Rulers Of People, Rulers Of Fashion
For years, the royal families and members of their inner circle were some of the most, if not the most, famous individuals in the world, so it’s no surprise that everything about them was very closely monitored. We guess old habits die hard, as many folks still turn to the royals for outfit inspiration, even after their monolith on communities has severely lessened. What items would you wear on this list?
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1. Barbour Jackets
These durable pieces of outerwear are popular for being water-resistant and windproof, and are popular among the royals when they head to the country. Many royals have been photographed during horseback or hunting trips, and are arguably synonymous with the royal family at this point.
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2. Fascinators
These elaborate hairpieces likely originate from the mother of maximalism, Queen Marie Antoinette, but continue to reappear in fashion during times of royal nuptials or other special events. Kate and Pippa Middleton are well-known for incorporating fascinators into their outfits.
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3. Tweed
Did you know that King Charles has been wearing the same tweed jacket since the 1980s? The high quality of fabric and natural insulation make tweed jackets a cold-weather staple for royal family members. Alongside His Majesty, the Princess of Wales has also been spotted wearing tweed blazers over the past few years.
4. Blazers
The royals are often spotted in different colors and styles of blazers, highlighting their ability to dress up any outfit. Meghan Markle, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Anne, Lady Louise Windsor, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, and Princess Diana have all been photographed sporting the popular item through the years.
5. Ray-Ban Sunglasses
Wayfarer sunglasses have been a favorite style among celebrities, originating with Audrey Hepburn back in 1961. However, Ray-Bans as a whole are among the most widely loved sunglasses brands for the royals. Kate is a strong believer in the Wayfarer style, while William, Harry, Charles, and Camilla are often seen wearing other models.
6. Friendship Bracelets
Likely thanks to Taylor Swift, who is more well-known for popularizing the friendship bracelet trend, many royals have been spotted wearing colorful string bracelets at many events in the past few years. His and Her Majesties, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte just can’t get enough of the Eras tour!
7. Roland Mouret
This popular designer has been a staple of Kate Middleton’s wardrobe for years, while also being a frequent choice for Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, Princess Sofia of Sweden, and Princess Charlene of Monaco.
8. Earrings
The Princess of Wales is often seen wearing drop earrings with a yellow-gold metal, some of her favorites being from Missoma, Monica Vinader, Orelia, and Zara. She’s made them so popular, in fact, that they’re still considered some of the best-selling brands for brands.
9. Polka Dots
Another popular item introduced by Kate Middleton, the polka dot pattern is often associated with youth and playfulness, but the Princess seems to be able to pull off the pattern with an air of elegance and grace.
10. Espadrille Wedges
These summery wedges have made an appearance at casual and formal occasions attended by the royals. They’re most often worn by Princess Catherine, but Meghan Markle, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and others have been photographed in these shoes.
11. Belted Looks
Kate and Meghan were among the most recent royals to make belts popular again, although they were also popular with Princess Diana. Regardless, this fashion choice has always been popular with the royals as a way to better define their silhouette and provide structure to their outfits.
12. Monochromic Dressing
Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was well-known for her bright monochromatic outfits. Even after her death, the royal legacy continued through Kate and Meghan, who have both often used monochromatic colors to create a polished and feminine outfit.
13. Choker
Queen Alexandra of Denmark was the first royal to popularize this tight neck adornment. While she originally used it to hide a scar on her neck, her status during the Victorian era made the choker a fashion trend for the following half-century.
14. Cat-Eye Frames
Princess Margaret was well-known as a style icon during the 50s and 60s, popularizing the well-loved cat-eye glasses style. She was said to pair these glasses with haute couture, cementing these glasses in the social zeitgeist as a chic accessory.
15. Kente Cloth
This popular pattern is the national cloth of Ghana, but was originally reserved for royalty and sacred ceremonies. The intricate patterns and colors of the cloth were an ultimate status symbol of wealth and power, but are now used today as a symbol of African unity and heritage.
16. Tailcoats
King George III popularized this men’s coat during the 18th century, making it a part of the “Windsor uniform.” This was a way for the royal family and court to present a collective identity and signify their status, launching the style into superstardom during the Regency period.
17. The “Revenge” Dress
This iconic off-the-shoulder dress was worn by Princess Diana the day after Prince Charles admitted he was having an affair. The dress was a gorgeous, form-fitting piece that completely defied royal fashion norms. While the actual style of a revenge dress doesn’t matter, it was the People’s Princess who brought the idea to the mainstream.
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18. Tailored Denim
Princess Anne was among the first royals to wear tailored denim, sporting bell-bottom jeans back in the 1970s, but it was really Diana who made it popular. In the 80s and 90s, she was often seen wearing high-waisted jeans with a button-down, blazer, or oversized sweatshirt, a look that is still common today.
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19. The “Kate Effect”
The Princess of Wales has cemented herself as a fashion icon ever since she started being seen with the royal family. Copycats wanting to steal her looks have contributed 1 billion Euros annually to the fashion industry. This is due to a combination of the Princess’s carefully curated image and her chic sense of style.
Office of U.S. Ambassador to U.K. on Wikimedia
20. White Wedding Dresses
You could argue Queen Victoria is still the most influential of all the royals, as she launched the standard Western wedding dress culture all the way back in 1840. The dress, made of honiton lace, was quite expensive, highlighting the family’s wealth.
