline Onassis was also a big fan of the pillbox hat, which first came out back in the 1930s. These hats are the perfect headwear if you’re looking for something less encumbered than a fascinator or a large, wide-brimmed hat.
Above, the Princess of Wales wears a regal blue outfit with a classic pillbox hat with a bow to match. A perfect ensemble to attend the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in 2022. It's almost as if she was drawn out of the 1960s; however, she still looks exceptionally stylish and modern.
The Elegant Equestrian Style
The royals are known for their love of horses and their excellent equestrian skills. For example, Princess Anne was a professional horse rider who even competed in the 1976 Olympics. She has won several other awards at the European Equestrian Championships and even included her equestrian looks in her personal fashion.
Now, it is not mandatory to wear a beautiful gown or exquisite suit to look good, and the Princess proves it here. She is seen above in traditional dressage at the Badminton Horse Trials in 1979. While it’s difficult not to look elegant in equestrian clothing, Princess Anne manages to pull off the outfits with a particular style.
Don’t Be Afraid of Lining
As important as proper attire is when it comes to the royal family, proper behavior is equally as important. This means that scratching an itchy fabric, rearranging bra straps or anything of the sort is completely out of the question. So, to always keep this in check, Queen Elizabeth II herself came up with the brilliant idea of adding a lining to her outfits.
Above, the Queen attends the Hungarian State Visit Return Banquet in 1999 at Marlow, UK. She’s wearing an opulent golden gown adorned with golden flower details. The dress probably feels great against her skin with all that extra lining.
Use a Bigger-Sized Shoe to Avoid Blisters
One of the worst things about high heels or stilettos is the blisters you get afterward. But the Royal ladies don’t suffer much since they’ve discovered the ultimate fashion hack to avoid painful blisters – just wear a shoe that’s one or two sizes too big!
Above, we see Meghan Markle next to her beau, Prince Harry, as they announce their engagement. Notice the nude pumps from Aquazzura she’s wearing? Well, if you zoom in, you’ll see they look quite big on her feet. The larger size keeps the feet from rubbing with the shoe and causing blisters. Who knew?!
Use a Shampoo Without Sulfates
If you want to keep healthy, lush locks, it is very important to choose the right hair products, and that starts by choosing sulfate-free brands. All of those advertisements you come across and think are not worth the while, well, they are. Take Kate Middleton, the Duchess has gorgeous brown hair with waves that bounce and shine.
The Duchess has made it clear that she only uses sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. In fact, Kerastase is one of her favorite brands (can we hear serious sale escalation?). Here, Kate wears her signature light brown mane on a visit to Belize. It looks just as lush up-close.
Be Ready for All Kinds of Weather
This one is a neat little fashion hack that the royals have been using for decades. In order to be prepared for any kind of weather, Kate Middleton buys shoes that are a larger size for the summer months and travel to hot climates. This way, if her feet swell up from the heat, she won’t have any issues. As we all travel, this is definitely a hack we are considering to adopt.
Similarly, she buys her exact shoe size when it comes to the cold season or winter months. Above, Middleton is wearing a stunning cream-colored gown with sparkly silver stilettos that hold her feet ever-so elegantly.
Always Take a Brooch
While this advice may sound old-fashioned, brooches are actually a very fashionable accessory, making a huge comeback in the last years. And no, this does not apply only to more mature citizens; even young ladies have been seen with various brooches. Queen Elizabeth II loved her brooches, always using one to adorn her suits. The Queen would choose a brooch depending on the event or country she was visiting.
She didn’t even go to church without one, like in the photo above where she’s seen wearing a light orange suit with a diamond-encrusted brooch while attending Sunday service at Wolverton.
Hurray for the Headscarf!
For those who feel fascinators or hats might be too over the top, a headscarf is a perfect alternative. For a minute there, you will feel as if you are part of a 1960s scene, but eventually, you will get used to it. Queen Elizabeth II was a big fan of headscarves, which she usually tied under her chin in a very elegant manner. The scarves were, of course, all silk and covered in beautiful colored patterns.
Above, she is seen in 1982 next to Prince Philip at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. That blue, yellow, and white silk headscarf just classes up an otherwise simple outfit.
Leather Insoles Are the Answer
Wearing heels and being on your feet all day is no picnic, even for a royal, and the royal are obliged to attend events that require high hills almost every day of the year. Combine that with uncomfortable slips, and you’ve got yourself a fashion disaster. But fear not; we have another hack for you – buying leather insoles for your shoes!
The Duchess of Cambridge is an expert on the subject, knowing that a luxury leather insole will stop your foot from slipping and sliding. Above, we see the Duchess arriving with her husband William at the Witton Country Park in a classy black skirt and blazer suit and black leather pumps.
Use a Cotton Bud for a Perfect Blend
Princess Diana was, without a doubt, not only one of the most beautiful royals but also one of the most beautiful women in the world. Look at Princess Diana’s stunning makeup in the photo below while she attended the Braemar Highland Games in Scotland in 1981. Her eyes look perfectly blended yet natural. The secret was to use a cotton bud and blend the eyeliner very subtly.
This hack came from the princess’s personal makeup artist, Mary Greenwell, who often had to soften a hard black eyeliner situation. With those blue eyes and flawless skin, it was only fair to bring out her features in the best way possible.
Use a Toothbrush for Your Hair
This one might sound a bit strange, but we promise it works. Have you ever noticed how Meghan Markle’s hair always looks perfect? Well, the Duchess has revealed that she uses a small bristle toothbrush and some hairspray to always keep her hair in place. With this royal beauty hack, no matter what comes ahead, the hair is not going anywhere.
Above, we see Markle with her sleek ponytail at the Land Rover Driving Challenge in 2020. She swears it helps her smooth her hairline and keep flyaways in check. And we have no choice but to believe in hair.
Thick Fabrics Are Your Friend
Thick fabrics are often used by the royal family because it avoid dresses flying up in the wind. The last thing you want is for hems to start flapping up in the wind at any given moment, showing off as if you were Marilyn Monroe. Below, we see Princess Eugenie wearing a light blue suit made of thick tweed fabric. It's a beautiful piece, and the princess wears it to perfection.
She was attending Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018, which had over 2,200 guests, so having her dress fly up was not an option (even if this wasn't a wedding).
Choose Diplomatic Attire
Royals often choose outfits according to the event they’re attending or the country they’re visiting. If anybody has to be diplomatic, it’s them. The royals invest great thought in what they are wearing and always make sure it has a sprinkle of royal charm. We mean, even a simple white dress will never be just a simple white dress when it comes to the royals.
Above, we see Kate Middleton attending the Canada Day Citizenship Ceremony wearing a classy white suit adorned with a diamond maple leaf brooch and a red hat. Her purse also has splashes of red, honoring the country’s signature red colors. The maple leaf brooch was a perfect touch.
As for Purses, the Smaller the Better
You never see a Royal with a big purse because, let’s be honest, a small purse is just way more elegant. The royals, especially Queen Elizabeth II, considered small purses more feminine and ladylike. Her Majesty’s favorite purse brand was Launer. And she wasn’t the only royal to have a favorite. And besides, we don't think they need room for car keys or house ( palace ) keys so a small one will do.
Above we see the beautiful Princess Diana arriving in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1995, carrying her Lady Dior purse, given to her by the French First Lady. The small, elegant, black little purse accompanied the princess on many occasions.
Say No to Wedges
If there’s one thing Queen Elizabeth II couldn’t stand, it was wedge shoes. In fact, every Royal lady made sure never to be caught wearing a pair while in the Queen’s presence. And let’s face it, stilettos are way more elegant. According to the late queen, no matter how much they tried, there was nothing about wedge shoes that could ever look good.
While the Duchess of Cambridge has appeared wearing wedge shoes on some occasions, she’s made sure it was never around her mother-in-law. Above, we see the Duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex wearing beige-colored pumps to the Centenary of the RAF.
Breaking New Shoes in
A well-fitting and comfortable shoe is one that has been broken into, which is why Queen Elizabeth II used to have someone wear her shoes before her. It was always her dresser, Angela Kelly, who broke the Queen’s shoes in before she wore them.
Above, Her Majesty is seen at a State Visit to Ireland in 2011, wearing the same classic black style shoe that she’s traditionally worn for over 50 years. The famous shoes are handmade by Anello & Davide, a London-based company. After each event, a footman airs the shoes and puts them in a silk bag. We think only queens get this kind of treatment.
Don’t Forget to Curl Your Eyelashes
This next beauty tip is one that we believe all women should adopt. When your eyelashes are in perfect state, the whole face lights up, and you don't have to be royal to have a glamorous look. Even when you don’t have a drop of makeup on, the right eyelashes can make a huge difference. To enhance a royal lady's lashes, the curler is the best way to go.
Meghan Markle always seems to have beautiful big eyelashes, like in the photo above where she attended the Invictus Games at The Hague in 2022. Markle uses the Shu Uemura eyelash curler and Dior Show mascara. For the rest of us mortals, any mascara by Maybelline will do the trick!
The Coat and Dress Match
For those who didn’t know, it is frowned upon for royals to remove coats in public. If you leave the house (or palace) with it, it will stay on until you return. So, what does one do to combine fashion and functionality? One goes for the coatdress hybrid. Aside from being incredibly regal and elegant, the coatdress keeps skirts from flying up in the wind. It’s a win-win.
Above we see the Duchess of Cambridge wearing a plaid blue and green coatdress with a chic belt while visiting Scotland. She looks super classy and is probably warm and cozy in that long coat.
Use Wraps to Cinch Your Waist
Using outfits that cinch the waist is always a good option for a flattering figure, like the one Kate Middleton is wearing below during the royal Australia and New Zealand tour of 2014. This does not mean you have to have a fuller body to enjoy this beauty tip. Even petite women like Middleton herself prove that just because you are slim doesn't mean you are in perfect shape.
Designed by the famous Diane Von Furstenberg, this Ikat wrap dress with a cinch at the waist is casual and elegant at the same time. The navy blue and white patterns go lovely with Kate’s hairdo and smile.
Avoiding Hair Dents
Here is another great hair tip suited for simple people like us, too. We’ve all had that annoying moment when we think we’ve tied the perfect high ponytail, and suddenly, we see an ugly bump of hair on the top of our head. This is precisely why you see Meghan Markle wearing so many loose, low buns.
The Duchess of Sussex avoids annoying hair dents by wearing a bun during the day and letting it down in the evening. By nighttime, her bun has created natural, gorgeous waves. Markle is seen above at a polo match in Windsor in 2018, wearing her signature bun hairstyle.
Create Iconic Fashion Looks
Fashion is often a means of making a statement when it comes to the royal family. Since they are not known for being too vocal, one of the best ways to communicate is through their outfit. What they choose to wear can reflect not only the event they are attending but also the mood they are in and their overall feeling. Unlike in the past, these days, the royal can give their say as to what they are going to wear.
Above, the Duchess of Cambridge looks stunning in a Prada dress covered in poppy prints. A very subtle detail, as the poppy is the flower of remembrance, and the Duchess wore this to her mother-in-law’s 20th anniversary memorial service in the White Garden at Kensington Palace.
Be a Vision in Monochrome
As much as the royals love their floral patterns, they also have a soft spot for monochrome. The late Queen Elizabeth, for example, almost always wore monochrome outfits. She almost always had a one-colored suit on, with accessories sharing the same shade, and a sophisticated small handbag to complete the look.
Above, Her Majesty is seen wearing a regal red suit and coat with a lovely matching hat, of course. Here she was visiting St. Anne’s Church in Kew in 1989. As always, note that she carries her trusty black shiny purse, her usual leather shoes, and an elegant brooch.
Rules Are Meant to be Broken
Believe it or not, The Princess Royal, AKA Princess Anne, used to be quite a stunner and was considered one of the most desirable women of her time, not only because she was the Queen's daughter. You’ve got to love a princess who breaks the fashion protocol set by royalty. Princess Anne, alongside Princess Diana, was probably the biggest rule breaker when it came to choosing an outfit.
Sure, people might roll their eyes in disapproval, especially her mother, the Queen, but that didn’t stop Anne. Above, she is seen wearing a blue striped blouse, dark jeans, and a patterned blue silk scarf. Her hair is down, her makeup is very natural, and she looks fabulous.
Shapewear Is a Lifesaver
Not surprisingly, the royal family is forbidden from showing any type of undergarment, which usually isn’t a hard thing to do unless we’re talking about bra straps. There’s a hack for that, too – royals either sew their bras to their dress or go for the easier option of wearing nude shapewear (aka bodysuits). This way, no matter what dress or top they have on, there will b no strap revealing.
The Duchess of Cambridge is seen above wearing a gorgeous, white-laced dress and a matching hat. The look is elegant and summery at the same time. A perfect outfit for attending the races at the Ascot Racecourse in London.
Don’t Be Shy with the Highlighter
This is an essential beauty tip we learned from the Duchess of Sussex – don’t shy away from eye highlighters. Meghan always looks bright-eyed and fresh, as if she just came from the makeup artist, and her secret is as simple as applying highlighter to her undereyes. She invests so little; yes, she always looks as if she has just spent hours infront of the mirror ( or with her personal makeup artist and stylist).
Meghan is seen above attending the Endeavor Fund Awards in London in 2020. As always, she’s glowing. If you want to achieve a Markle look, go for Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Eclat.
Stick to Faux Fur
For over seven decades, Queen Elizabeth II wore many outfits made of animal fur for public events. This was a symbol of wealth and prestige, and it was the thing to do. However, since receiving harsh criticism from animal rights groups and activists in the last decades, the palace decided that from that moment on, Her Majesty would only wear faux fur.
Here, the Queen is traveling in a carriage for the State Opening of Parliament in Westminster Palace in 2019. She’s seen wearing a white faux fur coat, a stunning diamond necklace, and her astonishing crown. Although this is controversial, we must admit this looks WOW.
Buy Re-Wearable Outfits
For many fashion icons, re-wearing an outfit is completely unacceptable. But this isn’t the case when it comes to royals because it’s all in how you accessorize a piece. The Duchess of Cambridge is the queen of re-wearable outfits, and she looks spectacular every time. She is the first member of the royal family who has not been ashamed to be seen twice in the same dress, and we praise her for this.
Above, Kate attends a memorial service in London wearing a white dress by designer Suzannah. The black-buttoned dress was also worn at the 2019 Wimbledon tournament, and just by adding a black belt and a black bow brooch, it looked like a different outfit!
Always Have a Shawl Handy
A shawl is an accessory that can always come in handy, especially when you’re a royal. Princess Diana loved her shawls, and whether she used them to cover her hair during a windy day or for warmth in the winter, she always managed to make it look chic. Princess Diana wore a white translucid shawl over her head on her visit to Egypt’s Al Azhar Mosque in 1982.
Diana would wear shawls to special events that obliged her to, especially in religious ceremonies. And no matter what she had on, she was always astonishing. Hair loos or hair covered, Diana was a true princess.
Gin Is the Perfect Diamond Cleaner
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and the late Queen Elizabeth II had a lot of best friends, and they were all very loyal to her until her last days. The collection of diamonds at Buckingham Palace is astonishing, and so her team of dressers had to figure out a way to make them sparkle.
Keeping diamonds clean is no easy job, especially when each piece of jewelry has that many, but luckily, the Queen’s aides discovered that a combination of water and gin keeps the precious stone shining bright. Above, the Queen is wearing an astounding diamond and pearl crown, earrings, and necklace in 1980.
Look for Smudge-Proof Eyeliner
Leave it to Kate to have a great fashion hack when it comes to eye makeup. She is often seen wearing very dark eyeliner, but it’s never overbearing or too opaque. The secret? Use a gel formula eyeliner instead of the regular pencil format. The gel seals in better with the skin, helping it to stay in place for longer.
The trick is proven to work since Kate has never been caught with runny makeup, no matter how many hours she’s been at an event. Above, we see the Duchess at the Royal Academy of the Arts in London, wearing a flawless face.
A White Shirt Goes a Long Way
One must never underestimate the power of a white shirt or blouse, for that matter. It all depends on how you manipulate it, as the Duchess of Sussex has shown us many times. This is one of the simplest fashion hacks but a very effective one. Markle simply rolls up her sleeves in a symmetrical manner, and the outfit instantly looks classier.
For the 2019 Wimbledon Championship, Markle wore a white blouse with rolled-up sleeves and a cream-colored skirt. It's effortless but very chic and perfect for a tennis match. So, girls, make sure you have a nice white shirt hanging in your closet, and if you don't, now is the time to go out and get one.
A Coat Is a Must
Kate Middleton’s status as a fashion icon is indisputable. Every outfit is on point, from the dress and accessories to the fashionable coats we love dearly. Besides fashion envy, Kate’s coats always spark conversation when she's photographed wearing one. British royal protocol considers it unladylike for senior female royals to remove a coat in public, so Middleton is lucky her fashion statement has turned into a palace obligation.
You can be sure the weather calls for a coat. The coat must stay on for public engagements, no matter the circumstance. This coat regulation is all about tradition. It's part of their attire, and this is what's expected from them, and boy does she look good in it.
Wearing a Tiara
For most of us, tiaras are whimsical accessories. Most royals nowadays wear their first tiara on their wedding day, which wasn't the case a few decades ago. Princess Margaret rocked tiaras everywhere, from dinner parties to theater shows, and turned them into a real fashion symbol. Now, we know we cannot just get our hands on one, but if we could, wouldn't it make a great accessory?
Whether one is a born royal or marrying into the family, the women wait until their wedding to wear one. It is a tradition, and the bride, being blood-related or marrying into the family, would never dare to go through her wedding without one.
Royal Wedding Bouquets
Every Royal bride since Queen Victoria has carried a sprig of myrtle in her bouquet. Myrtle represents love and hope, which are ideal emotions for any wedding. The tradition dates back to Queen Victoria's reign when Princess Victoria carried it among her bridal flowers in 1858. Myrtle was consistently featured in bouquets carried by Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, and Diana.
The myrtle in question grows in a special bush presented to Queen Victoria. The dark green leaves and the pearly white flowers of the myrtle complement any wedding gown, so, as far as we know, no bride had pulled a face when she was asked to add the flowers to her bouquet.
Formal Wear for Dinner
It makes no difference how trendy you may be in the outside world. If you show up to a royal family dinner wearing jeans and a t-shirt, chances are you will never receive another invitation again. Formal wear to dinner is on-brand for the British royal family. This is the time to slip into the best of the best you have in your closet, those garments you save just for special occasions.
It would be quite the sight to imagine them sitting around the table in slacks, trainers, or pajamas. With this crew? One needs to dress up and show up for dinner. A little tip from us: dress properly for any dinner you are invited to in England, not only ones held at the palace.
How to Sit Like a Royal
The one faux pas a woman in the royal family should avoid sitting with her legs crossed at the knee. Legs and knees must be together, but crossing the ankle is acceptable. The "duchess slant" has become a popular pose — a term coined by Beaumont Etiquette for Kate Middleton’s preferred sitting position. By adopting this, we guarantee you will be fit for royalty.
The pose involves squeezing her knees and ankles together and slanting her legs to the side. The pose maintains Kate's posture and makes her legs look longer while still appearing modest; the late Princess Diana also preferred sitting in the same manner. We think we will adopt this pose.
When to Wear Military Colors
The royals frequently wear their regimental uniforms when representing their regiments at military events. Prince William and Prince Harry have served in the armed forces and often wear their regimental colors. Prince William served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and held the title of Colonel of the Irish Guards.
Prince Harry joined the British Army's Blues and Royals Cavalry regiment and served as an Army Air Corps Pilot in Afghanistan. In 2015, Harry ended his ten-year military service, which he described as one of the best times of his life. In 2013, Prince William completed his military service; however, he still holds on to his pilot qualification.
Tiaras Only After 5 P.M.
Tiaras are typically reserved for events that begin after 5 p.m. and only for married royals. Although formal events can happen during the day, royals avoid wearing diamonds while the sun is shining. Daylight and sparkling tiaras can be a bit of an overkill. Tiaras for evening events are far more appropriate. Royal ladies and their tiaras are far more likely to stand out at night.
Inaugurations, balls, coronations, State visits, and royal dinners are the few occasions when a tiara is appropriate. The members of the royal family already naturally stand out, so there is no need for extra bling, especially not during daylight hours.
The Art of Purse Carrying
Handbags and purses are popular accessories for royal outings. They look good and are definitely a must-have fashion piece. Even though they have an entourage that can carry stuff around, the royals believe carrying a purse makes them more relatable. They never appear in public without it – even if the bag is empty.
If you notice, the royal women usually hold purses in their left hand to keep their right hand free to shake hands or wave at numerous meets and greets. We wonder if all royal ladies carry an empty bag or if some do actually put something in it. A phone? A packet of tissues? Their son's lost G.I. Joe's?
The Princes' Shorts
For Princes George and Louis, it is always summertime. The boys in the family wear shorts until they reach a certain age. It's the custom, and it's the fashion. Pants are for men and teenage boys. According to etiquette experts, the fashion tradition goes back to breeching times in the 16th century. Young boys back then wore gowns and dresses until they turned eight.
By the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the tradition evolved into shorts together with long socks that cover the knees during bitterly cold winter days. This rule may exist on paper; however, we can swear that we have seen the prince in a pair of long pants before.
Tiara Rules
Tiaras are really serious business. We know they are reserved for only princesses and royal family members. We also know they rule – meaning if someone is donning a tiara, they are generally – or rather traditionally – some kind of ruler. It's all getting a bit confusing, but tiaras dictate rules to these individuals. When wearing them, the royal personage has to angle them properly.
In the past, they were worn near the front of the head, but now the modern style is to wear them further back and at a 45-degree angle to the head. There are some snapshots of Kate Middleton wearing the new style as a reference for when you wear your tiara.
Hairdressing Regulations
If there is anyone who would have a hairdressing code, it would be them. The hairdressing regulation is that the royals must remain clean-cut. That means no shaggy looks and no split ends. That is why the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, visits the hairdresser three times a week to have a blow-out. We love this fashionable statement, whether mandatory or not.
This is a protocol all the royals must follow. Honestly, the more we read on, the more it seems like there is a lot of work involved in being a royal. But we must say that thanks to this rule, not one hair ever looks out of place, except maybe with Prince William. That was a bit below the belt.
Ironed Shoelaces
When was the last time you ironed your shoelaces or had your shoelaces ironed? The only people whose jaws do not drop when asked this question are members of the royal family. We assume members of the royal family will never have to understand how one irons a shoelace because they probably get staff members to do their shoelace ironing for them.
But apparently not King Charles III. Paul Burrell, who was employed in the royal family and worked with the late Princess Diana and Prince Charles, explained that the King (who was then just a prince) actually woke up every morning and ironed his own shoelaces. Apparently, even wrinkles in shoelaces are unacceptable. Note: we have tested this, and the laces look and feel much better when ironed.
No Washing Machines
This is definitely the fashion statement that gives ordinary people – or rather, the workers of ordinary people – a major advantage over being a royal. The royals cannot use washing machines to do their laundry. Everything has to be hand-washed. Can you imagine how difficult it must be to wash an evening gown by hand? Here we really pity the staff members, especially those responsible for laundry.
The worst part is that coats and evening gowns cannot be sent away to be dry-cleaned. This is because, in the past, the royals kept having their clothes pinched, as the dry-cleaning staff kept their clothing items as souvenirs. So now, every clothing item is hand-washed. At least they can still use irons.
The Royal Umbrella
The United Kingdom has nonstop rain for most days of the year. Therefore, the umbrella has turned into a must-have accessory for every household and not only the royals. The British royal family has a long-lasting relationship with Fulton Umbrellas, who have been making royal umbrellas for over 100 years.
As the weather turns it into a must, the umbrellas the royals are seen with are almost always color-coordinated and seem to fit perfectly with the rest of the outfit. You should try it too next time it rains. The late queen is seen here with a transparent umbrella with a yellow line to match her rain hat.
Country Class
Who said or where was it written that in order to be fashionable or glamorous, one has to put on an expensive gown or borrow the most dazzling diamond earrings? Here, we see the late Queen Elizabeth hiking the countryside in Balmoral, Scotland.
This photo was taken in 1967. The queen is seen wearing a traditional Scottish kilt, rubber boots, and a simple coat, yet still manages to look classic and representative. The scarf on her head protects her royal hair from wind, rain, and mud but also loosens up her appearance and sprinkles a little femininity around the masculine environment.
Sophisticated Sari
It is known that when royals or heads of state visit other countries, they are expected to adapt themselves to the dress code in the country they are visiting. Now, no one expected the Princess of Wales, Kete Middleton, to dress as the local people did in India and Bhutan when she visited there in 2016.
At first glimpse, it looks as if the Princess has, in fact, a Sari on, but then we realize that she chose to wear a simple yet beautiful flowered dress that blends in perfectly with the scenery. The light scarf she added completes the look, and she proves yet again that it does not take much to make a statement and still looks fabulous.
Edinburgh Green
Now, usually, when there is a special event or a specific ceremony, each member of the royal family will dress appropriately for the event, and all in a different color. However, occasionally, the family is color coordinated, just like they were at the memorial service for the late Prince Philip, held in 2022.
The late Queen, Princess Anne, Queen Camilla, Kate Middleton, and others all came wearing Edinburgh green in respect to the late loved one. There is something unifying when several people wear the same. This way, no one stands out more than the other, and the reasoning behind the color is the center of the event (in this case, Prince Philip).
Honorable Bracelets
When we talk about fashion, and especially when we talk about royal fashion, not everything is about brand-new dresses or expensive tiaras and elegant shoes. Many fashionable items seen on members of the royal family are worn in honor of someone. This is a common custom amongst the family, as we see in this next photo of Meghan Markle.
For her so-called interview with Oprah Winfrey, Markle wore a delicate and beautiful bracelet previously owned by the late Princess Diana. The bracelet is not eye-popping and is very modest, yet it gives a classic touch with a great story behind it.
Country Color Coordinated
Not only do royals adapt what they wear to the customs of the country they are visiting, but they occasionally match their dress or suit to the colors of the country's flag. Many members of the family have blended in with the background during a press conference or important meeting with a head of state.
When Queen Camila visited Canada, her red dress stood out, and Middleton has been known to specialize in this fashion tradition. She wore a blue and yellow dress when she visited Sweden, green and white when she traveled to Pakistan, and magnificent orange and green when visiting India.
The Revenge Dress
Breaking away from the traditional British designers, Diana wore a dress by Christina Stambolian, a renowned Greek designer. Reportedly, for this event, Diana had planned to wear a Valentino dress but, at the last minute, chose the Christina Stambolian design instead. This is an example that sometimes, last-minute decisions end up being for the best!
You cannot go wrong with a black dress, and it doesn't matter if you are royal or not. As this event came shortly after her quickly dissolving marriage, the Stambolian dress was later known as “the revenge dress.” And it was indeed one of Diana’s most unforgettably glamorous looks.
The Engagement Gown Is More Than Just a Gown
When Kate Middleton first appeared in the public eye, she quickly became known for her youthful, elegant style. She also became a trendsetter after appearing in so many British tabloids wearing her gowns. Kate wore a stunning silk jersey wrap dress to announce her engagement. British designer Issa designed the dress, and after Kate wore it, it sold out in 43 countries!
The brand Issa was unprepared for the influx in customer interest and eventually closed its doors to the public. Princess Diana wore blue to her engagement announcement, making this fashion statement worth even more. So, if you want to be trendy and up-to-date, check out the princess's wardrobe.
Diana's Choker
At first, you will ask us why we are highlighting an era in fashion history that, to some, should be erased. Well, although the head choker to most represents the glamorous 1980s, when it comes to Diana, everything goes. And besides, we heard they (the chokers) were making their way back into fashion. Now, this is not just any head choker.
It is adorned with emerald stones and dazzling diamonds, turning this piece into a real royal head accessory. The queen at the time wasn't a great lover of the trend, but this is how the late princess preserved her uniqueness and individuality.
Princess Beatrice’s Handbag
For the 2018 Chelsea Flower Show, Princess Beatrice had more to say than the ears could hear. She wore a cute, simple, and suitable flowered dress; however, what stood out most was her black handbag. Not everyone noticed this, but on the handbag, there was an engraved message that said, "Be cool, be nice."
This slogan is associated with an antibullying campaign the princess supported. No one knows if this followed the bullying she received after wearing the "octopus fascinator" to William and Kate's wedding; however, she proves you can say so much by choosing the right outfit. Thumbs up, Beatrice.
Princess Charlotte’s and Her Floral Spark
Since the days of Princess Anne, back in the 1940s and 1950s, royal baby girls would only wear pastel-colored floral dresses during the summer hot days. This was an unwritten rule, and whenever a little royal girl was seen, she was in bloom. Traditions have died, and Princess Charlotte has been wearing floral dresses to most public events.
The dress represents class and a timeless look for the royal family, who strive to preserve their tradition. So, if you have a baby girl you believe is a princess (destined to be Queen), little pastel floral dresses are the ones to choose.
Kate Middleton and the Movement
At the 2018 BAFTA Awards, Kate Middleton screamed fashion. Being heavily pregnant, she wore a full-length dark green dress, diamonds all over, and a black clutch and heels. As it turns out, fashion was not the only thing the Princess was shouting that night. In solidarity with the #MeToo movement, Middleton decided to wear the closest color to black as she could. Being royal, complete black was out of the question.
It was a bit of a surprise, and many couldn't understand how she managed to get out of the strict dress code; besides, Royals are not supposed to give their opinion about anything. But there you go. If you have something to say, wear it.
One Black Sheep
We always expect members of the royal family to make a statement or publicly share a beauty tip when they are at big, glamorous events. Here is an example of the late Princess Diana shouting out her thoughts and feelings by wearing what seems to be, at first, a simple sweater.
It is no secret that Diana always felt left out and the black sheep of the royal family. That one black sheep on the sweater represents exactly that. It was designed by Warm & Wonderful, who placed one black sheep going deliberately against the herd. This piece became so iconic it was reproduced in 2020.
It's Christmas Time
If you thought only middle-class families had Christmas garments in their wardrobe, think again. It is not only us commoners who save some pieces for the late December days. Apparently, the late Queen herself had a few outfits she preserved for the holiday season.
On one of the latest Christmas, the Queen greeted her family wearing a bright red suit, with a matching hat and festive scarf. There was no way she would stand out amongst the rest of the guests; however, she might have blended in with the other Christmas tree decorations. Well, after all, she is responsible for spreading the Christmas spirit around the nation.
Queen Elizabeth’s Fashionable Wedding Dress
Queen Elizabeth II's marriage to Prince Philip, which took place just minutes after the end of World War II, was a true royal and fashion affair. The Queen's wedding gown was adorned with over 10,000 pearls, crafted from ivory satin, and embroidered with tulle. This was a young, fashionable way of freshening up the tired and old-fashioned royal family.
What made her dress even more special was that she had to pay for it using her own money, as the wedding took place shortly after the war when resources were scarce. In a show of her nobility and resilience, the Queen used ration coupons she had collected to purchase her wedding dress, a testament to her commitment to her people and country.
A Real Princess's Gown
We can't go through fashion icons without mentioning a true princess. In 1981, the entire world was either standing outside Buckingham Palace or glued to the television screens, watching Princess Diana marrying Prince Charles, now King Charles III, and wearing an astonishing dress that was never seen before.
David and Elizabeth Emanuel were responsible for turning Diana into the beautiful bride she was, and they did it with a dress worth more than $200,000. Ten thousand pearls and embroidered flowers decorated the ivory silky dress, and the grand finale was the train. Twenty-five feet long, making it the longest one in royal wedding history.