Being part of the royal family is an incredible privilege but it’s not all tiaras and tea parties. Alongside the grandeur comes a long list of traditions, many of which extend beyond royal duties and into the wardrobes of the monarchy. From how a handbag is carried to the shade of nail polish allowed, every fashion choice is steeped in meaning and protocol.
15 unexpected fashion rules the royal family must follow
These carefully curated style rules aren’t just about elegance they serve specific purposes, often tied to diplomacy, tradition, and public image. Royals like Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are bound by these often unspoken dress codes, which may seem subtle but are strictly observed.
1. Purses Must Be Held in the Left Hand
One of the more subtle royal fashion protocols is how handbags are carried. Royal women like Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton are almost always seen holding their purses in their left hand.
This isn’t just a habit, it’s etiquette. The reason is simple: it keeps their right hand free to greet well-wishers, shake hands, and wave during public appearances.
Holding a clutch or small handbag this way also prevents awkward situations, such as struggling to juggle accessories while engaging with the public. It’s a practical move that balances grace with functionality.
2. Nude Nail Polish Only
Bold nails might be trending in the fashion world, but they have no place in the royal wardrobe. Members of the royal family are expected to wear only nude or pale pink nail polish in public.
The late Queen Elizabeth II reportedly favored “Ballet Slippers,” a delicate shade by Essie, and this set the tone for royal manicures ever since.
Flashy or brightly colored nails are seen as distracting and not in line with the image of timeless elegance. Neutral tones blend with any outfit, keeping the focus on the person, not their manicure. It’s a small detail that reinforces the overall royal aesthetic of poise and subtlety.
3. Hats Are a Must for Formal Daytime Events
In the royal world, hats are more than just accessories; they’re statements of tradition and status.
Royal women are expected to wear hats to all formal daytime occasions such as weddings, christenings, and church services. This practice harks back to older societal norms when it was deemed improper for women to show their hair in public.
Though fashion has evolved, the tradition remains strong within the monarchy. Hats now serve both as a nod to heritage and a way to add regal flair to an ensemble.
Designers often custom-make these pieces to coordinate with the rest of the outfit, making each hat a unique part of royal fashion history.
4. Tiaras Are Reserved for Married Royal Women
Though they are often associated with fairy tales, tiaras come with strict rules in real royal life.
Unmarried women in the royal family do not wear tiaras; this honor is typically reserved for women on their wedding day or after marriage during formal evening events. The tradition signifies a woman’s transition from maidenhood to marital status within the royal family.
For example, Princess Diana first wore a tiara on her wedding day, as did Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle. Tiaras are usually family heirlooms or wedding gifts and are worn only to very formal occasions, such as state banquets or diplomatic galas, preserving their special significance.
5. No Off-Shoulder or Revealing Clothing
Modesty is a key principle, and this is reflected in how royal women dress.
Outfits that are too revealing, such as off-shoulder dresses, plunging necklines, or sheer panels, are generally avoided. This doesn’t mean royal fashion is boring; rather, it’s about achieving elegance while maintaining a respectful, polished image.
For instance, Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton often wear fitted silhouettes that accentuate their style, but they always ensure that shoulders, chest, and knees are appropriately covered during official duties.
This rule helps maintain the royal family’s dignity, especially when appearing in conservative settings or during public ceremonies.
6. Stockings Are Mandatory
Bare legs may be trendy elsewhere, but in the royal world, sheer tights or stockings are non-negotiable. It’s a rule that’s long been part of royal etiquette, and Queen Elizabeth II was especially strict about it.
Even in warmer weather, royal women are expected to wear neutral-toned pantyhose during official appearances. This ensures a polished and modest appearance while maintaining uniformity among royal outfits.
When Meghan Markle made her first public appearance with Prince Harry, many noted she wore nude stockings, subtly signaling her respect for royal customs even before she was officially a duchess.
7. Heels Must Be Modest and Sensible
While royal women love fashion, sky-high stilettos aren’t the norm. Heels are expected to be elegant, not excessive, usually between 2 and 4 inches in height.
Practicality is key, especially during long public engagements or events with a lot of standing and walking. Kate Middleton often chooses pumps by brands like Gianvito Rossi or L.K. Bennett that offer both style and stability.
Meghan Markle has also been seen in pointed-toe heels that complement her outfits without being flashy. The goal is to appear sophisticated without compromising comfort or grace.
8. Clutches Are Used to Avoid Awkward Handshakes
Royal women don’t just use clutches to complete their look these small accessories serve a clever purpose.
Holding a clutch with both hands makes it easier to politely avoid a handshake if needed, especially in situations where a handshake might be inappropriate or unplanned.
This trick was reportedly favored by Princess Diana, who often used her clutch as a barrier between her and photographers. It also helps maintain posture and poise, as the clutch gives the hands a natural resting place, reducing nervous gestures.
9. All-Black Outfits Are Reserved for Mourning
Wearing all-black is a serious fashion statement in the royal world and one that’s typically reserved for mourning periods.
Royals wear black at funerals or during times of national grief. Otherwise, black outfits are rare for daytime events. This rule emphasizes that black clothing carries emotional weight and should be used with discretion.
Interestingly, royals are also required to carry a black outfit when traveling abroad. That way, if a member of the royal family passes away, they can disembark dressed appropriately for mourning, as Queen Elizabeth II did upon her return from Kenya after King George VI’s death.
10. Outfits Must Avoid Being Too Trendy
The royal family aims for timeless elegance, not fleeting fashion trends.
While Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are considered fashion icons, they carefully avoid wearing anything too experimental or avant-garde. Instead, they favor clean lines, classic tailoring, and subdued color palettes.
Trends like ripped jeans, crop tops, or oversized logos are strictly off-limits for official outings. The goal is to look regal, not runway-ready. This fashion consistency helps maintain the royal image of tradition, grace, and continuity across generations.
11. Bright Colors Help Royals Stand Out in a Crowd
Queen Elizabeth II was famous for her bold wardrobe choices, not because she loved flashy fashion, but for a more practical reason.
She often wore vibrant shades like canary yellow or electric blue to public events so that people in large crowds could spot her easily. This tradition continues with other royals, especially during outdoor engagements.
Bright colors help royals maintain visibility and accessibility, reinforcing their role as public figures. It’s a visual way to show presence, making it easier for everyone, especially those waiting for hour,s to say they “saw the Queen” or another royal.
12. Hemlines Must Be Appropriate
Short skirts are a definite no royally. The general rule is that hemlines should hit around the knee, never too far above or below.
This keeps outfits polished, conservative, and suitable for all audiences, especially during formal events or when visiting dignitaries. To ensure this, some royal outfits are tailored with weights sewn into the hems to prevent them from flying up in windy conditions.
This was a known strategy used in Princess Diana’s wardrobe and is rumored to be a regular feature in Kate Middleton’s outfits today. It’s all part of maintaining elegance at every angle.
13. Royal Men Wear Military Uniforms for Formal Events
It’s not just royal women who follow strict fashion rules; men do too. For official state ceremonies, weddings, and Remembrance Day services, royal men often wear military dress uniforms.
This honors their honorary titles and service and reflects a deep respect for tradition and duty. Prince William and Prince Harry, both having served in the military, have worn uniforms at key events such as their weddings.
The choice of uniform is not random; it often reflects their military rank, regiment, and event protocol, showcasing honor and discipline.
14. Gloves Are Worn at Certain Formal Occasions
Wearing gloves may seem old-fashioned, but it’s still a relevant part of royal etiquette during formal events.
Queen Elizabeth II was rarely seen without her signature gloves, which added a touch of formality, protected her hands during constant handshakes, and subtly maintained hygiene.
While younger royals wear gloves less frequently, they still bring them out for high-profile events like state banquets or religious services.
Gloves are chosen to complement the outfit, usually in elegant, neutral tones that blend seamlessly with the ensemble.
15. Avoid Logos or Visible Branding
The royal family steers clear of visible designer logos or branded clothing.
Even when they wear luxury labels, the logos are either discreet or completely hidden. This rule ensures that royals don’t appear to endorse any particular brand or promote consumerism.
Moreover, it also avoids drawing attention away from the message or purpose of their appearance.
For example, you might spot Kate Middleton in a custom Alexander McQueen coat, but you won’t see a visible logo. The focus remains on timeless style and public service, not fashion statements.
What Can’t Royals Wear?
Members of the royal family follow a strict set of fashion guidelines, especially during official appearances. Royals are generally not permitted to wear casual or distressed clothing such as ripped jeans, particularly at formal events.
Revealing outfits like off-the-shoulder or strapless dresses, high slits, low necklines, or sheer fabrics are also considered inappropriate. Modesty is key, with hemlines typically falling around the knee or longer.
Bright nail polish is discouraged in favor of neutral or pale shades, and makeup should be kept classic and understated. Visible logos and branded clothing are avoided to maintain neutrality and avoid any suggestion of commercial endorsement.
All-black outfits are reserved strictly for mourning or funerals, and even shoes come with rules wedge heels, for instance, were reportedly disliked by Queen Elizabeth II and are rarely worn at formal events.
Additionally, revealing swimwear or beachwear is off-limits in public settings, where modesty and decorum must still be maintained. These guidelines help the royal family uphold a timeless, respectful image that aligns with their public responsibilities.
PIN IT FOR LATER
15 Unexpected Fashion Rules the Royal Family Must Follow
