Style & Beauty

Vintage Photos Of Queen Elizabeth II Prove She's The Most Stylish Royal Of All

Yes, queen (literally).

Queen Elizabeth II is a driving icon, a family-first icon and, of course, a fashion icon.

Much has been made of the royal family and their sartorial choices recently, as Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have taken the spotlight over the past few years. But the queen has been making headlines for her mixed prints and color-blocking way before they were around.

These days, we are quick to think of her in color coordinating suits and elaborate hats. Perhaps you have heard that she employs someone to wear in her shoes, or that she wears a lot of blue.

Queen Elizabeth II attends the traditional Royal Maundy Service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on March 24, 2016 in Windsor, England.
Queen Elizabeth II attends the traditional Royal Maundy Service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on March 24, 2016 in Windsor, England.

Today, she is no less fashion-forward than she was during some of her earlier, less expected moments. Like, say, a statement coat at 9 years old or the many flower crowns she’s worn over the years.

Check out our favorite vintage photos of Queen Elizabeth II’s style, both then and now, below.

Ruffled skirt? Check!
Print Collector via Getty Images
1928
She adopted the blanket scarf trend at an early age.
Royal Photographic Society via Getty Images
1930
She had the whole "mommy and me" thing down.
Universal History Archive via Getty Images
Circa late 1930s.
She knows the value of a statement coat.
Hulton Archive via Getty Images
Circa 1935
And, for that matter, a statement shoulder.
Keystone via Getty Images
Circa 1935
It's "bigger is better" when it comes to collars.
Universal History Archive via Getty Images
1937
And she nails the equestrian trend.
Lisa Sheridan via Getty Images
1942
She's not afraid to play with prints.
Lisa Sheridan via Getty Images
1940
Lisa Sheridan via Getty Images
1944
Keystone-France via Getty Images
1955
She appreciates the power of a red lip.
Lisa Sheridan via Getty Images
1946
She was far from a traditional bride.
Hulton Archive via Getty Images
1947
She's not above repeating a statement piece.
Hulton Archive via Getty Images
1951
Fox Photos via Getty Images
1954
And she has the best bling.
Universal History Archive via Getty Images
1953
ullstein bild via Getty Images
1953
She's sheerly elegant.
Fox Photos via Getty Images
1954
Keystone-France via Getty Images
1969
She was rocking floral headpieces way before Coachella.
Keystone via Getty Images
1961
George Freston via Getty Images
1968
Serge Lemoine via Getty Images
1980
And turbans before they were sold at Urban Outfitters.
Serge Lemoine via Getty Images
1975
Serge Lemoine via Getty Images
1977
A little rain can't get in the way of her great style.
ullstein bild via Getty Images
1953
Or a little sun, either.
Anwar Hussein via Getty Images
1977
Her headscarf game is on point.
STRINGER via Getty Images
1972
Keystone-France via Getty Images
1972
She's great in solids...
Serge Lemoine via Getty Images
1980
... And patterns, too.
Anwar Hussein via Getty Images
1977
She knows the world is her mirror.
David Levenson via Getty Images
1985
And is an ombré master.
Anwar Hussein via Getty Images
1977
Most importantly, she knows you're never *fully* dressed without a smile.
WPA Pool via Getty Images
2016
DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS via Getty Images
2017
Samir Hussein via Getty Images
2018
Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images
2019

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story misstated the date of Queen Elizabeth II's wedding. She was married to Prince Philip in 1947.

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