The meticulous precision and planning behind Queen Elizabeth's public engagements

Daily Mail​

3 days ago

Known for her vibrant and carefully considered wardrobe, Queen Elizabeth II understood the powerful impact of fashion.
For over 25 years, she worked closely with her Personal Assistant and Senior Dresser, Angela Kelly, to design outfits that were not only elegant but also culturally appropriate and symbolically significant.
With her colourful wardrobe, signature wool coats and statement hats, she earned admiration and recognition around the world.
One of her trademark fashion strategies was monochromatic dressing, where she would choose a single colour for her entire outfit.
The late monarch famously relied on vibrant hues to ensure she stood out in any crowd, once quipping: 'If I wore beige, nobody would know who I am.'
This approach was a masterclass in fashion, expertly coordinating accessories to create outfits which were put together and unforgettable.
In her book Dressing the Queen, Angela Kelly offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes, revealing the meticulous planning that went into every royal appearance.
Each outfit was given a unique name for easy reference - a process Ms Kelly describes as 'a lot of fun,' but also essential for maintaining accurate records of the Elizabeth's extensive wardrobe.
While Her Majesty was well known for her love of bright colours, she was careful never to repeat a shade too soon.
As Ms Kelly explains, colour leaves a lasting impression - particularly in photographs and on television - so the same hue would be avoided for subsequent appearances in the same region.
'For instance,' she notes, 'if Her Majesty wore red during her last visit to the south of England, we would steer clear of red again, even if the design was entirely different.'
To keep track of this, each dresser kept a handwritten diary, logging the details of every outfit and the occasions it was worn.
The system was deliberately designed with built-in backups - if one diary were lost or damaged, the others would still provide a complete record.
This documentation allowed Kate, the Deputy Dresser, and her team to accurately identify which outfits had been worn for specific events, ensuring a well-organised rotation and avoiding repetition.
When wearing an evening gown with a low neckline, a distinctive necklace could be displayed, while a square or V-neck called for smaller pieces like a simple diamond chain or a string of pearls
Each ensemble was given a unique name, adding a personal and playful touch to the otherwise precise process.
In addition to clothing, the diaries also noted the significant pieces of jewellery worn - a particularly useful reference given the vastness.
The Queen had a stunning collection of heirloom pieces, from signature pearls to intricate gemstone necklaces, which were carefully planned for each appearance.
When wearing an evening gown with a low neckline, a distinctive necklace could be displayed, while a square or V-neck called for smaller pieces like a simple diamond chain or a string of pearls.