Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh is a style icon - here are 32 iconic photos that prove it
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Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh has been showcasing her refined and timeless fashion for decades now. From loud and proud pink dresses to enviable winter coat looks, she has royal dressing down to a tee.
We've come to know and admire the Duchess because of her endless number of charitable contributions - whether she's volunteering with Guide Dogs for the Blind Association or campaigning for women's equal pay, there's no denying that Duchess Sophie is a compassionate hands-on royal. But she never fails to do these engagements in style.
No matter the occasion, we can trust Sophie to deliver a timeless and perfectly appropriate ensemble. It's clear looking at her best looks that the Duchess of Edinburgh is a master in 'dressing for the occasion'.
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Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh’s best looks
1. Blue floral print midi dress
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh looked exquisite in this Emilia Wickstead floral dress whilst attending a 2023 performance of Orb and Sceptre in London. She paired the summery number with a blue snake print clutch bag and some simple pointed-toe nude heels.
2. Pretty in Pink ensemble
We think this is one of Sophie’s best dresses to date, with its soft baby pink material and flattering cinched cut. Attending the Royal Ascot in 2023, The Duchess of Edinburgh looked decadent in the flowing midi dress with a complementary statement fascinator. The look was finished with a dainty nude heel and a matching pink clutch bag.
3. 90s Glitter gown
It’s time for a throwback and this floor-length glitter-covered dress has us obsessed. With its boat neck and keyhole detail, this evening gown is one of our favourite looks from Sophie. The Duchess of Edinburgh wore this ensemble to The Duke of Edinburgh Awards World Fellowship Ball in 1999, a perfect snapshot of 90s occasionwear.
4. All-white attire
An all-white outfit is a classic royal look, and if you’re looking for how to build a capsule wardrobe then having chic monochrome pieces like this is a great start. Sophie looks radiant in this midi-length Suzannah London gown which she has styled with a timeless round-brimmed hat and matching white satchel-style bag.
5. Blue statement sleeve dress
When meeting the members of the Ukrainian community at the City Chambers in 2023, Sophie wore an elegant deep blue maxi-length gown. With gorgeous statement sleeves and an A-line cut, the dress was a flawless balance of class and style.
6. Patterned summer dress
This is perhaps one of Duchess Sophie's more casual outfits and we simply just can’t get enough of it. With its pastel-coloured patterning and flowing cut, this is one of the best summer dresses we’ve seen from a royal. The Duchess has paired the dress with a dainty wicker bag and matching heeled espadrilles which effortlessly brought together the look.
7. Classy monochrome retro look
At first glance, this outfit may appear quite simple and understated but it’s all in the details with this look from the Duchess of Edinburgh. Attending the 2023 Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey, Sophie wore a crisp white maxi coat with a matching pillar box hat and handbag with black detailing. This ensemble is giving us all the autumn outfit ideas for the cold seasons.
8. Her business ready birthday outfit
On her 34th birthday the Duchess of Edinburgh, then more commonly known as Sophie Rhys-Jones, arrived at her Mayfair office in this structured chocolate brown co-ord. With a thick overcoat, matching dress and sleek pair of loafers, this look is one we’ll be recreating with our autumn capsule wardrobes.
9. The khaki green sleeveless trench
If you’re still wondering how to style a trench coat, then going sleeveless like Duchess Sophie may be the way for you. Here she’s attending the grand opening of the new Charfleet Book Bindery in 2023, the Duchess has paired the trench-style coat with an off-white t-shirt, brown leather heels and a contrasting blue handbag.
10. Her ascot-ready floral summer dress
We simply are in love with this maxi dress Duchess Sophie wore whilst attending the 2023 Royal Ascot. With its scattered colourful pressed-pansy pattern and ruched three-quarter sleeves, this look is a total winner in our eyes. To finish off the look, Sophie wore powder blue heels and a matching statement fascinator.
11. Her ultra feminine blossoming outfit
Not only is this dress bold in colour but it’s also bold with its pattern too. It’s also possibly the most perfect mix of Barbiecore and Bloomcore that we’ve ever seen. As the dress rightfully takes centre stage with this ensemble, the Duchess has kept her shoes and accessories simple and understated.
12. Countryside casual
The Duchess of Edinburgh not only pulls off stunning dresses but she also knows how to make a pair of wellies look smart and chic too! Seen here at the Shallowford Farm, Sophie looks naturally radiant in a khaki blazer, brown blouse and cream trousers. The wellies might just be her best winter boots we’ve seen so far.
13. A dress fit for a royal
We’re positively mesmerised by the Duchess in this stunning pink satin gown with a coordinating salmon pink shawl. And with that glittering tiara, she certainly lived up to her royal title. Known then as the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the royal couple were in Copenhagen to attend The Royal Wedding in 2004.
14. Wedding guest pink
Pink may just be the Duchess’ signature colour as we have yet another amazing blush-worthy look from the royal. This time, Sophie is wearing a deeper-taupe pink dress with a ruched neckline and tapered sleeves. Another signature style moment from Sophie is her statement fascinator.
15. Head-to-toe florals
It’s no secret that Duchess Sophie knows what she’s doing when it comes to dressing for the Royal Ascot. This head-to-toe floral ensemble, which she paired with a baguette-style clutch and an unfortunately necessary umbrella, brought the sunshine to the races despite the rainy English weather.
16. Her blush-coloured statement collar look
Duchess Sophie looked as elegant as ever when attending Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall’s wedding in 2011. The Duchess wore a monochromatic blush ensemble, with platform heels and matching dramatic fascinator. What made the look, however, was her jacket with the statement, exaggerated collar.
17. Snake-print co-ord
If you’re looking to recreate one of Duchess Sophie’s looks, this the by far one of the most accessible and wearable outfits she has worn. The snake-print top and skirt are perfectly balanced with the structured white blazer, nude heels and matching nude clutch bag.
18. Long-line coat and matching scarf
Even the colder weather can’t stop Duchess Sophie from showcasing her refined and chic fashion. Here she is with one of the best winter coats for women, a long-line double-breasted wool coat with a super chic matching scarf in a creamy stone colour. Even though this Max Mara brushed wool coat is sold out online, Mango has a brilliant lookalike that you can snap up for a fraction of the price.
19. Suede statement hat
The Duchess of Edinburgh is no stranger to a statement headpiece, whether it’s an intricate fascinator or a bold hat, she knows how to pull off even the most unusual of headwear. This suede beige top hat is no expectation. She pairs it with matching suede boots, a matching envelope-style purse and a contrasting structured berry red long-line coat.
20. Blue lace coronation dress
This may be the most apt garden party attire we’ve ever come across. With its delicate yet bold lace material and details of scalloped edges and ruffles, we can’t think of a better dress to wear to King Charles’ coronation garden party.
21. Satin wrap-around dress
This satin, long-sleeved, pearlescent dress is certainly more on the understated side when it comes to the Duchess’ usually bold and colourful occasionwear. What it lacks in colour, however, it makes up for in detail. Its tie waist, rounded cut and collared neck collectively elevate the look alongside Sophie’s stunning fascinator.
22. Her Christmas Day attire
Despite red not being a common colour for Duchess Sophie, we absolutely love to see her in it! Especially when it’s for a Christmas Day family church visit. This long-sleeved, abstractly patterned midi-dress is styled with long black suede boots and Sophie’s signature accessory of a dramatic fascinator.
23. The fit and flare pink floral dress
It’s not just the bold dress that makes this look one of our favourites but it’s also the way the Duchess has used her accessories to tie everything together. From her mesmerising fascinator to her Barbie-pink cashmere shawl, an otherwise busy-looking outfit appears cohesive and timeless.
24. Red trousers with camel blazer
We’re pretending to not be completely distracted by the Labrador puppy as this is one of Duchess Sophie’s best business casual looks to date. With statement red trousers and a coordinating patterned blouse, this look is perfect for her volunteering day with the Guide Dogs for The Blind Association. The otherwise functional attire is elevated with a nude wedge heel and glossy half-up-half-down hairdo.
25. Casual wear for a day at the Zoo
When it comes to winter dressing, Duchess Sophie may own the best winter coats there is. This one, with over-turned lapels and four statement buttons, is wonderfully paired with vibrant green trousers, a black top, and a bird-embellished scarf that truly completes the look.
26. Retro multi-coloured daffodil mini dress
Duchess Sophie’s style has naturally evolved over the years, this look, worn at the Ascot Charity Race Day in 1995 is a far cry from the refined maxi dresses she’s now known for. Its bold pattern is what truly steals the show, a collage of brightly coloured daffodils sitting on top of a contrasting background of zebra print. It’s certainly bold, and we want it in our summer capsule wardrobe immediately.
27. Vacation-ready capris
We’re obsessed with this casual, Bahamas-ready attire from Duchess Sophie. When visiting Saint Lucia in 2022, the Duchess styled a weather-appropriate crisp white pair of capris with a billowing green blouse and heeled espadrilles.
28. Cream coat and leather boots
Walking side by side with daughter Louise, the Duchess is once again showcasing her enviable winter wardrobe with another one of her stunning coats. This one is a wrap-around style in a light camel colourway which she has paired with a matching hat and coordinating brown leather heeled boots. A perfect autumn look if you ask us.
29. Red long-sleeved midi dress
Another bold-coloured dress for Duchess Sophie as she looks radiant in this red long-sleeved number with pocket detailing and a belted waist. She’s kept the shoes and accessories understated with a nude strappy heel and a basket-style clutch bag.
30. Her Mediterranean-blue look
Arriving at the Commonwealth Games in 2022, The Duchess of Edinburgh sported an all-blue look with a navy puff-sleeved blouse and tiered blue patterned maxi skirt. But what really ties the look together is the dramatic oversized sunglasses and her stylish yet functional cross-body leather bag.
31. The oversized blazer
We’re obsessed with Duchess Sophie’s 90s style, and this look is no exception. With its statement oversized blazer, layered chain necklaces and coordinating black tapered trousers, what’s not to love? What makes this look even more special is that it was her 30th birthday, heading to the office outfit!
32. Palm tree embellished ascot dress
There’s so much to love about this dress but our favourite part is the embroidered palm trees. The cut of the dress is wonderfully flattering with its fit and flare cut and pleated detailing, but it’s the gold piping and embroidery that really steals the show. The Duchess has styled this ascot-ready dress with a rose-adorned fascinator and some classic nude heels.
