General Principles:
* Modesty: Queen Elizabeth always dressed with a sense of modesty, avoiding revealing outfits or overly tight clothing.
* Color: She favored bright, vibrant colors, especially pastel shades, which helped her stand out in a crowd and made her easily recognizable.
* Classic Styles: She preferred classic, timeless designs over fleeting fashion trends, often wearing similar styles throughout her reign.
* Daytime Dress: During the day, she wore dresses or skirt suits, often with matching hats and gloves.
* Evening Wear: For evening events, she opted for elegant gowns and tiaras.
* Fabric: She favored high-quality fabrics like silk, wool, and lace, with a preference for British craftsmanship.
Specific Details:
* Hats: Hats were a staple of her wardrobe, chosen to complement her outfits and often adorned with feathers or flowers.
* Gloves: Gloves were worn during daytime events, adding an element of formality to her attire.
* Jewelry: Queen Elizabeth was known for her stunning jewelry collection, including the iconic Koh-i-Noor diamond.
* Brooches: She often wore brooches, which served as both decoration and a way to express her personal style.
* Handbags: Her handbags were always small and practical, allowing her to carry essentials without being too cumbersome.
* Shoes: She preferred simple, elegant shoes, often with a low heel.
Evolution Over Time:
* Early Reign: Her early wardrobe was more conservative and formal, reflecting the styles of the 1950s.
* Later Years: Her wardrobe became slightly more relaxed as the decades progressed, with her embracing brighter colors and bolder prints.
Significance:
Queen Elizabeth's dress code was a powerful symbol of her role as a monarch. It represented tradition, elegance, and Britishness. Her fashion choices were closely watched and often inspired trends around the world. Her style continues to be admired for its timeless grace and sophistication.