Pastel hues were a standout feature of the spring/summer 2024 runways, and as we transition into the new season, many brands continue to embrace this trend. However, it was Queen Elizabeth II who first popularized these charming ice cream colors on a global scale.
Known for her striking ensembles, the Queen carefully selected outfits that ensured she stood out in any crowd, crafting an iconic and colorful image that defined her as a modern monarch. Her signature look often included a tailored dress paired with a matching coat, falling to the shin, and she famously adorned herself in a spectrum of shades—from candy floss pink to buttercup yellow, lilac, and lime.
In recent years, Catherine, Princess of Wales, has followed in the footsteps of the late Queen, showcasing a diverse range of pastel shades. Kate frequently opts for colors that Elizabeth wore, reinterpreting them in updated silhouettes, such as stylish trouser suits, while keeping the timeless pastel tradition alive.
In 2019, Queen Elizabeth showcased a candyfloss pink coat as she arrived at Sandringham, her estate in Norfolk. Kate later re-interpreted the colour with a pink Alexander McQueen suit in 2022
In 2022, she picked a pink Alexander McQueen two-piece suit for a business meeting in London.
Queen Elizabeth previously wore the charming shade on a visit to Sandringham in 2019.
Queen Camilla has also displayed a preference for this soft hue.
She recently sported a custom-made Anna Valentine coat dress at a Buckingham Palace garden party.
Her Majesty paired the soft-toned outfit with the Williamson Pink Diamond Brooch, a standout piece from Queen Elizabeth’s collection.
This brooch holds a special history: its central pink diamond was gifted to Elizabeth in 1947 by Canadian geologist John Thoburn Williamson as a wedding present.
Under the guidance of Queen Mary, Elizabeth had the rare diamond set as the focal point of a modern brooch, making it one of her most treasured pieces.
Queen Camilla has also displayed a preference for this soft pink hue, recently sporting a bespoke coat dress by Anna Valentine at a Buckingham Palace garden party
In 2012, during Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, Vogue published a color review of her outfits from the previous year, revealing that 29% of her dresses, suits, and hats were in shades of blue, from icy tones to rich cobalt. Interestingly, beige was the Queen’s least-worn color, making up just 1% of her total wardrobe.
In stark contrast, Meghan Markle favored beige, camel, and white during her time as a working member of the Royal Family. The former Suits actress explained that her neutral wardrobe stemmed from restrictions on wearing vibrant colors. In the 2022 Netflix series Harry and Meghan, she noted, “Most of the time I was in the UK, I rarely wore color. I wore a lot of muted tones… so I could just blend in.”
Meghan emphasized her desire to fit into the royal family, stating, “There was no version of me joining this family and not trying to do everything I could to fit in. I don’t want to embarrass the family.”
Since stepping back from public duties, Meghan has continued to embrace a predominantly neutral wardrobe, even with full control over her clothing choices. Her sartorial elegance was especially evident at the 2023 Invictus Games, where she showcased a variety of muted ensembles from designers like Celine, Zara, Gabriela Hearst, and Cuyana.
Beige was the Queen’s least-worn colour, unlike Meghan Markle who dresses, almost exclusively, in shades of beige, camel and white
Princess Eugenie appeared to draw inspiration from her late grandmother’s style when she attended Royal Ascot in June.
The Princess’ refined Diane von Furstenberg dress was crafted in the same soft mint hue as one of Queen Elizabeth’s ensembles from the previous year.
The delicate shade was equally flattering on both women, showcasing their timeless fashion sense.
Eugenie chose bold accessories: an Emily London hat, Anya Hindmarch clutch and Aquazzura’s popular ‘Bow-Tie’ pumps.
Appearing to take cues from the coat the late monarch donned at Royal Ascot in 2023, Princess Eugenie showcased a dress of the same hue at the event in June
Zara Tindall also seemed to channel her late grandmother at the renowned racing event.
The Olympic equestrian donned a cornflower blue dress by Rebecca Vallance, featuring a fit-and-flare silhouette, braided neckline and puff sleeves, in a delightful powder blue hue.
Zara elevated her ensemble with Dune court shoes, a bespoke hat from Sarah Cant and ‘Hettie’ bag by Tusting.
This sartorial nod echoed Queen Elizabeth’s outfit from two years prior, when she donned a near-identical shade at the Royal Company of Archers Reddendo Parade in June 2022.
Zara Tindall also seemed to channel her late grandmother at the renowned racing event, wearing a cornflower blue dress by Rebecca Vallance. This sartorial nod echoed Queen Elizabeth’s outfit from two years prior, when she donned a near-identical shade at the Royal Company of Archers Reddendo Parade in June 2022
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, was said to have shared a close bond with Queen Elizabeth, even referring to her mother-in-law as ‘mama’.
It appears that the Duchess has been affected by the late monarch in several aspects, including her fashion choices.
Attending King Charles’ garden party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Sophie paid a subtle tribute to her late mother-in-law by wearing a blue-grey Roland Mouret dress and Jimmy Choo pumps.
The hue of her outfit echoed a coat Queen Elizabeth wore five years earlier, which featured golden floral embroidery and her signature structured cut.
The Queen had accessorised with a matching hat, her beloved Launer handbag and Anello & Davide loafers.
Attending King Charles’ garden party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Sophie paid a subtle tribute to her late mother-in-law by wearing a blue-grey Roland Mouret dress and Jimmy Choo pumps. The hue of her outfit echoed a coat Queen Elizabeth wore five years earlier, which featured golden floral embroidery and her signature structured cut
