Vintage Photos Of Queen Elizabeth II Prove She Was The Most Stylish Royal Of All

A fashion icon.

Queen Elizabeth II was a driving icon, a family-first icon (for better and for worse) and, of course, a fashion icon.

Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle may have gotten more attention in recent years for their style choices, but the queen was making headlines for her mixed prints and color-blocking way before they were around.

In later years she was known for color coordinating suits and elaborate hats, which came from a wardrobe that was meticulously planned and put together in advance. She even employed someone to wear in her shoes, and wore a lot of blue.

Queen Elizabeth II attended the traditional Royal Maundy Service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on March 24, 2016 in Windsor, England.
Max Mumby/Indigo via Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II attended the traditional Royal Maundy Service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on March 24, 2016 in Windsor, England.

But she was no less fashion-forward than she was during some of her earlier, less expected moments. Like, say, a statement coat at 9 years old or the many flower crowns she’s worn over the years.

Check out our favorite vintage photos of Queen Elizabeth II’s style, both then and in the years just before her death, below.

Ruffled skirt? Check!
Print Collector via Getty Images
1928
She adopted the blanket scarf trend at an early age.
Royal Photographic Society via Getty Images
1930
She had the whole "mommy and me" thing down.
Universal History Archive via Getty Images
Circa late 1930s.
She knew the value of a statement coat...
Hulton Archive via Getty Images
Circa 1935
...and even a statement shoulder.
Keystone via Getty Images
Circa 1935
She went "bigger is better" when it came to collars.
Universal History Archive via Getty Images
1937
And she nailed the equestrian look.
Lisa Sheridan via Getty Images
1942
She wasn't afraid to play with prints.
Lisa Sheridan via Getty Images
1940
Lisa Sheridan via Getty Images
1944
Keystone-France via Getty Images
1955
And she appreciated the power of a red lip.
Lisa Sheridan via Getty Images
1946
Her wedding dress was elaborate...
Hulton Archive via Getty Images
1947
... but she wasn't above repeating a statement piece.
Hulton Archive via Getty Images
1951
Fox Photos via Getty Images
1954
She had the most bling.
Universal History Archive via Getty Images
1953
ullstein bild via Getty Images
1953
And was sheerly elegant.
Fox Photos via Getty Images
1954
Keystone-France via Getty Images
1969
She rocked floral headpieces way before Coachella.
Keystone via Getty Images
1961
George Freston via Getty Images
1968
Serge Lemoine via Getty Images
1980
And turbans, too.
Serge Lemoine via Getty Images
1975
Serge Lemoine via Getty Images
1977
A little rain couldn't dampen her signature look.
ullstein bild via Getty Images
1953
(Or a little sun, either.)
Anwar Hussein via Getty Images
1977
Her headscarf game was on point.
STRINGER via Getty Images
1972
Keystone-France via Getty Images
1972
She was great in solids...
Serge Lemoine via Getty Images
1980
... And patterns, too.
Anwar Hussein via Getty Images
1977
And she wasn't afraid of a little touch-up.
David Levenson via Getty Images
1985
She mastered ombré.
Anwar Hussein via Getty Images
1977
Most importantly, she knew you're never *fully* dressed without a smile.
WPA Pool via Getty Images
2016
DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS via Getty Images
2017
Samir Hussein via Getty Images
2018
Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images
2019

Before You Go

Queen Elizabeth's Most Dazzling Hats

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