Fashion has always been a powerful tool for the British royal family, symbolizing tradition, status, and personal expression. Princess Diana and Meghan Markle, in their time, both made headlines for breaking conventional fashion rules, paving the way for more modern and personal styles. Princess Kate Middleton, on the other hand, has maintained a more traditional approach to royal fashion. This article explores the fashion boundaries pushed by Diana and Meghan, and how Princess Kate has adhered to royal fashion etiquette.
Princess Diana: A Trailblazer in Royal Fashion
Princess Diana was renowned for her groundbreaking approach to fashion. Her style choices often defied royal norms and brought a refreshing change to the monarchy’s image.
- Revealing Dresses: Diana was known for her choice of dresses that were more daring than what was traditionally expected of royals. The infamous “revenge dress,” worn to a public event shortly after Prince Charles’ infidelity was revealed, featured a plunging neckline that was considered scandalous at the time.
- High Fashion: Diana frequently wore designs from high-profile designers like Versace and Dior, which was unconventional for a royal expected to adhere to British designers exclusively.
- Casual Wear: Diana embraced casual fashion more than her predecessors, often seen in trendy pieces like off-the-shoulder tops and fitted trousers.
Meghan Markle: Redefining Royal Fashion
Meghan Markle’s entry into the royal family brought a modern twist to royal fashion norms. Her style was both contemporary and occasionally controversial.
- Bare Legs: Meghan’s choice to go without tights, even in cooler weather, was a break from royal protocol, where tights were traditionally worn for formal occasions.
- High Street Fashion: Meghan’s preference for affordable, high street brands, like Reformation and J.Crew, contrasted with the traditional royal practice of exclusively wearing high-end designers. This move was seen as a democratization of royal fashion.
- Statement Pieces: Meghan often wore pieces with political or social messages, such as her “Woman Power” ring and clothing items from female designers, which was a departure from the more neutral fashion statements typically made by royals.
Princess Kate Middleton: Upholding Tradition
Princess Kate Middleton, also known as the Princess of Wales, has largely adhered to the traditional fashion rules set by the royal family. Her style is characterized by its classic and respectful adherence to royal dress codes.
- Modest Attire: Kate consistently opts for modest clothing, with designs that adhere to royal expectations. Her dresses are often knee-length or longer, with necklines that are considered appropriate for formal events.
- British Designers: Kate supports British fashion by frequently wearing outfits from British designers such as Alexander McQueen, Jenny Packham, and Emilia Wickstead. This aligns with the royal tradition of promoting national designers.
- Tights and Formal Wear: Unlike Meghan, Kate adheres to the royal expectation of wearing tights with formal attire, maintaining the traditional look for formal occasions.
Fashion Rules and Royal Protocol
The royal family follows a set of fashion rules that reflect their public image and respect for tradition. Here are some of the key rules observed by royals:
- Modesty: Royal attire generally adheres to a modesty rule, avoiding overly revealing clothing. This includes knee-length skirts or dresses and higher necklines.
- Formal Footwear: Closed-toe shoes are preferred, particularly for formal events. This aligns with the traditional image of sophistication and decorum.
- Appropriate Colors: Bright or neon colors are often avoided for official engagements, with more subdued and elegant colors being preferred.
- Hats and Accessories: For formal occasions, especially during public events, women in the royal family often wear hats or fascinators, adhering to a tradition that dates back many decades.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why did Princess Diana’s fashion choices break royal rules?
Princess Diana’s fashion choices often broke royal norms by embracing more daring and contemporary styles, including revealing dresses and high fashion pieces, which contrasted with the more conservative and traditional royal dress codes.
2. How did Meghan Markle’s fashion differ from traditional royal attire?
Meghan Markle’s fashion choices included wearing high street brands, going without tights, and making fashion statements with political or social messages. These choices diverged from the traditional royal preference for high-end designers and conservative attire.
3. What are some key fashion rules followed by Princess Kate Middleton?
Princess Kate Middleton adheres to traditional royal fashion rules by opting for modest clothing, supporting British designers, and wearing tights with formal wear. Her style is characterized by its classic and respectful approach to royal dress codes.
4. How does Princess Kate Middleton’s style compare to that of Princess Diana and Meghan Markle?
Princess Kate’s style is more traditional compared to Princess Diana and Meghan Markle. While Diana and Meghan were known for pushing boundaries and introducing modern elements into royal fashion, Kate maintains a classic and conventional approach.
5. Why is royal fashion so important?
Royal fashion plays a significant role in upholding the monarchy’s image, reflecting respect for tradition, and supporting national designers. It also serves as a way to convey messages and maintain a dignified public presence.
