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Queen Elizabeth's standout fashion moments, on the first anniversary of her death

Queen Elizabeth fashion
Queen Elizabeth served 70 years of great royal fashion moments throughout her reign. (Getty Images)

The nation is marking the first death anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II, exactly one year after she died on 8 September 2022.

The late monarch lived until the remarkable age of 96 and cemented her legacy as the longest reigning monarch in British history as she spent 70 years of her life on the throne.

Having been in the spotlight since birth, Elizabeth certainly knew a thing or two about personal style and dressing for the public eye.

As a young princess, she took to wearing the era-defining A-line floral tea dresses and pleated dresses, opting for practical tweed and skirt suiting for horse riding and other outdoor affairs.

In her late teens, she graduated to fitted dresses and straight skirt suits as she took on her duties as a senior royal.

In 1947, she married her late husband, Prince Philip, in a dress that was certainly fit for a future queen. Designed by her go-to couturier Sir Norman Hartnell, it featured a dramatic 13ft train and intricate embroidery representing the flora of the UK and Commonwealth countries.

When she succeeded her father to the throne in 1952, Elizabeth embraced elegant embroidered gowns for her coronation, and later state banquets and receptions, before honing her day-to-day style by enlisting designer Hardy Amies (until 1990).

In her final years, Her Majesty turned to dressmakers Stewart Parvin and Angela Kelly for her instantly recognisable colourful skirt suits, which, according to daughter-in-law Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, she wore to ensure she can be seen in large crowds.

On what would have been her 97th birthday, take a look back at Her Majesty's most memorable looks from her 70 years on the throne.

More on the anniversary of the Queen's death

The late Queen Elizabeth II's standout fashion moments

Her Majesty's final engagement ensemble

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II waits to meet with new Conservative Party leader and Britain's Prime Minister-elect at Balmoral Castle in Ballater, Scotland, on September 6, 2022. - Liz Truss on Tuesday officially became Britain's new prime minister, at an audience with head of state Queen Elizabeth II after the resignation of Boris Johnson. (Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II pictured on September 6, 2022. (Getty Images)

The late Queen wore a tartan skirt, paying homage to Scotland, to officially welcome Britain's new prime minister Liz Truss on 6 September, 2022. A coordinating blouse, one of Her Majesty's go-to knitted cardigans and her three-string pearl necklace completed the put-together, but still comfortable, look.

Florals for spring

Queen Elizabeth best fashion outfits
Queen Elizabeth pictured during her first official engagement of 2022. (Getty Images)

The late monarch opted for a spring palette with her floral dress, worn for her first official engagement of 2022, as she viewed a display of artefacts from British craftwork company, Halcyon Days, at Windsor Castle.

Pretty in pink

Queen Elizabeth best fashion outfits
Queen Elizabeth at Balmoral in August 2021. (Getty Images)

Queen Elizabeth was dressed for summer during an inspection of the Balaklava Company in August 2021 as she took up her summer residence in Balmoral, Scotland. She proudly pinned her Royal Regiment of Scotland brooch on her chest as she inspected the regiment.

Signature look

Queen Elizabeth best fashion outfits
Queen Elizabeth at the launch of the 2022 Commonwealth Games Baton Relay at Buckingham Palace in October 2021. (Getty Images)

A perfect example of Her Majesty's signature look. Elizabeth dressed in a vibrant deep orange coat dress and coordinating hat at the launch of the 2022 Commonwealth Games Baton Relay at Buckingham Palace in October 2021.

Countryside chic

Queen Elizabeth best fashion outfits
Queen Elizabeth with Prince Charles as he planted the first Jubilee tree in the grounds of Windsor Castle. (Getty Images)

Her Majesty would put practicality first when dressing for the outdoors, and was known for her riding boots and waterproof wax jackets. Whatever she wore, Elizabeth always managed to look chic, as seen here in a green woollen caped coat with Prince Charles as he planted the first Jubilee tree in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Summer shades

Queen Elizabeth best fashion outfits
Queen Elizabeth at the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in London in 2018. (Getty Images)

A little rain didn't stop the Her Majesty from embracing the summer in a pale pink dress coat and matching pink umbrella as she met guests as for her Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in London in 2018.

Royal Ascot

Queen Elizabeth best fashion outfits
Queen Elizabeth seen at Royal Ascot. (PA)

The annual horse races at Royal Ascot allowed Her Majesty to push the boat out in terms of colour and pattern.

London Fashion Week

Queen Elizabeth best fashion outfits
Queen Elizabeth, photographed with Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, at London Fashion Week, in 2018. (Getty Images)

The late Queen wore a co-ordinating pale blue skirt suit as she sat next to Anna Wintour to view Richard Quinn's runway show before presenting him with the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design at London Fashion Week, 2018.

Signature pearls

Queen Elizabeth best fashion outfits
Queen Elizabeth and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at the opening of Mersey Gateway Bridge in June 2018. (Getty Images)

Her Majesty was rarely seen without her three-string pearl necklace and Launer bag. Seen here joined by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex for a ceremony to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge on June 14, 2018.

Silk scarves

Queen Elizabeth best fashion outfits
Queen Elizabeth at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Home Park in 2017 in Windsor. (Getty Images)

Queen Elizabeth was also known for her numerous silk headscarves, seen here as she watched her horse 'Barber's Shop' win at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Home Park in 2017 in Windsor.

Vibrant hues

Queen Elizabeth best fashion outfits
Queen Elizabeth at Birmingham New Street Station in 2015. (Getty Images)

Queen Elizabeth brightened even the rainiest of British days with her vibrant colour choices, as seen here when she visited the newly redeveloped Birmingham New Street Station in 2015.

Formalwear finesse

Queen Elizabeth best fashion outfits
Queen Elizabeth photographed during a state dinner for Barack and Michelle Obama in 2011. (Getty Images)

Her Majesty looked every bit as glamorous in her eighties as she did in her twenties at a state dinner for Barack and Michelle Obama at Buckingham Palace in 2011.

Winter whites

Queen Elizabeth best fashion outfits
Queen Elizabeth at a Christmas Day church service in Sandringham in 2010. (Getty Images)

Queen Elizabeth II understood the power of a tonal outfit, such as when she attended the morning service on Christmas Day at Sandringham Church, Norfolk, 2010.

Royal jewellery collection

Queen Elizabeth best fashion outfits
Queen Elizabeth at the State Opening of Parliament in 2007. (Getty Images)

Even as she entered her eighties, Her Majesty still championed regal style, wearing the Diamond Diadem crown made by Rundell, Bridge & Rundell as she arrived at the House of Lords for the State Opening of Parliament in 2007.

Signature accessories

The Queen Watching The Ceremonial Welcome For President Goncz Of Hungary At The Home Park, Windsor.  (Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth at the ceremonial welcome for President Goncz of Hungary in Windsor in 2005. (Getty Images)

Whilst styles may come and go, Her Majesty's trusty white block heels and square top-handled bags were always by her side, here as the ceremonial welcome for President Goncz of Hungary in Windsor, 2005.

Opera gloves

Queen's fashion moments
Queen Elizabeth at a banquet in Hungary. (Getty Images)

Her Majesty opted for a light pink gown for a banquet in Hungary, but didn't go without her signature formal opera gloves and royal jewels for the formal occasion.

Style of the times

Queen Elizabeth in Berlin wearing yellow
Queen Elizabeth in Berlin in 1987. (Getty Images)

Her Majesty's vibrant yellow patterned skirt suit was indicative of the 80s decade as visited Berlin in May 1987.

Practicality is key

Queen Elizabeth in Canada wearing an orange coat and fur hat
Queen Elizabeth in Canada in 1983. (Getty Images)

Queen Elizabeth adapted her accessories for each season. Seen here wearing a fur hat during a winter visit to Canada circa 1983.

Go-to dress shape

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in Kiribati during their tour of the South Pacific, 1982. (Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth with Prince Philip during their tour of the South Pacific in 1982. (Getty Images)

Queen Elizabeth took to wearing this recognisable patterned and pleated dress style on her royal tours, seen here with Prince Philip in Kiribati during their tour of the South Pacific, 1982.

Off-duty style

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on Safari in Zambia
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip during their state visit to Zambia in 1979. (Getty Images)

Her Majesty wore comparatively casual wear, opting for a loose shirt and slacks whilst on safari with Prince Philip during their state visit to Zambia, 1979.

Royal tour wardrobe

Queen Elizabeth in a green outfit in New Zealand
Queen Elizabeth during her royal tour of New Zealand in 1977. (Getty Images)

Her Majesty embraced green in a capped sleeve dress and matching hat during her royal tour of New Zealand in 1977.

Matching brooches

Queen Elizabeth in a green outfit in New Zealand
Queen Elizabeth during the New Zealand part of her Silver Jubilee Year Tour in 1977. (Getty Images)

The late monarch would often match her patterned dresses to her brooches and hats whilst on tour, seen here during her visit to New Zealand part of her Silver Jubilee Year Tour in March 1977.

Penchant for polka-dots

Queen Elizabeth wearing yellow in mexico best outfits. (Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth during her state visit to Mexico in1975. (Getty Images)

Think Kate co-opted the polka-dot trend? Think again. The late Queen had been wearing the pattern for decades, as seen here in a yellow button-down dress with a group of local children during her state visit to Mexico, 1975.

Sunshine hues

Queen Elizabeth wearing yellow in New Zealand with prince Philip
Queen Elizabeth with Prince Philip during her Commonwealth tour of New Zealand in 1974. (Getty Images)

Queen Elizabeth opted for sunshine yellow for her and Prince Philip's Commonwealth tour of New Zealand in 1974.

Red carpet glam

Queen Elizabeth at the premiere of Murder on the Orient Express
Queen Elizabeth at the premiere of Murder on the Orient Express in London in 1974. (Getty Images)

Queen Elizabeth opted for 70s glamour as she attended the premiere of Murder on the Orient Express in a silk turquoise dress with embroidered detailing in London in 1974.

Sleek travel outfits

Queen Elizabeth arriving at Balmoral in 1974 with her corgis
Queen Elizabeth arriving at Balmoral in 1974. (Getty Images)

Queen Elizabeth in a chic and sleek teal skirt suit, with co-ordinating feathered hat in Balmoral, Scotland in 1974.

Neckerchiefs

Queen Elizabeth with Prince Philip at Balmoral
Queen Elizabeth photographed with Prince Philip at Balmoral in 1972. (Getty Images)

The late monarch liked to match her outfit down to her accessories, including any neckerchiefs. Here with Prince Philip at Balmoral, Scotland, 1972.

Outdoor chic

Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh in the grounds of Balmoral
Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh in the grounds of Balmoral in 1972. (Getty Images)

Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh were countryside style icons in tweed and gabardine whilst at Balmoral, Scotland, 1972.

Checks please!

Queen Elizabeth ll with her daughter, Princess Anne, during a visit to Turkey in October, 1971. (Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth with Princess Anne during a visit to Turkey in 1971. (Getty Images)

The late monarch also experimented with patterns over the years, here one of the rare times Her Majesty was seen in houndstooth check with her daughter, Princess Anne, during a visit to Turkey in October, 1971.

At the races

Queen Elizabeth wearing yellow in Australia
Queen Elizabeth during her tour of Australia in 1970. (Getty Images)

Royal tours are where Her Majesty's style really showed itself, whilst chatting with jockeys Ron Quinton and Hilton Cope during her tour of Australia, April 1970.

Swinging Sixties

Queen Elizabeth with her corgis in the Sixties
Queen Elizabeth at the airport during the 1960s. (Getty Images)

Her Majesty in her go-to style, a sixties pea coat and hat, with her two corgis at the airport during the 1960s.

Eye-catching colour

Queen Elizabeth in a pink coat dress
Queen Elizabeth with Princess Anne at the wedding of Princess Margriet of the Netherlands in 1967. (Getty Images)

Whilst the silhouettes of her coat dresses rarely changed, the late Queen would mix it up with vibrant colours, reportedly so she can be seen from the crowd, as een here with Princess Anne at the wedding of Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, 1967.

Go-to cover up

Queen Elizabeth in 1965
Queen Elizabeth during a royal visit to the Isle of Wight in 1965. (Getty Images)

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Queen Elizabeth truly embraced the A-line pea coat style as her go-to outerwear in the 1960s, as seen here during a royal visit to the Isle of Wight in 1965.

World-class millinery

Queen Elizabeth wearing yellow in ghana
Queen Elizabeth photographed during her royal tour to Ghana in 1961. (Getty Images)

Her Majesty had a penchant for an architectural floral hat, as seen here on a royal tour to Ghana in 1961.

Stepping into summer

Queen Elizabeth in Italy in 1961.
Queen Elizabeth in Italy in 1961. (Getty Images)

Queen Elizabeth living La Dolce Vita whilst visiting Italy in 1961 wearing a summery checkered dress.

Festive dressing

Queen Elizabeth's first Christmas Day television address in 1957
Queen Elizabeth's first Christmas Day television address in 1957. (Getty Images)

Queen Elizabeth embraced the festive season in a shimmering dress for her first televised Christmas Day address to the nation in 1957.

Timeless elegance

Queen Elizabeth at Royal Ascot racecourse in 1955.
Queen Elizabeth at Royal Ascot racecourse in 1955. (Getty Images)

Her Majesty's blazer and floral dress combination seen here at Royal Ascot, wouldn't look out of place in 2023.

Going with the times

Queen Elizabeth in Germany in 1953.
Queen Elizabeth in Germany in 1953. (Getty Images)

He Majesty embraced the 1950s style with a patterned dress in Germany in 1953.

Portrait perfection

Queen Elizabeth official coronation portrait
Queen Elizabeth in an official portrait in 1953. (Getty Images)

Queen Elizabeth wore the Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order in an official portrait in 1953.

Coronation gown grandeur

Queen Elizabeth coronation
Queen Elizabeth during her coronation in 1953. (Getty Images)

For her coronation, the late Queen wore a design by Sir Norman Hartnell. It was created in the finest white duchesse satin, richly embroidered with the floral emblems signifying the nations of the UK and the Commonwealth.

Equestrian excellence

Queen Elizabeth on horseback during the Trooping of the Colour
Queen Elizabeth taking part in the Trooping of the Colour ceremony in 1952. (Getty Images)

An avid horse rider, Queen Elizabeth II never passed up the opportunity to take part in the Trooping of the Colour ceremony, seen here in official uniform.

Motherhood

Queen Elizabeth with young Prince Charles and Princess Anne
Queen Elizabeth with young Prince Charles and Princess Anne at Windsor Castle in 1952. (Getty Images)

Chic practicality was the theme of then Princess Elizabeth's royal wardrobe.

Senior royalty

Queen Elizabeth formalwear
Queen Elizabeth with Prince Philip in Malta in 1951.(Getty Images)

The late Queen's formalwear in the early days featured a similar silhouette: a strapless gown with a cinched waist and full skirt, that allowed her royal jewels and tiaras to sing.

Official duties

Queen Elizabeth with Prince Philip in Malta
Queen Elizabeth with Prince Philip in Malta in 1949.(Getty Images)

Whilst her skirt suits remained largely similar, the details changed with the times. Like these large mother-of-pearl buttons worn whilst with Prince Philip in Malta.

Beautiful bride

Queen Elizabeth wedding day
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's wedding day in November 1947. (Getty Images)

Queen Elizabeth wore a satin gown with intricate detail by Sir Norman Hartnell at her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947.

Engagement portrait

Queen Elizabeth's best outfits
Queen Elizabeth in her official engagement portrait at Buckingham Palace in 1947. (Getty Images)

The late Queen wore a lilac fitted dress with a sophisticated square collar, representing her graduation to a more senior role in the royal family, for her engagement portrait in 1947. It still featured a bit of fun though, with small bow detailing to the sleeves and neckline.

The happy couple

Queen Elizabeth's best outfits
Queen Elizabeth with then-Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten in 1947. (Getty Images)

The late monarch's engagement to then-Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten raised the style stakes even further, opting for her now-recognisable coat dresses for her first outing since the young couple's engagement.

Diplomatic dressing

Queen Elizabeth and princess margaret in South Africa
Queen Elizabeth in South Africa during a royal tour in 1947. (Getty Images)

Diplomatic dressing seemed to come easily to Queen Elizabeth from a young age, seen here wearing a floral dress with her sister Margaret in Durban, South Africa.

Early style signatures

Queen Elizabeth's best outfits
Queen Elizabeth with her sister Margaret at Balmoral, Scotland. (Getty Images)

Queen Elizabeth has accessorised with her famous head scarf since she was a teenager, as seen here with her sister Margaret at Balmoral.

Royal teenager

Queen Elizabeth's best outfits
Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle in the late 1940s. (Getty Images)

As she grew older, patterned A-line dresses with a cinched waist were a modest yet chic go-to for Queen Elizabeth, seen here at Windsor Castle in the late 1940s.

Young royal

Queen Elizabeth's best outfits
Queen Elizabeth as an early teen at Sandringham. (Getty Images)

Summer dresses were also a mainstay of Elizabeth's royal wardrobe, but frills and bows kept them youthful in her early teens at Sandringham.

Sister act

Queen Elizabeth's best outfits
Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose on the Sandringham Estate in 1942. (Getty Images)

Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose were often photographed in similar outfits during their youths, as seen here in matching tweed suits on the Sandringham Estate.

A family affair

Queen Elizabeth's best outfits
Princess Elizabeth with her mother and sister at Windsor Castle in 1941. (Getty Images)

Princess Elizabeth and sister, Princess Margaret wore matching pale pink outfits, pictured here with their mother, Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

Active youngsters

Queen Elizabeth's best outfits
Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret at the Sandringham, Norfolk, in the 1940s. (Getty Images)

Warm woollen clothing and traditional tartan was already a part of Her Majesty's wardrobe from a young age.

Like mother, like daughter

Queen Elizabeth's best outfits
Queen Elizabeth with her mother Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in Windsor, 1940. (Getty Images)

Practical, natural fabrics were a mainstay of the then Princess Elizabeth's young wardrobe, as seen here with her mother Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (later Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother at the Royal Lodge in Windsor, 1940.

Young royals

Queen Elizabeth's best outfits
Princess Elizabeth with her sister Margaret in the 1930s. (Culture Club/Getty Images)

Princess Elizabeth with her younger sister Margaret dressed in typically dressed in of-the-era outfits as young children in the 1930s.