Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest serving monarch, recently died September 8th. Beyond being a powerful and respected monarch, the Queen had an unwavering style as she was able to fulfill her duties and uphold tradition.

The Queen has lived through both the mod and punk eras of London, yet never succumbed to these trends.

She once famously said, “I have to be seen to be believed.”

Since 1952 when she ascended the throne at the age of 25, she has clothed herself with purpose. Her style became a new kind of female power dressing for the 20th century as she paved the way for women in political roles such as First Ladies Michelle Obama and Jill Biden. 

Long before Kim Kardashian showed up at the Met Gala in a full-body black unitard and dress, which was a symbol of her iconic silhouette, the Queen has had a silhouette that can be recognized anywhere.

She is a tiny woman in a hat with a handbag on one arm. The Queen has always worn a suit or dress with a coat, paired with two inch heels to make her easy to identify. Her consistency in the way she dressed was a sign of responsibility in a time where the world was changing rapidly.