Aged just 25 when she acceded to the throne in 1952 the new Queen was as glamorous as any Hollywood star – with added royal stardust.
She quickly found her feet in fashion as she landed suddenly in the global spotlight.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward says: “The Queen looked more glamorous than most stars of the day. Her couturier told me she had a 21-inch waist, giving an incredibly glamorous silhouette.
“The look back then was much more dramatic. Darker colours and fabrics including fine lace and cashmere, and nearly always a diamond brooch.
“She often wore open-toed shoes and long suede gloves, as well as the elegant little hats with a small veil pushed back from the face.
“She found a classic look that came to be very distinctly hers.”
Now, as part of a series celebrating the Platinum Jubilee after 70 incredible years on the throne, we look back at some standout styles from the year Princess Elizabeth became our Queen...
Satin Gown
Her Majesty wows crowds of 20,000 as she arrives for a film in London’s Leicester Square.
She accessorised with the fabulous Dorset Bow Brooch and long gloves.
Full swing dress
Her majesty wears the dress with a fun bow in Nairobi.
Her pearls, white gloves and peep-toe shoes worked beautifully with it.
White gloves
From her car, the monarch’s wave displays the detailing of her white gloves.
Adorned with three buttons, they are beautifully made. Her hat and patterned dress are also chic and of the time.
Polka-dot circle dress
Stepping out of a car in Nairobi, Princess Elizabeth embraces the fashion of the day, with a polka-dot circle dress and a fine belt to accentuate her tiny waist.
She is ladylike as ever, with covered shoulders and peep-toe shoes.
Tea dress
Alongside her husband in Kenya, Princess Elizabeth wears an elegant up-do and a classic tea dress along with a pearl necklace, a staple throughout her life.
Peep-toe shoes
The monarch braves the grass with white peep-toe shoes at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
She also wears gloves, a crown cap and belted tea dress.
Dress coat
During a Dorset Regiment visit, the subtle hues of the Queen’s dress coat, peep- toe shoes and cloche hat are perfect.
Her accessories, not least a colourful lipstick, add a touch of charm.
Coat dress
Arriving at Cardiff Civic Centre during a coronation visit to Wales, the Queen shows off her accessories – pearls, gloves, small hat and peep-toe shoes.
The young monarch is finding her style.
Dress coat
Opening the Claerwen reservoir and dam, the Queen wears Welsh red – the first of many royal fashion nods to places being visited.
Polka-dot dress
Dressed in pretty polka dots, Princess Elizabeth is developing the famous handbag look, which would remain a feature of her fashion choices throughout her reign.
Dark coat
She matches it with a trademark brooch and peep-toe shoes to meet models at a fashion show in London’s Claridge’s hotel.
Pleated skirt
Watching her son Prince Charles, who is just three years old, play with his toy car, the new Queen is elegant with a tidy up-do and pleated skirt in picture-perfect teal, almost matching the paintwork.
