A detailed look through Queen Elizabeth II’s wardrobe evolution

As a young princess who came of age during World War II, Queen Elizabeth II’s style has often reflected the state of the nation. Her wedding gown by Norman Hartnell was made of duchesse satin, purchased with ration vouchers like other brides at the time, and the Queen continues to discreetly communicate with choice of colour or an emblematic piece of storied jewellery. Her wardrobe has evolved to embrace the changing landscape, while still observing an unwavering commitment to personal preference.

In Her Majesty’s nine decades, six of those as monarch, the Queen’s wardrobe has come to be defined by fashion pillars that have remained throughout her reign, punctuating thousands of walkabouts, dozens of state visits and countless times receiving an unrivalled number of the world’s most senior dignitaries. By day, these fashion items quickly identified as her black, usually patent, Launer handbags and her sensibly prim patent pumps, a constant ever-changing supply of heirloom brooches, and bold crowd-pleasing colours finished with an impressive supply of millinery. While formal occasions and state events see her placing Royal Orders and a peerless collection of working Crown Jewels.

As Britain’s longest-reigning Monarch, the Queen holds an incomparable position in public life and remains one of Britain’s most enduring dressers. Her early years on the throne were defined by pieces created by court dressers, Norman Hartnell and Hardy Amies, yet in recent years senior dresser, and close confidante, Angela Kelly, has come to be responsible for her consortium of looks, especially those that have most recently taken her through her 90th birthday celebrations, the Diamond Jubilee year and a flurry of Royal Weddings.

Here, chart Queen Elizabeth II’s enduring journey through style.

This article first appeared on vogue.co.uk.