Fashion

Buckingham Palace Hosts Queen Elizabeth II Fashion Exhibition with a Century of Style

“Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style” will feature over 200 examples of the monarch's iconic fashions

March 6, 2026

Four elegant vintage evening gowns displayed in a luxurious room with ornate furniture and intricate carpet patterns. — A selection of evening gowns designed for Queen Elizabeth II in the 1950s, on view at the King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace. Photo: © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust.

From her vast collection of brooches and Launer handbags to extensive wardrobe of monochromatic suits, fascinators, and pillbox hats, Queen Elizabeth II was an unlikely style icon. Now, a new exhibition at the King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace will offer a retrospective on her ten decades in the spotlight with a focus on her eagerly followed fashion.

Making it a must-see presentation, the exhibition—which runs April 10 through October 18—will feature pieces not seen since the Queen first wore them, including frocks donned as the young Princess Elizabeth of York, her wedding gown, her coronation dress, and the now-retired christening gown commissioned by her predecessor Queen Victoria in 1841, which she shared with 62 other regal infants.

All told, over 200 garments will be on view in the largest exhibit ever mounted on Elizabeth II’s clothes and style.

Elegant vintage ball gown with intricate floral embroidery and a fitted bodice displayed on a mannequin in a neutral setting. — Queen Elizabeth II’s embroidered coronation dress, designed by Norman Hartnell. Photo: ©Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2026 Royal Collection Trust

The first-born child of her generation of royalty, the daughter of King George VI and the Queen Mum (née Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon) curated a wardrobe that personified her “keep calm and carry on” attitude. While always age-appropriate, she exemplified a distinguished sartorial style, even in her youth. Included in the showcase are the fairy-tale dresses that she wore to her father’s coronation and as a bridesmaid at the wedding of her uncle, the Duke of Kent.

A historical group photo of Britain's elegantly Royal Family, with five men standing and five women seated in formal attire. — Royal family group photograph following the 1926 christening of the infant Princess Elizabeth of York, including George V and the future George VI standing at back row center. Photo: ©Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2026 Royal Collection Trust

The 1840 cream lace christening gown belonging to Great Britain's royal family, which has intricate embroidery and a flowing train, displayed on a plain background. — The recently restored royal christening gown commissioned by Queen Victoria. Photo: ©Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2026 Royal Collection Trust.

Here, too, are the Norman Hartnell-designed fit-and-flare silhouettes favored by Elizabeth as a glowingly pretty young monarch and mum. Selections from the ‘50s are rich with breathtaking, full-skirted, wasp-wasted evening gowns that were often carefully designed to reflect the events that Her Majesty wore them to. Her white coronation gown is especially attention-worthy with its marvelous embroidery.

Later items include a surprisingly trendsetting clear raincoat that she wore in the ‘60s and some colorful drapey numbers from the ‘70s. The private, outdoorsy Elizabeth is represented too, as defined by her durable tailored tweeds and silk scarves. Altogether, it’s an intimate portrait of the longest-reigning monarch in British history and a beloved historical figure.