- Though once questionable, Beatrice’s fashion now reigns supreme engagements
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There was no problem with the elegant, knee-length Valentino coat worn by Princess Beatrice for the wedding of her cousin, Prince William.
The trouble was that hat – a towering Philip Treacy number. Variously described as a pretzel, a toilet seat or a door knocker at the time, the memory still causes the occasional shudder today.
How things have changed.
Since turning 30 five years ago, Princess Beatrice has gradually found a fashion formula of her own and is now widely praised for her elegant yet flattering outfits.
She is thought to be one of the very best-dressed royal women, in fact, and much credit is due to her stylist, Olivia Buckingham, who also advises Poppy Delevingne and Nicky Hilton.
Dubbed society’s secret weapon, Olivia has introduced Beatrice to a series of go-to designers including The Vampire’s Wife, Self Portrait, Monique Lhuillier and Emilia Wickstead, plus Manolo Blahnik and Chopard for accessories.
‘I like to push my clients’ boundaries but also stick to their authentic codes,’ she says.
‘I don’t want it to be one-sided, what I enjoy is giving them creative freedom, then we meet in the middle and come up with a magical look.’
Buckingham explains that she and Beatrice formed a styling relationship out of friendship.
‘The whole process is collaborative when it comes down to choosing the final look,’ she says.
‘We discuss the event and what type of style would work even down to the finer details like jewellery and shoes.’
‘I know that we both believe that if a woman can feel empowered and confident by clothes then that’s what they should be used for.’
One of her most memorable – and admired – fashion ‘moments’ came on her wedding day, 17 July 2020, when she wore a vintage dress by Norman Hartnell lent by her grandmother Queen Elizabeth.
Buckingham has also helped the princess widen her horizons. A touch of couture has been added to the mix, as seen at the recent Jordanian royal wedding when she was a vision in floor-length Reem Acra.
Meanwhile, Beatrice has shelved the unusual colours and quirky headpieces – which all-too-often had a touch of the pantomime dame about them – for a more streamlined approach.
Gone are the overly fussy – and strangely quirky – outfits and, of course, those hats.
Art of Wishes Gala
The cut is beautiful, the fabric exquisite yet the overall effect of this powder blue lace dress Self Portrait is surprisingly relaxed.
The label, also worn by Kate, has become a go-to choice for Beatrice and society women in general.
This elegant dress, worn to the Art of Wishes Gala, fell to just above her ankles and was perfectly complemented with a cropped boucle jacket by Alice + Olivia slung over her shoulders.
An Anya Hindmarch clutch and matching Ralph & Russo suede pumps completed the look.
Vogue World
Beatrice dazzled at the glitzy Vogue World event in an elegant floral cape dress by Richard Quinn. The sensational black and yellow look was straight from the catwalk and was completed with full length gloves.
Keeping her fashion forward frock the star of the show, the princess pulled her hair back and just added diamond earrings and simple black pumps.
Royal Ascot
Elegantly dressed in florals for a day at the races, Beatrice’s long-sleeved lace midi dress by Monique Lhuillier featured a white lace overlay with intricate violet and yellow flowers.
A JBH Millinery hat adorned her pulled back hair and she carried an Anya Hindmarch clutch. The combination of the romantic frock with structural accessories gave a chic and modern ensemble.
Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif wedding and Banquet
Beatrice and Edo headed to Jordan alongside Prince William and Kate Middleton to celebrate the royal wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif.
Beatrice opted for a pale blue Needle and Thread gown with lacy, sheer sleeves, belted at the waist in black, with powder blue Ralph and Russo pumps, a dainty hair bow and added some fun with a Sophia Webster ‘Wifey for Lifey’ clutch.
For the state banquet following Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif’s wedding in Jordan, Princess Beatrice wore a satin gown with an embellished bodice by Reem Acra and a Tyler Ellis clutch. She added an extra special touch to the look by topping it off with the York Tiara, the same piece that her mother, Sarah Furguson, wore on her 1986 wedding day.
Kings Coronation
For the momentous coronation of her uncle, King Charles III, Beatrice wore a belted magenta midi-length dress with statement sleeves from Beulah London.
She accessorised the look with pink sapphire, rubellite and pink opal hoop earrings from Garrard and atop her head sat a golden hatband from Emily London, which looked somewhat reminiscent of a tiara.
Christmas Carol Service
Matching with her sister in grey check coats for the Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey, Beatrice opted for a chic Temperley London wool coat in a graphic white and grey print.
Neatly tied at the waist it created a flattering silhouette and was stylishly accessorised with suede boots and a monogrammed clutch.
The Lady Garden Gala
Embracing elegant party season style, Beatrice turned to her go-to silhouette by The Vampire’s Wife.
A devoted follower of Susie Cave’s fashion brand, the distinctive slim fitting dress with ruffles at the elbow comes in an array of metallic fabrics, and here she chose a black and gold floral version, pairing it with Reiss heels and a monogrammed clutch.
Queen’s Vigil at Westminster Hall
Poised and elegant when paying her respects at Westminster Hall, Beatrice stepped out in a belted blazer dress by Self Portrait.
The style which has also been spotted on the Princess of Wales, neatly nipped in at the waist and flared into a chiffon pleat skirt. She wore her auburn locks in a ponytail and donned an oversized black headband by JBH Millinery.
National Gallery Summer Party
Princess Beatrice shimmered in a sage green dress by Markarian while attending the inaugural summer party and fundraiser for the National Gallery’s Bicentenary campaign. The floor length sequinned gown featured billowing sleeves and a deep neckline.
She tied the look together with a black headband which complimented the sash belt on the dress, and a beaded clutch by Tyler Ellis.
Royal Ascot 2023
It was monochrome polka dots for the final day of Royal Ascot in a Saloni puff sleeve frock which was adorned with crystal bows. Continuing the colour palette through to her accessories, she channelled Audrey Hepburn with a ribbon and rose Philip Treacy fascinator and a pair of chic Jimmy Choo pumps.
Royal Ascot 2022
For the first day of Royal Ascot Princess Beatrice opted for a floral belted shirt dress by Zimmermann.
She paired her summery ensemble with pink Gianvito Rossi pumps and a straw Misela clutch featuring her initials. In true Ascot fashion she topped off the look with an oversized floral headband by Juliette Botterill Millinery.
Alice + Olivia Store Opening
Princess Beatrice stepped out in style to attend the Alice + Olivia store opening in a 60s style boucle skirt suit and Fiona Kotur clutch. The pristine cream cropped blazer and A-line mini combination featured a silver chain detail and classic collar, and was given a pop of colour with her bold blue Kurt Geiger heels.
Chelsea Flower Show
Beatrice kept her botanical streak alive with an appropriately floral look for the Chelsea Flower Show, wearing a beautiful blue and white version of Reformation’s Carolena dress. Featuring three-quarter length puffy sleeves and a cinched waist, she gave the look an edge by pairing it with black Zara buckled heels and a Zara basket bag.
Royal Palace of Stockholm
Wearing a sheer Zimmermann dress at the Royal Palace of Stockholm, Beatrice attended the launch of the World Dyslexia Assembly. Her tiered figure-flattering frock was a repeat wear for Beatrice and was accessorised with Jimmy Choo pumps and a flawless Kate Middleton style blow-dry.
