Princess Charlene of Monaco’s Style Evolution: The Sheer Debut, Armani Wedding Dress and Sharp Suiting Through the Years

  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Princess Charlene of Monaco‘s style and approach to fashion has gone through an evolution. Prior to joining the royal family of Monaco, she was an Olympic swimmer who only began to make public appearances with husband Prince Albert II in 2006. Over the course of the last several years, Princess Charlene has worn designs by Ralph Lauren, Dior and more.

Ahead, she photos from Princess Charlene’s life and her style evolution through the years.

More from WWD

2006

princess charlene, princess charlene of monaco, style, royal fashion, dresses, clothes, before and after
Princess Charlene in 2006

In 2006, Princess Charlene, then Charlene Wittstock, wore a semi-sheer sparkling green gown to the Monaco Red Cross Ball in August 2006. The occasion marked Princess Charlene’s first foray into Monaco society and her first major fashion event.

2009

princess charlene, princess charlene of monaco, style, royal fashion, dresses, clothes, before and after
Princess Charlene in 2009.

In May 2009, Princess Charlene attended the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS 2009 benefit, wearing this Giorgio Armani navy gown with black beaded detailing and a single strap. She completed the look with sandal heels.

2011

princess charlene, princess charlene of monaco, style, royal fashion, dresses, clothes, before and after
Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II in 2011.

For her 2011 wedding to Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene chose a gown by Giorgio Armani. The dress featured ornate beaded detailing cascading down the bodice and skirt of the dress. The gown also had off-the-shoulder straps and an elegant neckline.

2012

princess charlene, princess charlene of monaco, style, royal fashion, dresses, clothes, before and after
Princess Charlene in 2012.

For the 2012 Academy Awards, Princess Charlene fashioned a white Akris gown. The dress featured a sleeveless cut and A-line silhouette with a high neckline. The gown’s design also included a pleated skirt and semi-sheer top.

2015

princess charlene, princess charlene of monaco, style, royal fashion, dresses, clothes, before and after
Princess Charlene in 2015.

Princess Charlene fashioned a short-sleeve Dior gown for the 2015 Princess Grace Awards gala. The gown featured ruby red detailing throughout.

2020

princess charlene, princess charlene of monaco, style, royal fashion, dresses, clothes, before and after
Princess Charlene in 2020.

On the arrival carpet of the Monte-Carlo Gala for Planetary Health in 2020, Princess Charlene wore a glittering Jenny Packham gown with flowing sleeves. Packham is a favorite designer of fellow royal Catherine, Princess of Wales.

Princess Charlene of Monaco’s Style Through the Years [PHOTOS]

MONTE CARLO, MONACO - AUGUST 04:  Charlene Wittstock arrives at the Monaco Red Cross Ball, under the Presidency of HSH Prince Albert II, in the Salles des Etoiles at the Sporting Monte Carlo on August 4, 2006 in MonteCarlo, Monaco. For its 58th anniversary, the Red Cross Ball welcomed Duran Duran for a unique concert.  (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
MONTE CARLO, MONACO - JUNE 13:  In this handout released by the 2007 TV Festival Organization, South African olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock and Prince Albert II of Monaco pose in the courtyard of the Monaco Palace as they attend a reception on the third day of the 2007 Monte Carlo Television Festival on June 13, 2007 in Monaco.  (Photo by Handout/2007 TV Festival Organization via Getty Images)
MONTE CARLO, MONACO - MARCH 29: Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock arrive at the 2008 Monte Carlo Rose Ball 'Movida' held at The Sporting Monaco on March 29, 2008 in Monte Carlo, Monaco.  (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
MONTE CARLO, MONACO - MARCH 29: Prince Albert II of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock arrive at the 2008 Monte Carlo Rose Ball 'Movida' held at The Sporting Monaco on March 29, 2008 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

View Gallery

2024

princess charlene, princess charlene of monaco, style, royal fashion, dresses, clothes, before and after, hermes belt
Princess Charlene in 2024.

During the Sainte Devote Rugby Tournament in April, Princess Charlene showed off her proclivity for power suits with a look by Ralph Lauren, which featured a cream pinstripe blazer that featured silver buttons.

Launch Gallery: Princess Charlene of Monaco's Style Through the Years [PHOTOS]

Best of WWD