Queen Elizabeth’s subtle clothing tweaks and their hidden meanings

The Queen has a long-held tradition of wearing bright outfits that make her easy to spot. But since her husband’s death, her style has softened. Here’s the hidden meaning.

The Queen has been continuing her style reign with subtle, hidden meanings in her signature outfits.

Her Majesty has been sporting more pastels lately which could speak of a “soft retreat from public life”, fashion experts say, while she has been continuing to make sartorial nods to the places – and occasions – she is attending.

The monarch is still resplendent in her choice of block colours – from emerald green at her Platinum Jubilee to pink at the Chelsea Flower Show – continuing her long-held tradition of wearing bright outfits that make her easy to spot.

The Queen’s outfits are overseen by personal stylist and advisor, Angela Kelly, who is the long-time curator and designer of the Queen’s royal wardrobe, and her close personal confidant.

Queen Elizabeth wore lavender at the Armed Forces Act of Loyalty Parade at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland. Picture: AFP

The violet hue had special significance to the location. Picture: AFP

Vogue Australia fashion features director Alice Birrell said the Queen had “always been a master at this, utilising her wardrobe as a means to connect with people”.

Ms Birrell noted that the monarch had “long been a fan of vibrant colour”. At her Jubilee, for instance, she “embraced the full spectrum from daffodil, to vermilion, to cobalt and even hot pink”.

Though Ms Birrell noted that the “periwinkle blue attire on the day of the platinum jubilee could be a signal of a changing public profile”.

“It’s widely said that she chooses bright colours to ensure those in crowds can spot her easily and say ‘I got a glimpse of the Queen,’ when they turn out to see her, but now a palette of powdery pastels could speak of a soft retreat from public life,” Ms Birrell said.

“We may not know for sure, but the pale blue and recently lavender for a trip to Scotland, might be turning down the volume of her visibility as she manages any health concerns, or readies Charles for his reign.”

A bold emerald green outfit at the Platinum Jubilee Pageant. Picture: Getty Images

One tradition the Queen is keeping alive are “Easter eggs” – hidden meanings in her outfits, aided by Ms Kelly.
“The aforementioned lavender mirrors the colour of Scottish heather, and previously she has worked in subtle nods to the places she is visiting like the beading of a coat worn to Abu Dhabi to mirror the walls of the mosque she visited.”

As for her accessories and as for their hidden meaning? “Well, she’s keeping things as polished as ever with the new addition of a walking stick alongside her trusted Launer bag which, rumour has it, she will switch from one hand to the other during conversation to signal to her security to move her along.”

Royal correspondent and Australian Women’s Weekly editor-at-large Juliet Rieden said the Queen’s style had remained “pretty constant in the past few decades”.

A blue moment at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland. Picture: Getty Images

Prince Charles accompanied his mother, the Queen, in Scotland. Picture: Getty Images

“Her dressmaker Angela Kelly knows exactly what suits Her Majesty and often uses outfits to reflect the situation – so colours that are relevant to an occasion or special details in jewellery to make a specific statement,” Ms Rieden said.

“The Queen has always used strong colour so that she stands out and people can see her.”

Ms Rieden said the Queen was wearing more prints lately – particularly, for daytime occasions.

“I don’t think her style has changed although I have noticed a few more prints in her daywear,” Ms Rieden said.
“I think the clothes are classic and age appropriate made with comfort in mind as well as style.

“The Queen has always worn a rainbow of colours and continues to do so. The colours are often seasonal but also reflect the specific event.”

HIDDEN DETAILS IN QUEEN’S LATEST OUTFITS

Blue at Trooping the Colour

The Queen sported a pastel blue dress and matching hat, with a white trim. Known to be her favourite colour, it was also worn by her great-grandchildren Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Behavioural colour psychologist Karen Haller previously told British news site MyLondon that blue “communicates you are in a position of authority, trustworthy, reliable and can be depended on”.

“You have a sense of duty and take that seriously with committed focus.”

The Queen wore blue at Trooping the Colour – a hue also worn bt Prince Louis, centre, and Princess Charlotte. Kate Middleton included navy in her ensemble, via her headwear. Picture: AFP

Florals at the Chelsea Flower Show
The Queen wore a pink blazer atop a white, printed dress and white gloves – the floral print speaking to the Flower Show occasion.

At the Chelsea Flower Show. Picture: Getty Images

Lavender at the Armed Forces Act of Loyalty Parade in Edinburgh, Scotland
Her lilac coat was a nod to the hue of the Scottish heather plant — a famous symbol of the country. Her Majesty added a diamond brooch featuring the national flower, an amethyst thistle, at the top, surrounded by diamond leaves and emerald accents.

A violet outfit during the Armed Forces Act of Loyalty Parade at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland. Picture: AFP