7 Decades of Queen Elizabeth's Rainbow Style: See Her Most Colorful Outfits Through the Years

01of 55Getty (6)Over the course of her 70-year reign,Queen ElizabethII took to wearing brightly-hued ensembles. The monarch wore every color in the rainbow — and it was for a good reason.In the documentary,The Queen at 90, the Queen’s daughter-in-law, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, said: “She needs to stand out for people to be able to say ‘I saw the Queen.’ Don’t forget that when she turns up somewhere, the crowds are two, three, four, 10, 15 deep, and someone wants to be able to say they saw a bit of the Queen’s hat as she went past.“Check out the Queen’s colorful collection of clothes through the years.

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Getty (6)

Over the course of her 70-year reign,Queen ElizabethII took to wearing brightly-hued ensembles. The monarch wore every color in the rainbow — and it was for a good reason.

In the documentary,The Queen at 90, the Queen’s daughter-in-law, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, said: “She needs to stand out for people to be able to say ‘I saw the Queen.’ Don’t forget that when she turns up somewhere, the crowds are two, three, four, 10, 15 deep, and someone wants to be able to say they saw a bit of the Queen’s hat as she went past.”

Check out the Queen’s colorful collection of clothes through the years.

02of 551999Queen Elizabeth.Anwar Hussein/GettyRed-y or not, here comesQueen Elizabeth! She sported this bold hue while taking a tea break with hospital staff during her visit to Manchester Royal Infirmary.

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1999

Queen Elizabeth.Anwar Hussein/Getty

Red-y or not, here comesQueen Elizabeth! She sported this bold hue while taking a tea break with hospital staff during her visit to Manchester Royal Infirmary.

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2021

Queen Elizabeth.STEVE PARSONS/POOL/AFP via Getty Image

04of 552014Leon Neal-WPA Pool/GettyQueen Elizabethsported this deep red ensemble with sharing a laugh with her late husband,Prince Philip.

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2014

Leon Neal-WPA Pool/Getty

Queen Elizabethsported this deep red ensemble with sharing a laugh with her late husband,Prince Philip.

05of 552010Queen Elizabeth.Dan Kitwood /WPA Pool /GettyQueen Elizabethwore this gorgeous, deep red tweed number while greeting the Emir of Qatar in Windsor.

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2010

Queen Elizabeth.Dan Kitwood /WPA Pool /Getty

Queen Elizabethwore this gorgeous, deep red tweed number while greeting the Emir of Qatar in Windsor.

06of 552020Queen Elizabeth.GLYN KIRK/POOL/AFP via GettyThe Queen wore this festive, red coat and matching hat while thanking local volunteers and essential workers for their work amid the COVID-19 pandemic and over the Christmas holiday.

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2020

Queen Elizabeth.GLYN KIRK/POOL/AFP via Getty

The Queen wore this festive, red coat and matching hat while thanking local volunteers and essential workers for their work amid the COVID-19 pandemic and over the Christmas holiday.

07of 551982Tim Graham Photo Library via GettyNext toPrince Philipin his whites, the queen stood out in her red patterned look while arriving in Kiribati during a tour of the South Pacific.

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1982

Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty

Next toPrince Philipin his whites, the queen stood out in her red patterned look while arriving in Kiribati during a tour of the South Pacific.

08of 551980GettyOrangeyou glad that the monarch wasn’t afraid to wear a bold, orange hue after Christmas Service at Windsor Castle in 1980?

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1980

Getty

Orangeyou glad that the monarch wasn’t afraid to wear a bold, orange hue after Christmas Service at Windsor Castle in 1980?

09of 551985GettyShe wore a similar, burnt orange hue while attending a polo match in Windsor, this time accessorizing with a scarf.

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1985

She wore a similar, burnt orange hue while attending a polo match in Windsor, this time accessorizing with a scarf.

10of 551977GettyQueen Elizabethmatched her pillbox hat to her coat while out in London in 1977.

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1977

Queen Elizabethmatched her pillbox hat to her coat while out in London in 1977.

11of 551989GettyThe Queen made a statement in a bold, sparkly evening gown while aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia for a banquet in Singapore.

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1989

The Queen made a statement in a bold, sparkly evening gown while aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia for a banquet in Singapore.

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1979

13of 552015GettyThe Queen wore a smile almost as bright as her outfit while attending the QIPCO British Champions Day racing meet at Ascot Racecourse.

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2015

The Queen wore a smile almost as bright as her outfit while attending the QIPCO British Champions Day racing meet at Ascot Racecourse.

14of 551989GettyThe monarch wore a gingham dress and matching hat while attending the recommissioning ceremony for HMS Invincible, adding a light orange coat to complete the look.

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The monarch wore a gingham dress and matching hat while attending the recommissioning ceremony for HMS Invincible, adding a light orange coat to complete the look.

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2018

She added pops of blue to her yellow outfit while attending the Royal Ascot in 2018.

16of 551990Erin Combs/Toronto Star via Getty ImagesQueen Elizabethlooked cheery in a bold yellow ensemble while visiting Canada in 1990.

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1990

Erin Combs/Toronto Star via Getty Images

Queen Elizabethlooked cheery in a bold yellow ensemble while visiting Canada in 1990.

17of 551997GettyQueen Elizabethvisited Pakistan in 1997, wearing a sunny, yellow, polka dot number (and going without shoes) while visiting the Shah Faisal Mosque.

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1997

Queen Elizabethvisited Pakistan in 1997, wearing a sunny, yellow, polka dot number (and going without shoes) while visiting the Shah Faisal Mosque.

18of 551975Serge Lemoine/Hulton Archive/GettyIt wasn’t the first time that the Queen wore yellow polka dots: she wore a similar outfit in Mexico in 1975.

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1975

Serge Lemoine/Hulton Archive/Getty

It wasn’t the first time that the Queen wore yellow polka dots: she wore a similar outfit in Mexico in 1975.

19of 551977Tim Graham Photo Library via GettyShe wore the pattern again, this time in a slight muted tone, while in Brisbane, Australia, on her Jubilee Tour.

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She wore the pattern again, this time in a slight muted tone, while in Brisbane, Australia, on her Jubilee Tour.

20of 552021OLI SCARFF/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesHer Majesty the Queen looked lovely in a green and pink floral outfit while attending a luncheon alongside the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge.

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OLI SCARFF/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Her Majesty the Queen looked lovely in a green and pink floral outfit while attending a luncheon alongside the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge.

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The Queen ushered in the arrival of spring in March 2021 when she wore this pastel green outfit, adding yellow lilies to her hat.

22of 552018Meghan Markle and Queen Elizabeth.Karwai Tang/WireImageFor herfirst solo outingwith daughter-in-lawMeghan Markle, the Queen chose a lime green suit dress and matching hat.

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Meghan Markle and Queen Elizabeth.Karwai Tang/WireImage

For herfirst solo outingwith daughter-in-lawMeghan Markle, the Queen chose a lime green suit dress and matching hat.

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1973

24of 551977Anwar Hussein/GettyWhile visiting Barbados in 1977,Queen Elizabethwore a green, patterned dress with pearl embellishments on the shoulder.

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Anwar Hussein/Getty

While visiting Barbados in 1977,Queen Elizabethwore a green, patterned dress with pearl embellishments on the shoulder.

25of 551980sQueen Elizabeth.Anwar Hussein/GettyWhile posing for a photo with her many dogs at Sandringham, the Queen wore an emerald green suit dress.

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1980s

While posing for a photo with her many dogs at Sandringham, the Queen wore an emerald green suit dress.

26of 551952GettyThe Queen wore a classic skirt-suit while at Balmoral Castle in 1952.

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1952

The Queen wore a classic skirt-suit while at Balmoral Castle in 1952.

27of 551995Queen Elizabeth and Margaret Thatcher.Corbis via GettyShe wore this elegant, sequined, forest green gown to celebrate Margaret Thatcher’s 70th birthday.

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1995

Queen Elizabeth and Margaret Thatcher.Corbis via Getty

She wore this elegant, sequined, forest green gown to celebrate Margaret Thatcher’s 70th birthday.

28of 551954Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/GettyIn 1954,Queen Elizabethdonned a stunning green evening gown while visiting Melbourne, Australia, making us green with envy.

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1954

Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty

In 1954,Queen Elizabethdonned a stunning green evening gown while visiting Melbourne, Australia, making us green with envy.

29of 552021Queen Elizabeth.Andrew Milligan/Pool/GettyShe wore a similar hue while opening of the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament in 2021 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

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Queen Elizabeth.Andrew Milligan/Pool/Getty

She wore a similar hue while opening of the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament in 2021 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

30of 551987Queen Elizabeth.Julian Parker/UK Press via GettyQueen Elizabethdonned a festive green ensemble while attending Christmas services in 1987.

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1987

Queen Elizabeth.Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty

Queen Elizabethdonned a festive green ensemble while attending Christmas services in 1987.

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Queen Elizabeth.Scott Heppell - WPA Pool/Getty

32of 551990Tim Graham Photo Library via GettyWhile celebrating the Queen Mother’s birthday in 1990,Queen Elizabethwore a flashy, floral print dress outside Clarence House.

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While celebrating the Queen Mother’s birthday in 1990,Queen Elizabethwore a flashy, floral print dress outside Clarence House.

33of 552021Queen Elizabeth.DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via GettyThe Queen smiled in 2021 as she donned a robin egg blue ensemble while attending the Royal Ascot in London.

33of 55

Queen Elizabeth.DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty

The Queen smiled in 2021 as she donned a robin egg blue ensemble while attending the Royal Ascot in London.

34of 552008Prince Harry, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.Samir Hussein/WireImageThe monarch stood out during the Trooping the Colour in 2008, as she posed on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with her grandson,Prince Harry, daughter Princess Anne, son, Prince Edward, and husbandPrince Philip.

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2008

Prince Harry, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.Samir Hussein/WireImage

The monarch stood out during the Trooping the Colour in 2008, as she posed on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with her grandson,Prince Harry, daughter Princess Anne, son, Prince Edward, and husbandPrince Philip.

35of 552002PA Images via Getty ImagesWhile celebrating her Golden Jubilee in 2002,Queen Elizabethchose a light blue that nicely complemented her eyes.

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2002

PA Images via Getty Images

While celebrating her Golden Jubilee in 2002,Queen Elizabethchose a light blue that nicely complemented her eyes.

36of 552021Queen Elizabeth.Samir Hussein - Pool/WireImageIn 2021,Queen Elizabethwore a sky-blue ensemble while inspecting members of the armed forces at the Ceremony of the Keys in Edinburgh, Scotland.

36of 55

Queen Elizabeth.Samir Hussein - Pool/WireImage

In 2021,Queen Elizabethwore a sky-blue ensemble while inspecting members of the armed forces at the Ceremony of the Keys in Edinburgh, Scotland.

37of 551985Major Hugh Lindsay and Queen Elizabeth.Tim Graham Photo Library via GettyWhile on her tour of Portugal in 1985,Queen Elizabethwore a solid blue coat that matched her patterned hat.

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Major Hugh Lindsay and Queen Elizabeth.Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty

While on her tour of Portugal in 1985,Queen Elizabethwore a solid blue coat that matched her patterned hat.

38of 551997Colin Davey/GettyShe’s got her something blue! The Queen wore this blue outfit on her 50th wedding anniversary celebration toPrince Philipin 1997.

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Colin Davey/Getty

She’s got her something blue! The Queen wore this blue outfit on her 50th wedding anniversary celebration toPrince Philipin 1997.

39of 551986Queen Elizabeth during a walkabout after a church service.Tim Graham Photo Library/GettyThe particular shade of blue is a popular one for the British monarch — they don’t call itroyalblue for nothing!

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1986

Queen Elizabeth during a walkabout after a church service.Tim Graham Photo Library/Getty

The particular shade of blue is a popular one for the British monarch — they don’t call itroyalblue for nothing!

40of 552021Queen Elizabeth.Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/GettyQueen Elizabethwore royal blue again while attending a service of Thanksgiving to mark the centenary of The Royal British Legion at Westminster Abbey alongside her daughter, Princess Anne, who wore a bright purple ensemble.

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Queen Elizabeth.Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty

Queen Elizabethwore royal blue again while attending a service of Thanksgiving to mark the centenary of The Royal British Legion at Westminster Abbey alongside her daughter, Princess Anne, who wore a bright purple ensemble.

41of 551970Queen Elizabeth and her dog.GettyWhy so blue!? While on a tour of New Zealand in 1970,Queen Elizabethwore a royal blue, patterned dress while smiling alongside one of her corgis.

41of 55

1970

Queen Elizabeth and her dog.Getty

Why so blue!? While on a tour of New Zealand in 1970,Queen Elizabethwore a royal blue, patterned dress while smiling alongside one of her corgis.

42of 552017Chris Jackson- WPA Pool/GettyWhile visiting the naval base in Portsmouth in 2017,Queen Elizabethstood out in a brilliant purple outfit.

42of 55

2017

Chris Jackson- WPA Pool/Getty

While visiting the naval base in Portsmouth in 2017,Queen Elizabethstood out in a brilliant purple outfit.

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2006

In 2006, she attended the annual Trooping the Colour in a deep purple outfit.

44of 552015Samir Hussein/WireImagePretty in pink! This bright magenta outfit, complete with hot pink feathers in the cap, made a statement while the Queen visited the HMS Ocean in 2015.

44of 55

Samir Hussein/WireImage

Pretty in pink! This bright magenta outfit, complete with hot pink feathers in the cap, made a statement while the Queen visited the HMS Ocean in 2015.

45of 551990John Shelley Collection/Avalon/GettyWhile riding in a carriage with her mother in 1990, the Queen wore a lovely lavender outfit.

45of 55

John Shelley Collection/Avalon/Getty

While riding in a carriage with her mother in 1990, the Queen wore a lovely lavender outfit.

46of 552012Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles at the 2012 Braemar Highland Gathering.Indigo/GettyWhile at the Braemar Highland Gathering,Queen Elizabethshared a laugh with her son,Prince Charles, while wearing a light lavender outfit, matching the ribbon on her hat to her ensemble.

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2012

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles at the 2012 Braemar Highland Gathering.Indigo/Getty

While at the Braemar Highland Gathering,Queen Elizabethshared a laugh with her son,Prince Charles, while wearing a light lavender outfit, matching the ribbon on her hat to her ensemble.

47of 551951Hulton Archive/GettyWhile visiting Malta withPrince Philipin 1951, the monarch wore a pale purple, beaded gown and fur stole, accessorizing with elbow-length white gloves and plenty of diamonds.

47of 55

1951

Hulton Archive/Getty

While visiting Malta withPrince Philipin 1951, the monarch wore a pale purple, beaded gown and fur stole, accessorizing with elbow-length white gloves and plenty of diamonds.

48of 55UndatedGettyThe Queen looked pretty in pale pink when she wore this one-shouldered gown with her family’s orders and orders of her kingdom.

48of 55

Undated

The Queen looked pretty in pale pink when she wore this one-shouldered gown with her family’s orders and orders of her kingdom.

49of 552018Richard Pohl/WPA Pool/Getty ImagesThe Queen blended in with the flowers in a soft pink sweater while looking at a display of roses at the Chelsea Flower Show in London.

49of 55

Richard Pohl/WPA Pool/Getty Images

The Queen blended in with the flowers in a soft pink sweater while looking at a display of roses at the Chelsea Flower Show in London.

50of 552021First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Queen Elizabeth and President Joe Biden.STEVE PARSONS/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesThe Queen posed with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at Windsor Castle in 2021, looking ready for tea time in her floral dress and bubblegum pink hat.

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First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Queen Elizabeth and President Joe Biden.STEVE PARSONS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The Queen posed with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at Windsor Castle in 2021, looking ready for tea time in her floral dress and bubblegum pink hat.

51of 552021Queen Elizabeth II.Tim Rooke/ShutterstockQueen Elizabethchose this dusty rose color for her trip to Cardiff, Wales, in 2021.

51of 55

Queen Elizabeth II.Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

Queen Elizabethchose this dusty rose color for her trip to Cardiff, Wales, in 2021.

52of 551975Serge Lemoine/GettyWhile visiting Mexico in 1975,Queen Elizabethwore a tropical-print, short-sleeve dress.

52of 55

Serge Lemoine/Getty

While visiting Mexico in 1975,Queen Elizabethwore a tropical-print, short-sleeve dress.

53of 551989Tim Graham Photo Library via GettyThe queen wore a magenta suit dress while visiting Wales (and accepting a birthday cake!) in 1989.

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The queen wore a magenta suit dress while visiting Wales (and accepting a birthday cake!) in 1989.

54of 552016Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/GettyThe Queen marked 500 years of the Royal Mail delivery service with this vivid pink look in 2016.

54of 55

2016

Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty

The Queen marked 500 years of the Royal Mail delivery service with this vivid pink look in 2016.

55of 552021Queen Elizabeth.Tim Rooke/ShutterstockQueen Elizabethwore a bright pink coat over a floral dress, accenting her look with brightly colored flowers in her hat in 2021 while arriving at Balmoral Castle.

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Queen Elizabeth.Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

Queen Elizabethwore a bright pink coat over a floral dress, accenting her look with brightly colored flowers in her hat in 2021 while arriving at Balmoral Castle.

source: people.com