NZ Herald
  • Home
  • Latest news
  • Herald NOW
  • Video
  • New Zealand
  • Sport
  • World
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Podcasts
  • Quizzes
  • Opinion
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Viva
  • Weather

Subscriptions

  • Herald Premium
  • Viva Premium
  • The Listener
  • BusinessDesk

Sections

  • Latest news
  • New Zealand
    • All New Zealand
    • Crime
    • Politics
    • Education
    • Open Justice
    • Scam Update
  • Herald NOW
  • On The Up
  • World
    • All World
    • Australia
    • Asia
    • UK
    • United States
    • Middle East
    • Europe
    • Pacific
  • Business
    • All Business
    • MarketsSharesCurrencyCommoditiesStock TakesCrypto
    • Markets with Madison
    • Media Insider
    • Business analysis
    • Personal financeKiwiSaverInterest ratesTaxInvestment
    • EconomyInflationGDPOfficial cash rateEmployment
    • Small business
    • Business reportsMood of the BoardroomProject AucklandSustainable business and financeCapital markets reportAgribusiness reportInfrastructure reportDynamic business
    • Deloitte Top 200 Awards
    • CompaniesAged CareAgribusinessAirlinesBanking and financeConstructionEnergyFreight and logisticsHealthcareManufacturingMedia and MarketingRetailTelecommunicationsTourism
  • Opinion
    • All Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Editorials
    • Business analysis
    • Premium opinion
    • Letters to the editor
  • Politics
  • Sport
    • All Sport
    • OlympicsParalympics
    • RugbySuper RugbyNPCAll BlacksBlack FernsRugby sevensSchool rugby
    • CricketBlack CapsWhite Ferns
    • Racing
    • NetballSilver Ferns
    • LeagueWarriorsNRL
    • FootballWellington PhoenixAuckland FCAll WhitesFootball FernsEnglish Premier League
    • GolfNZ Open
    • MotorsportFormula 1
    • Boxing
    • UFC
    • BasketballNBABreakersTall BlacksTall Ferns
    • Tennis
    • Cycling
    • Athletics
    • SailingAmerica's CupSailGP
    • Rowing
  • Lifestyle
    • All Lifestyle
    • Viva - Food, fashion & beauty
    • Society Insider
    • Royals
    • Sex & relationships
    • Food & drinkRecipesRecipe collectionsRestaurant reviewsRestaurant bookings
    • Health & wellbeing
    • Fashion & beauty
    • Pets & animals
    • The Selection - Shop the trendsShop fashionShop beautyShop entertainmentShop giftsShop home & living
    • Milford's Investing Place
  • Entertainment
    • All Entertainment
    • TV
    • MoviesMovie reviews
    • MusicMusic reviews
    • BooksBook reviews
    • Culture
    • ReviewsBook reviewsMovie reviewsMusic reviewsRestaurant reviews
  • Travel
    • All Travel
    • News
    • New ZealandNorthlandAucklandWellingtonCanterburyOtago / QueenstownNelson-TasmanBest NZ beaches
    • International travelAustraliaPacific IslandsEuropeUKUSAAfricaAsia
    • Rail holidays
    • Cruise holidays
    • Ski holidays
    • Luxury travel
    • Adventure travel
  • Kāhu Māori news
  • Environment
    • All Environment
    • Our Green Future
  • Talanoa Pacific news
  • Property
    • All Property
    • Property Insider
    • Interest rates tracker
    • Residential property listings
    • Commercial property listings
  • Health
  • Technology
    • All Technology
    • AI
    • Social media
  • Rural
    • All Rural
    • Dairy farming
    • Sheep & beef farming
    • Horticulture
    • Animal health
    • Rural business
    • Rural life
    • Rural technology
    • Opinion
    • Audio & podcasts
  • Weather forecasts
    • All Weather forecasts
    • Kaitaia
    • Whangārei
    • Dargaville
    • Auckland
    • Thames
    • Tauranga
    • Hamilton
    • Whakatāne
    • Rotorua
    • Tokoroa
    • Te Kuiti
    • Taumaranui
    • Taupō
    • Gisborne
    • New Plymouth
    • Napier
    • Hastings
    • Dannevirke
    • Whanganui
    • Palmerston North
    • Levin
    • Paraparaumu
    • Masterton
    • Wellington
    • Motueka
    • Nelson
    • Blenheim
    • Westport
    • Reefton
    • Kaikōura
    • Greymouth
    • Hokitika
    • Christchurch
    • Ashburton
    • Timaru
    • Wānaka
    • Oamaru
    • Queenstown
    • Dunedin
    • Gore
    • Invercargill
  • Meet the journalists
  • Promotions & competitions
  • OneRoof property listings
  • Driven car news

Puzzles & Quizzes

  • Puzzles
    • All Puzzles
    • Sudoku
    • Code Cracker
    • Crosswords
    • Cryptic crossword
    • Wordsearch
  • Quizzes
    • All Quizzes
    • Morning quiz
    • Afternoon quiz
    • Sports quiz

Regions

  • Northland
    • All Northland
    • Far North
    • Kaitaia
    • Kerikeri
    • Kaikohe
    • Bay of Islands
    • Whangarei
    • Dargaville
    • Kaipara
    • Mangawhai
  • Auckland
  • Waikato
    • All Waikato
    • Hamilton
    • Coromandel & Hauraki
    • Matamata & Piako
    • Cambridge
    • Te Awamutu
    • Tokoroa & South Waikato
    • Taupō & Tūrangi
  • Bay of Plenty
    • All Bay of Plenty
    • Katikati
    • Tauranga
    • Mount Maunganui
    • Pāpāmoa
    • Te Puke
    • Whakatāne
  • Rotorua
  • Hawke's Bay
    • All Hawke's Bay
    • Napier
    • Hastings
    • Havelock North
    • Central Hawke's Bay
    • Wairoa
  • Taranaki
    • All Taranaki
    • Stratford
    • New Plymouth
    • Hāwera
  • Manawatū - Whanganui
    • All Manawatū - Whanganui
    • Whanganui
    • Palmerston North
    • Manawatū
    • Tararua
    • Horowhenua
  • Wellington
    • All Wellington
    • Kapiti
    • Wairarapa
    • Upper Hutt
    • Lower Hutt
  • Nelson & Tasman
    • All Nelson & Tasman
    • Motueka
    • Nelson
    • Tasman
  • Marlborough
  • West Coast
  • Canterbury
    • All Canterbury
    • Kaikōura
    • Christchurch
    • Ashburton
    • Timaru
  • Otago
    • All Otago
    • Oamaru
    • Dunedin
    • Balclutha
    • Alexandra
    • Queenstown
    • Wanaka
  • Southland
    • All Southland
    • Invercargill
    • Gore
    • Stewart Island
  • Gisborne

Media

  • Video
    • All Video
    • NZ news video
    • Herald NOW
    • Business news video
    • Politics news video
    • Sport video
    • World news video
    • Lifestyle video
    • Entertainment video
    • Travel video
    • Markets with Madison
    • Kea Kids news
  • Podcasts
    • All Podcasts
    • The Front Page
    • On the Tiles
    • Ask me Anything
    • The Little Things
  • Cartoons
  • Photo galleries
  • Today's Paper - E-editions
  • Photo sales
  • Classifieds

NZME Network

  • Advertise with NZME
  • OneRoof
  • Driven Car Guide
  • BusinessDesk
  • Newstalk ZB
  • Sunlive
  • ZM
  • The Hits
  • Coast
  • Radio Hauraki
  • The Alternative Commentary Collective
  • Gold
  • Flava
  • iHeart Radio
  • Hokonui
  • Radio Wanaka
  • iHeartCountry New Zealand
  • Restaurant Hub
  • NZME Events

SubscribeSign In
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.
Home / Lifestyle

The Queen: 90 years of style

Herald online
21 Apr, 2016 03:30 AM3 mins to read

Subscribe to listen

Access to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Subscribe now to listen.
Already a subscriber?  Sign in here

Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech.
‌
Save

    Share this article

Since her coronation on June 2, 1952, she has visited 53 Commonwealth countries and has worked to create a sense of belonging and family for all across her realm. She visited New Zealand 10 times.

It was never her place to display the latest on trend look. For Queen Elizabeth II her duty was to dress to the occasion, and the continent (note her royal blue turban worn in Saudi Arabia in the 70s).

Over the years, Her Majesty's style has been largely aided by two designers, Norman Hartnell, who made her wedding gown, and Hardy Almies, who has overseen her daytime wardrobe.

Demure in her approach to cut and length, Queen Elizabeth has had fun with block colours and detailing, most notably her hats in the 60s, her brush with frills in the 80s and her penchant for pink.

Here we take a look through the Queen's style, spanning from the 1930s to present day.

1930s

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.
The Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II, circa 1930. (Photo by Popperfoto/Getty Images)
Circa 1930s: Princess Elizabeth wearing a party frock. Photo / Getty Images
1932: Princess Elizabeth walks in to visit the Royal Tournament at Olympia. Photo / Getty Images
Princess Elizabeth, circa 1932. Photo / Getty Images
Circa 1935: Princess Elizabeth in an elegant winter coat. Photo / Getty Images

Image 1 of 5: The Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II, circa 1930. (Photo by Popperfoto/Getty Images)

A young Princess Elizabeth was a curly haired tot styled in frills, full skirts and coats. Early images show her in little white socks and Mary Janes and often adorned with a small beaded necklace.

READ MORE: • Happy Birthday Ma'am: the Queen turns 90
• When people don't recognise the Queen

1940s

Circa 1940s: Princess Elizabeth is pictured after attending an official engagement. Photo / Getty Images
August 20, 1946: Princess Elizabeth enjoys a joke with her father King George VI, in the grounds of the Royal Lodge. Photo / Getty Images
April 21, 1947: Princess Elizabeth wearing a satin dress at her desk in Buckingham Palace. Photo / Getty Images
July 22, 1948: Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose leaving the wedding of Lord Derby and Lady Isabel Milles-Lade. Photo / Getty Images
1940s: Princess Elizabeth visited HMS Vanguard, the world's biggest battleship at Greenock, Scotland. Photo / Getty Images

Image 1 of 5: Circa 1940s: Princess Elizabeth is pictured after attending an official engagement. Photo / Getty Images

Cinched waists and heavy shouldered blazers reigned in the 40s. The shoe of the decade for Elizabeth was clearly the peep toe heel with ankle strap. Married in 1947, her wedding gown was made of satin by designer Norman Hartnell and she reportedly oversaw the attire of her husband-to-be, Prince Phillip.

1950s

Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip enjoyed the rousing fun of a Canadian square dance during their second night in Ottawa, 1951. Photo / Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to the Mediterranean island of Malta, 1951. Photo / Getty Images
Circa 1935: Princess Elizabeth in an elegant winter coat. Photo / Getty Images
February 1954: Queen Elizabeth II wears a slim-fitting white lace dress to a garden party in Sydney, Australia. Photo / Getty Images
March 8, 1954: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh attending a garden party in Melbourne, Australia. Photo / Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II, and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip in 1957, on their wedding day. Photo / Getty Images

Image 1 of 6: Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip enjoyed the rousing fun of a Canadian square dance during their second night in Ottawa, 1951. Photo / Getty Images

In 1953, 27-year-old Elizabeth ascended to the throne to become the Queen of England. Now the longest standing monarch, the 50s saw her favour the style of the day, full skirts and fitted bodices.

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

1960s

1960s: Queen Elizabeth II at Ventnor during a Royal visit to the Isle of Wight. Photo / Getty Images
November 31, 1961: Queen Elizabeth at Tamale Airport in Ghana. Photo / Getty Images
June 8, 1962: Queen Elizabeth II watching the Oaks Stakes at Epsom Downs in Surrey. Photo / Getty Images
October 14, 1963: Queen Elizabeth II returning from a holiday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland to King's Cross Station in London. Photo / Getty Images
June 2, 1965: The Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II in the parade ring at the Epsom Derby in Surrey. Photo / Getty Images
May 9, 1966: Queen Elizabeth II with King Baudouin of Belgium in Brussels at the start of her State Visit to Belgium. Photo / Getty Images

Image 1 of 6: 1960s: Queen Elizabeth II at Ventnor during a Royal visit to the Isle of Wight. Photo / Getty Images

Pastels, twin sets and flamboyant headdress, in the 60s she adopted kooky headgear and the notion that colour coordination was key to any well assembled outfit.

1970s

February 17, 1979: The Queen in Saudi Arabia. Photo / Getty Images
October 1, 1971: Queen Elizabeth ll in Turkey with her daughter Princess Anne. Photo / Getty Images
June 17, 1976: Queen Elizabeth ll attends a polo match at Windsor Great Park. Photo / Getty Images
1977: The Queen In New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images
1977: Queen Elizabeth ll smiles during her visit to New Zealand part of her Silver Jubilee Year Tour. Photo / Getty Images

Image 1 of 5: February 17, 1979: The Queen in Saudi Arabia. Photo / Getty Images

The Queen took on a comparatively casual style in the 70s. She had fun with prints and chose softer, more relaxed fabrics.

1980s

March 3, 1983: Queen Elizabeth II makes a speech at The De Young Museum. Photo / Getty Images
Circa 1935: Princess Elizabeth in an elegant winter coat. Photo / Getty Images
February 26, 1983: Queen Elizabeth II arrives in San Diego, United States. Photo / Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II, wearing an outfit and hat designed by fashion designer Ian Thomas, on a walkabout in Shanghai, 15 October 1986. Photo / Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II, wearing an outfit and hat designed by fashion designer Ian Thomas, on a walkabout in Shanghai, 15 October 1986. Photo / Getty Images

Image 1 of 5: March 3, 1983: Queen Elizabeth II makes a speech at The De Young Museum. Photo / Getty Images

Not immune to the age of excess, the Queen did succumb to the mass of frills, bows and bouffant 'dos that ruled the 80s. At times, her style choices were criticised by the American and British press.

1990s

June 11, 1992: Queen Elizabeth II at Chateau De Blois during an official tour of France. Photo / Getty Images
June 20, 1991: Queen Elizabeth II with Princess Margaret and daughter-in-law, The Duchess Of York at Ascot. Photo / Getty Images
October 21, 1993: Queen Elizabeth II on a visit to Cyprus, wearing a dress designed by John Anderson and hat by Milliner Philip Somerville. Photo / Getty Images
November 19, 1993: Queen Elizabeth II with Prince Philip in Winchester. Photo / Getty Images
April 25, 1994: Queen Elizabeth II arrives at Newmarket wearing an outfit by fashion designer John Anderson. Photo / Getty Images

Image 1 of 5: June 11, 1992: Queen Elizabeth II at Chateau De Blois during an official tour of France. Photo / Getty Images

In the 90s, she displayed a fervour for pink, and her coat style became notably longer. She continued her well-known penchant for block colours in her outfits.

Discover more

World

Queen still the 'boss'

15 Apr 05:00 PM
Royals

Happy Birthday, Ma'am

20 Apr 05:00 PM
Royals

NZ sends birthday wishes to the Queen

20 Apr 09:23 PM
Royals

Revealed: The food the Queen won't eat

21 Apr 05:00 AM

2000s

October 17, 2000: Queen Elizabeth II walks on a red carpet past the honor guard at the Piazza Di Siena in Rome. Photo / Getty Images
June 17, 2000: The Queen with her son Prince Edward. Phoo / Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II attends the first day of Royal Ascot 2005. Photo / Getty Images
May 3, 2007: Queen Elizabeth II visits a group of local school children in Virginia's State Capitol building. Photo / Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II attends the Al Habtoor Royal Windsor Cup Final at Guards Polo Club on June 21, 2009. Photo / Getty Images

Image 1 of 5: October 17, 2000: Queen Elizabeth II walks on a red carpet past the honor guard at the Piazza Di Siena in Rome. Photo / Getty Images

At the turn of the century, it was twin sets with trim, matching hats and, as the press often noted, her Launer handbag, which she seemed to "never leave home without."

2010s

May 17, 2011: Queen Elizabeth II arrives to lay a wreath at Dublin Memorial Garden in Dublin, Ireland. Photo / Getty Images
May 18, 2011: Queen Elizabeth II visits Government Buildings on Merrion Street in Dublin, Ireland. Photo / Getty Images
June 7, 2011: Queen Elizabeth II waves as she leaves the Wales Millennium Centre. Photo / Getty Images
June 19, 2013: Queen Elizabeth II arrives by carriage on day 2 of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse in Ascot, England. Photo / Getty Images
July 10, 2014: Queen Elizabeth II smiles on her arrival at Matlock Station in England. Photo / Getty Images

Image 1 of 5: May 17, 2011: Queen Elizabeth II arrives to lay a wreath at Dublin Memorial Garden in Dublin, Ireland. Photo / Getty Images

In the past few years, the Queen's colour palette has softened, with a return to pastels and creams. But she hasn't lost her fervor for fun hats.

- nzherald.co.nz

Save

    Share this article

Latest from Lifestyle

Royals

Prince Harry’s email to King Charles after silence claim

24 Jun 12:38 AM
Premium
Lifestyle

The six signs you’re not drinking enough water

24 Jun 12:00 AM
Lifestyle

‘Turning into America’: Outrage at restaurant’s menu act

23 Jun 10:24 PM

Inside Leigh Hart’s bonkers quest to hand-deliver a SnackaChangi chip to every Kiwi

sponsored
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

Latest from Lifestyle

Prince Harry’s email to King Charles after silence claim

Prince Harry’s email to King Charles after silence claim

24 Jun 12:38 AM

Prince Harry plans to invite the royals to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.

Premium
The six signs you’re not drinking enough water

The six signs you’re not drinking enough water

24 Jun 12:00 AM
‘Turning into America’: Outrage at restaurant’s menu act

‘Turning into America’: Outrage at restaurant’s menu act

23 Jun 10:24 PM
The number one sign your marriage will last, according to an expert

The number one sign your marriage will last, according to an expert

23 Jun 09:13 PM
Why wallpaper works wonders
sponsored

Why wallpaper works wonders

NZ Herald
  • About NZ Herald
  • Meet the journalists
  • Newsletters
  • Classifieds
  • Help & support
  • Contact us
  • House rules
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of use
  • Competition terms & conditions
  • Our use of AI
Subscriber Services
  • NZ Herald e-editions
  • Daily puzzles & quizzes
  • Manage your digital subscription
  • Manage your print subscription
  • Subscribe to the NZ Herald newspaper
  • Subscribe to Herald Premium
  • Gift a subscription
  • Subscriber FAQs
  • Subscription terms & conditions
  • Promotions and subscriber benefits
NZME Network
  • The New Zealand Herald
  • The Northland Age
  • The Northern Advocate
  • Waikato Herald
  • Bay of Plenty Times
  • Rotorua Daily Post
  • Hawke's Bay Today
  • Whanganui Chronicle
  • Viva
  • NZ Listener
  • Newstalk ZB
  • BusinessDesk
  • OneRoof
  • Driven Car Guide
  • iHeart Radio
  • Restaurant Hub
NZME
  • About NZME
  • NZME careers
  • Advertise with NZME
  • Digital self-service advertising
  • Book your classified ad
  • Photo sales
  • NZME Events
  • © Copyright 2025 NZME Publishing Limited
TOP