Style Queen Camilla! How Her Majesty's Bruce Oldfield gown at the Coronation marked the start of a fashion transformation – as favoured designer Fiona Clare says she wants her outfits to 'photograph to flatter'

Camilla’s fashion evolution began long before she became Queen, but the Coronation was undoubtedly a pivotal moment.

Her choice of a regal white Bruce Oldfield gown adorned with delicate embroidery set the tone for her new role. 

It was a statement of grace and majesty, reflecting her understanding of the significance of the occasion.

For a woman who was once criticised for her conservative and sometimes frumpy choices, the Queen – who turns 77 on Wednesday – has had quite the turnaround in fashion terms. 

She now embodies elegance, confidence and a keen sense of what works for her.

Working with dresser Jacqui Meakin, Camilla champions British designers such as Oldfield, Fiona Clare, Anna Valentine, and milliner Philip Treacy, and they all create bespoke designs to fit the varied events she attends. 

Ms Clare told MailOnline said she aims to make her clients feel that their outfit will ‘photograph to flatter’.

For hers and King Charles’ Coronation last year Queen Camilla wore a beautiful white gown designed by Bruce Oldfield, as well as well as the Crown of Queen Mary from 1911 and the same Garrard necklace that Queen Elizabeth II wore for her own big day in 1953

When Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited last month, Queen Camilla chose an Anna Valentine white midi dress with long sleeves and a V-neckline for the ceremonial welcome. The royal accessorised with an Anna Valentine and Charles Laurie bag

Since the Coronation, Camilla has continued to refine her style, choosing colours and silhouettes that not only flatter her figure but also convey a sense of timeless elegance. 

One of her key strategies has been to embrace a more tailored look. Gone are the days of shapeless dresses and oversized coats. 

Instead, Camilla now opts for fitted blazers, structured skirts, and dresses that highlight her waist. 

This shift towards more tailored pieces has given her wardrobe a polished and sophisticated edge.

Camilla has always played by the rules, usually wearing a coat dress and hat combination for daytime engagements and in this way her wardrobe is similar to the late Queen’s, but with some subtle differences. 

Her coat dresses not only feature her signature mandarin collar but also some well-placed darts that give her the waist definition that the late Queen avoided.

Ms Clare said: ‘I aim to create a piece that will be perfect for the occasion it is intended for, and for many more occasions afterwards. 

‘I take into consideration where it will be worn, accessories, jewellery and the time of year. 

‘Sometimes a dress or coat needs to be a beautifully cut piece using the finest silk crepe or wool with some embroidery in the same colour to be a “canvas” for the jewellery being worn. 

‘It is about the complete look having an impact and the wearer knowing she feels comfortable and that it will photograph to flatter.

‘Obviously I want every client to feel completely amazing!’

She added: ‘I am always looking out for inspiration, I love Christian Dior’s original designs – they were all so beautifully made. 

‘I don’t think people appreciate the hours of work, so much of it by hand, that go into creating something that will actually last for years.

‘I take inspiration from jewellery, tiaras and paintings – particularly Pre Raphaelite and Impressionists.’

Working with dresser Jacqui Meakin (above), Camilla champions British designers such as Bruce Oldfield, Anna Valentine, Fiona Clare and milliner Philip Treacy, and they all create bespoke designs to fit the varied events she attends 

At Royal Ascot’s Ladies Day in June, Camilla chose a white Dior dress with an oversized Philip Treacy floral hat. To add a pop of dynamic colour, she opted for an exquisite and rarely seen item from the royal collection, a striking carved emerald brooch which originally belonged to King Charles’s great-grandmother, Queen Mary

Queen Camilla showcased her signature elegance and sophistication for the fourth day of Ascot when she wore an Anna Valentine duck egg blue coat dress with a large feathered hat by renowned designer Philip Treacy. Camilla paired her outfit with Queen Elizabeth II’s Jardine Star Brooch and a Kiki McDonough pendant necklace

Queen Camilla made a nod to Kenya with her dress while on day two of the couple’s four-day state visit to the country last November. The royal chose a cream-coloured dress by Anna boasting unique brown stitching in the shape of giraffes. She wore the outfit again at Wimbledon in 2024

For a visit to Mtongwe Naval Base in Kenya, Queen Camilla chose a floaty Anna Valentine pink chiffon tunic which flatteringly fell to below her knee. She twinned it with white palazzo trousers for a streamlined silhouette. Camilla clutched a Savannah Bay Mini Raffia tote bag in beige in November 2023

To finish off the royal tour of Kenya, Camilla chose a striking tropical printed Fiona Clare dress. The pattern showed Queen Camilla’s fun side and she stylishly completed the outfit with a chic Burberry trench coat and classic nude pumps in November 2023

Colour choice has also played a crucial role in Camilla’s fashion renaissance.

She has mastered the art of monochromatic dressing and generally favours a subdued palette rather than following the bold colours of Queen Elizabeth. 

The Queen often steps out in outfits that feature different shades of the same colour, creating a cohesive and harmonious look. 

Ans whether it’s a head-to-toe cream ensemble or a striking navy outfit, Camilla knows how to make a statement without overwhelming her frame.

Celebrity hair colourist Jo Hansford has been looking after Camilla’s buttery blonde hair across three decades. 

‘The Queen is definitely a style icon and a wonderful ambassador for modern British women,’ she said. 

‘She knows what works for her and is confident and comfortable in her choices of her hair, make up and her wardrobe.’ 

As Camilla’s skin tone and hair texture has changed over the years her hairstyle has discreetly evolved too. 

Ms Hansford said the Queen is open to advice because it is always important to reassess your colour through life, to make gradual alterations where needed.  

‘I have been working on her colour over the last few years to create a warmer, softer highlighted look which suits her skin tone,’ she said. 

For the funeral of Sir Chips Keswick in May, Queen Camilla paid her respects in a Fiona Clare dress. The pretty white detailing added a lightness to the sombre occasion. She paired the outfit with a Philip Treacy hat, Chanel bag and Eliot Zed shoes

For last year’s Braemar Gathering in Scotland, Camilla suitablby chose a tartan inspired outfit. The bespoke jacket and skirt was by Mr Roy and featured a check skirt and matching check lapels. The outfit was finished with aplomb with a Philip Treacy beret decorated with a pair of pheasant feathers 

Celebrity hair colourist Jo Hansford (above) has been looking after Camilla’s buttery blonde across three decades

At Epsom Downs last year, Queen Camilla oozed elegance in a pastel suit and feathered trilby which suited her shorter hair/ The blazer’s scalloped hem on both the jacket’s edge and sleeves gave the classic skirt suit a contemporary twist, with the collarless design feeling modern and fresh

When she joined the King on a visit to University College Hospital last year, Camilla opted for a ruffled Fiona Clare animal print dress and a Moynat bag.  She also wore a touching pendant  featuring the five initials of her grandchildren

During the royal visit to France last September, Queen Camilla attended a state dinner at the Palace of Versailles wearing an elegant Dior Haute Couture gown. The midnight-blue silk crepe design featured a billowing floor-length cape with a braided trim and was paired with Queen Elizabeth II’s diamond and sapphire necklace

Queen Camilla dazzled as she attended a dinner with King Charles at Mansion House in honour of their Coronation. The embellished dropped-waist black gown was a recycled piece by Bruce Oldfield and featured a scooped neckline. Camilla completed the show-stopping look with Queen Mary’s Girls of Great Britain Northern Ireland tiara

Camilla’s choice of accessories has also evolved significantly. 

The Queen has become known for her exquisite collection of hats, which she wears with aplomb at various formal events. 

From wide-brimmed headpieces adorned with feathers to chic fascinators, Camilla’s headwear is always on point, complementing her outfits perfectly. 

Her selection of jewellery is equally impressive, often featuring exquisite heirloom jewels and tiaras which have on many occasions given a nod to the late Queen Elizabeth.

Footwear is another area where Camilla has made thoughtful choices. 

She favours classic, comfortable shoes – such as those from Sole Bliss – that are suitable for her busy schedule. 

Mid-heeled pumps in neutral shades are a staple in her wardrobe, providing both style and practicality. 

For more casual engagements, she opts for elegant flats or stylish boots, always ensuring that her footwear complements her outfit while providing the necessary comfort for long days on her feet.

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