Queen Elizabeth's style: her most striking outfits over the years

The late Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered for many things, but very few can doubt Her Majesty's ability to dress for the occasion. Before her death at the age of 96, The Queen moved through the changing decades, yet still with her own style. We look at the bold colours, the brooches, pearls, handbags, and hats that the previous monarch was known for; as well as some of her more elegant and even surprising looks that perhaps you can remember...?

The 70-year monarch matched colours seamlessly. Aside from black on solemn occasions, Elizabeth rarely wore dull colours and favoured bright, bolder tones; whilst also switching into pastel colours.

This rainbow image of Her Majesty's colourful outfits is a wonderful reflection of how Elizabeth tried every hue of colour, always matching her hat or headwear perfectly.

Elizabeth had a very particular style in later years. The buttoned coat, the hat, the identical colour scheme. Here she is with Prince George on the balcony sporting a bright green.

Queen Elizabeth wore this outfit just months before her death, for the joyous occasion of Her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne. If we take a closer look, we see the Queen's pearls. They had a deep meaning to The Queen.

Elizabeth's father, King George VI, died when Elizabeth was just 25 years old. When Elizabeth was younger, The King gifted the young Princess a necklace made of three strand of pearls. She loved it so much that she had an identical one made and then received another as a gift from the Emir of Qatar, this time, with a diamond clasp.

According to David Douglas Diamonds and Jewellery, Her Majesty's collection contained more than 300 items, including 98 brooches, 46 necklaces, 37 bracelets, 34 pairs of earrings, 15 rings, 14 watches, and five pendants. That's not to mention The Queen's tiara and crown collection.

Her Majesty was fond of the simple brooch - an easy adornment to any outfit. From jewels passed down through generations to gifts to Her Majesty in 1944, the range of brooches Elizabeth had was astonishing. The late Queen would even change them halfway through the day! The one in the photo is the Courtauld Thomson Scallop-Shell Brooch, which belonged to Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.

Queen Elizabeth never failed to be dressed accordingly for public appearances. Always colour-matched, The Queen often added a little 'era' to her style, adding some interesting touches to her outfit that, despite not being her normal attire, were fabulous. For example, we love this polka-dot wrap she wore on her head for her Silver Jubilee tour in 1997, offering a change from tiaras and hats.

Take, for example, this lemon outfit worn in Sydney in 1970. The original tassels on the hat compliment the white detail on the yellow overcoat. Her Majesty looked fresh and inviting to all. Someone surely dressed her majesty?

In 1961, The Queen wore this sheer violet jacket over her violet dress. Of course, a hat to match. Elegant, sophisticated, and stylish.

In the same year, the people remembered that Queen Elizabeth was, indeed, still a young woman. Showing a little more flesh than normal, Her Royal Highness welcomed American President John F. Kennedy (right) and his wife, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy at Buckingham Palace during a banquet; and wore a dress fitting for the occasion.

When Elizabeth showed up at the premiere of 'Because You're Mine' to a chorus of cheers and applause from the crowds waiting for her arrival. The Queen wore a dress and shall of white and black satin, completely wowing the crowds. Of course, when she took off her jacket and made her way to the royal box, onlookers were treated to more 'shoulder' than normally shared by a royal.

This photo was taken circa 1945. The then-Princess Elizabeth was the Junior Commander in the ATS inspecting The Motor Transport Training Centre at Camberley, Surrey during the Second World War. The buttoned coat was a staple for Elizabeth in service also.

Queen Elizabeth was crowned in 1953. The new reigning monarch was draped in jewels and furs befitting her rank, but one cannot glance over the elegant and fitted(!) white dress underneath. Simple, classy, and perfectly tailored - a regal image for the new Queen. The dress actually was decorated in floral emblems from every country the Queen would reign over.

Of course, that day has now arrived and Prince Charles was declared King Charles shortly after his mother's death. Elizabeth looked splendid in this touching photo of her crowning her son, Prince of Wales. The A-line dress and hat in neutral colours give us the idea she did not want to steal the limelight that day from her son. Yet, the 'medieval helmet' was embellished with hundreds of pearls and beads.

Of course, Queen Elizabeth had her downtime, too. Whether that be spending time in the Scottish highlands, riding horses, or just going for a picnic with her family, the late monarch always enjoyed time in the fresh air. The headscarf often made an appearance - it was there to keep her hair flat and the wind out of her ears, and it made a good fashion accessory, too. Every bit breathes British countryside.

The headscarf was often worn on countryside walks and was paired with clothes fit for the occasion. Generally. Here, however, despite looking fabulous, her clothes lend her neither to riding nor to country hikes.

Of course, times had changed since when Elizabeth was a princess. Here Elizabeth was pictured with her sister and parents in a rather dull tone for the Queen - who would later avoid dark colours completely. Except at solemn events.

Of course, the Queen has had some very difficult moments to deal with. Here she attended the funeral of Patricia Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma on June 27, 2017, in London. The Queen was clearly grieving and the plain black attire was decorated with her mother's brooch and her father's necklace in order to keep her family close to her on tough days.

Queen Elizabeth here wore a very bright yellow ensemble with blue flower decoration to royal Ascot in 2018. Elizabeth was the Queen and could hold centre stage with confidence. But did Her Majesty always go for the right outfit?

A Royal Variety, indeed. Queen Elizabeth didn't look too amused herself with the ensemble for the evening when she attended the Royal Variety Show in 1999. The harlequin sequin design top with the yellow silk skirt was certainly a surprise choice.

Another Royal Variety performance gown turned heads. This time it was the silvery shimmer of The Queen's dress in 2012. The Queen's dresser, Angela Kelly, stated that the inspiration for the gown was the 1930s film star era. Fabulous.

Queen Elizabeth had another surprising fashion moment in 1996 at the Chelsea Flower Show. Firstly, many were used to Her Majesty donning white gloves. Then, she traded in the typical hat for a clear mesh net with black bows. The changes were striking.

Bethan Holt, author of The Queen: 70 years of Majestic Style for Grazia, wrote: "It’s a remarkable feat to make it through nine decades with such a singular dedication to a certain way of dressing. Even more remarkable is that her style evolution is, nevertheless, fascinating and never, ever boring."

Holt continued, "...even into her ninth decade, she could surprise us with an outfit or make us feel better as a nation simply by choosing just the right colour at just the right time."