Inside Beatrice’s style transformation: How Princess went from frumpy frocks to glamorous gowns – as stylist reveals where the ‘best-dressed person in Britain’ got her inspiration from

She has been named the best-dressed person in Britain for 2024.

And it’s a testament to Princess Beatrice’s fashion glow-up, who was just ten years ago being notoriously criticised for her awkwardly bulky ensembles.

She even went viral for a daring Philip Treacy hat worn to the Prince and Princess of Wales’s royal wedding. 

Over the past few years, the royal, 35, has been evolving in her look, swapping out frumpy frocks that looked to striking form-fitting gowns. 

She has also honed her eye for colour schemes and patterns that best fit her, as well as opting for more youthful and vibrant looks.

She has been named the best-dressed person in Britain for 2024. And it’s a testament to Princess Beatrice ‘s fashion glow-up, who was just ten years ago being notoriously criticised for her awkwardly bulky ensembles. Pictured in 2009 

Speaking to FEMAIL, stylist Rochelle White remarked that the daughter of Prince Andrew ‘has really stepped up her game and it shows’.

‘I feel that in a way with the comments about her style and look, she reflected and decided that it was time to switch it up,’ she revealed.

‘I also think that when you get older you get more comfortable in who you are and your style.

‘So, I feel that has helped her and maybe she is also working with a team to help her.’

Rochelle also suggested Beatrice may have been inspired by her cousins’ wives, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, who are distinctly known for their style prowess.

‘She would of seen the press surrounding them and their garments of choice, who they wore in regards to brands and even the relationships they have with designers,’ the fashion expert added.

‘She understands what works well on her and her boy, styles and colour palettes.’

Elsewhere, Lisa Talbot added that Beatrice’s style change is a natural progression that everyone goes through. 

Over the past few years, the royal, 35, has been evolving in her look, swapping out frumpy frocks that looked to striking form-fitting gowns. Pictured in 2022

Over the past few years, the royal, 35, has been evolving in her look, swapping out frumpy frocks that looked to striking form-fitting gowns. Pictured in 2022

2008

2009

Speaking to FEMAIL, stylist Rochelle White remarked that the daughter of Prince Andrew ‘has really stepped up her game and it shows’. Beatrice pictured left in 2008 and right in 2009

Rochelle also suggested Beatrice may have been inspired by her cousins' wives, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, who are distinctly known for their style prowess. Pictured in 2005

Rochelle also suggested Beatrice may have been inspired by her cousins’ wives, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, who are distinctly known for their style prowess. Pictured in 2005

‘With age comes confidence in yourself and who you are,’ she explained. ‘This is why I think Beatrice has adapted her style from that where she was known as frumpy to best dressed.

‘As her life has changed from that of a single royal member to that of a married woman to Edoardo Mozzi and mother to Sienna she has become a woman who is confident and has found her now unique style and personal brand.

‘The styles she is now wearing are modern, fresh, youthful and elegant. She has a simple, stunning and chic look with a twist that is uniquely hers.’

The 35-year-old topped Tatler’s best-dressed list – as the society bible praised Beatrice for being ‘a beacon of sartorial elegance’ by ‘pairing vintage-inspired cuts with fresh-from-the-catwalk glamour’, although it did note she was the ‘subject of much jest’ for the Philip Treacy hat.

Both Beatrice and her sister Princess Eugenie are reported to have cried over articles criticising their hats at the wedding.

The 35-year-old topped Tatler's best-dressed list - as the society bible praised Beatrice for being 'a beacon of sartorial elegance', although it did note she was the 'subject of much jest' for the Philip Treacy hat (pictured)

The 35-year-old topped Tatler’s best-dressed list – as the society bible praised Beatrice for being ‘a beacon of sartorial elegance’, although it did note she was the ‘subject of much jest’ for the Philip Treacy hat (pictured)

But the York sisters – who are the daughters of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York – have both transformed their style in recent years.

Beatrice has refined her look over the last year adding some stylish new season pieces, together with recycling her faithful accessories and wardrobe essentials.

An important part of this gradual transformation is that, after experimenting with different styles, silhouettes and brands in the past, Beatrice has now found a theme – and a new confidence with upmarket fashion brands. 

Cue It-girl labels such as Self Portrait, Beulah and The Vampire’s Wife are taking centre stage alongside international labels Reem Acra, based in New York, and Monique Lhuillier on the West Coast.

This move towards high fashion marked a notable shift in the royal’s style, shelving the quirky headpieces and colours for a more streamlined touch.

Since turning 30 five years ago, Princess Beatrice has gradually found a fashion formula of her own and is now widely praised for her elegant yet flattering outfits.

Credit is due to her stylist, Olivia Buckingham, who also advises Poppy Delevingne and Nicky Hilton.

An important part of this gradual transformation is that, after experimenting with different styles, silhouettes and brands in the past, Beatrice has now found a theme - and a new confidence with upmarket fashion brands. Pictured in 2023

An important part of this gradual transformation is that, after experimenting with different styles, silhouettes and brands in the past, Beatrice has now found a theme – and a new confidence with upmarket fashion brands. Pictured in 2023

Since turning 30 five years ago, Princess Beatrice has gradually found a fashion formula of her own and is now widely praised for her elegant yet flattering outfits. Pictured in Cannes last month

Since turning 30 five years ago, Princess Beatrice has gradually found a fashion formula of her own and is now widely praised for her elegant yet flattering outfits. Pictured in Cannes last month 

Beatrice has leaned into more chic ensembles over the years. Pictured at Poppy Delevingne's Della Vite Valentine's lunch at The Ivy this year

Beatrice has leaned into more chic ensembles over the years. Pictured at Poppy Delevingne’s Della Vite Valentine’s lunch at The Ivy this year

Dubbed society’s secret weapon, Olivia has introduced Beatrice to a series of go-to designers including the now defunct The Vampire’s Wife, Self Portrait, Monique Lhuillier and Emilia Wickstead, plus Manolo Blahnik and Chopard for accessories.

‘I like to push my clients’ boundaries but also stick to their authentic codes,’ she previously told the Mail.

‘I don’t want it to be one-sided, what I enjoy is giving them creative freedom, then we meet in the middle and come up with a magical look.’

Before images from the early 2000s show Beatrice discovering the throws of noughties fashion in ill-fitting pastel babydoll dresses and audacious patterns.

In one snap from 2008, the royal is pictured next to supermodel Naomi Campbell sporting a daring ensemble that features both snake and cheetah-print designs.

Other times, Beatrice’s looks failed to land because of a more plain colour scheme or underwhelming design.

In 2009, she can be seen sporting a green linen dresses teamed with a simple belt and little else.

In contrast, in 2022, the royal showed how she has elevated her look in a more muted hue of the same colour, but this time bedazzled with sequins.

As well as opting for more fitted clothing options, Beatrice has elevated her selection of shoes and accessories. Pictured in 2022

As well as opting for more fitted clothing options, Beatrice has elevated her selection of shoes and accessories. Pictured in 2022

While keeping to her staples, such as a chic clutch, Beatrice has also elevated her look into a more modern one. Pictured in 2022

While keeping to her staples, such as a chic clutch, Beatrice has also elevated her look into a more modern one. Pictured in 2022

She has evolved her palette into more flattering colours for her gowns. Picutred at King Charles's Coronation last year

She has evolved her palette into more flattering colours for her gowns. Picutred at King Charles’s Coronation last year

Instead of relying on a belt to create a waistline, Beatrice also opted for a naturally cinched silhouette that accentuated her lean frame. 

She has also focused more on styling her tresses, going from keeping her hair unstyled and free to presenting more glossy Hollywood-style curls and waves. 

Beatrice dazzled at the glitzy Vogue World event in an elegant floral cape dress by Richard Quinn. The sensational black and yellow look was straight from the catwalk and was completed with full length gloves.

Keeping her fashion forward frock the star of the show, the princess pulled her hair back and just added diamond earrings and simple black pumps.

The list also featured Victoria Starmer, the wife of prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, in the fitting position of number 10.

Beatrice has also embraced more youthful patterns, such as fun florals. Pictured at an event in 2023

Beatrice has also embraced more youthful patterns, such as fun florals. Pictured at an event in 2023 

Tatler said she had an ‘unfussy chic’ style, and praised her for ‘championing local labels like Edeline Lee’.

British fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper came in second place, with Tatler praising her for her own label’s ‘tantalising tweed numbers’, and for being ‘dressed to thrill’ in Dolce and Gabbana.

The highest placed man on the list was David Beckham’s son Cruz, who was in third, and praised for his ‘uber-cool in sports-luxe silhouettes’, which Tatler said were ‘tailored like a rock star’.

In fourth was Lord William Gordon-Lennox, son of the 11th Duke of Richmond, who Tatler said had a ‘penchant for Savile Row’s finest’, which gave him ‘sartorial bliss’.

Queen Camilla’s sister Annabel Elliot came fifth for her ‘suitably grand’ appearance, made up of ‘graceful satin sets and velvet suits’.

Finishing sixth, fashion designer Anu Hinduja was praised for her ‘riotous glamour’, and just behind her in seventh was Jack Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood, with Tatler saying her style is ‘a cut above the rest’.

Socialite and teacher, Lucy Van Straubenzee, who is close friends with the Prince and Princess of Wales, came in eighth place, with Tatler saying her style was a ‘masterclass in elegance’.

England and Chelsea footballer Ben Chilwell came ninth, and was praised for his ‘retro riffs’, which Tatler said was ‘bringing fashion back to the beautiful game’.

The full top 25 list can be seen in the September issue of Tatler, which will go on sale on Thursday, August 1

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