Decoding Queen Elizabeth's bright wardrobe

Decoding Queen Elizabeth’s bright wardrobe

If there’s one thing you could count on with Britain’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, it was her love for bold and bright colours. While royalty around town would scrunch their noses at a blazing lime green jacket, the queen wore her neons and brights with utmost panache, never shying away from standing out in the crowd.

Whether she was dressed in sunshine yellow, or a brilliant royal blue, Her Majesty ensured she was always the centre of attention. But, beyond her unconventional rainbow wardrobe, there was a surprisingly practical reason, and an emotional one too.

For most, her bright colours were just another fashion statement. But the real reason was once revealed by her daughter-in-law, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who stated that the queen preferred bold colours to ensure that she was easily spotted in a crowd. In a crowd that was often 10 or 15 people deep, the Queen wanted to be visible. As Sophie put it, “People wait for hours just to catch a glimpse — even if it’s just her hat going by.”
Queen Elizabeth in bright coloursQueen Elizabeth in bright colours

The queen didn’t just wear the bright colours for herself, but for everyone else too. It was her way of showing up, of being present. Or, as she once famously said: “I have to be seen to be believed.”

And show up she did! Whether attending a public engagement in Cornwall or meeting dignitaries overseas, Queen Elizabeth was never not dressed with intention. Her outfits may be classic: a tailored coat and dress in the same colour, topped off with a matching hat, but it never failed to draw attention.

Queen ElizabethQueen Elizabeth

Owing to her quirky ensemble, she always kept her accessories classic — black leather handbag, gloves, practical heels — and rarely stepped out without her triple-strand pearls and a brooch. Over the decades, the look became a part of her. Almost synonymous with her if you may!

While Royals across the globe usually stuck to neutrals and pastels, the Queen painted her presence with confidence and cheer. Ever the diplomat, she never revealed her favourite colour, but it was easy to see that the queen definitely had a soft spot for buttery yellow — not an easy shade to wear, but one she pulled off effortlessly.

During her reign, there was some sort of comfort in knowing that Her Majesty would always show up — in pearls, with a smile, and in a colour bright enough to cut through any grey sky.