Ever since she stepped into the royal spotlight, Queen Elizabeth II’s personal style and fashion have been emblematic of timeless elegance. Not only is she a long-term ally of the fashion industry, notably with her Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design supporting emerging designer talent, but she’s also renowned for her love of vibrant colours.
From styling pearl necklaces with A-line dresses to contrasting coats and embellished hats with silk scarves and classic evening bags, the Queen’s distinct aesthetic is a global symbol of refinement. Colour-blocking has continuously radiated in her style at public engagements, giving us something to consider for ourselves in time for summer.
Ahead of Her Majesty’s official birthday on 12 June, Vogue takes a look at the Queen’s most powerful colour-blocking moments over the years.
1 / 10
Always in fashion
Arriving at Windsor after a day at the races in 1973, the Queen showcased a masterclass in blocking in this beautiful pastel-green dress, coat and hat, paired with white accessories.
2 / 10
Leader of the pack
There’s no doubt that she likes green, of whatever shade. Photographed with her favourite corgis (and other dogs) at Sandringham in 1980, the Queen wore this beautiful belted A-line coat.
3 / 10
Tickled pink
Meeting crowds in Dorset in 2012, she combined a striking magenta coat with black lapels and buttons. Even the corgis are dressed up.
4 / 10
Power dressing
At the Cartier Queen’s Cup polo final in 2013, the Queen opted for a simple, yet powerful, red and black combination.
5 / 10
Sunny disposition
Matching yellow, white and a dash of blue in 2017, the Queen matched her dress, coat, hat and even her umbrella at a Buckingham Palace garden party.
6 / 10
Perfect match
The Queen smiles in vivid blue as she arrives at a shopping centre in Berkshire in 2018. She teams this beautiful coat with matching shoes, gloves, bag and buttons.
7 / 10
Trooping the colours
In celebration of the centenary of Britain’s Royal Air Force in 2018, the Queen colour-blocked two contrasting shades of metallic-cobalt blue with a matching coat and hat.
8 / 10
Smart and stylish
For Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in May 2018, the Queen chose a chartreuse coat with deep-purple feather details, white gloves and her signature black handbag.
9 / 10
Bright and bold
In 2019, she paired a black evening bag, kitten-heel loafers and leather gloves with a vibrant electric-orange coat for a visit to London’s Science Museum.
10 / 10
Pretty in pastels
At another garden party in 2019, the Queen opted for a pale baby-pink coat with white trim, white gloves, and a black evening bag and shoes. Note again the matching umbrella.
