The Duchess of Edinburgh put a glamorous spin on the classic 90s minimalism as she stepped out for the Royal Yacht Squadron Ball at Cowes Regatta in 1996.
Pictured with her then-boyfriend Prince Edward, Sophie (nee Rhys-Jones) looked elegant in a floor-length black dress with a bateau neckline and a fitted, column silhouette that was synonymous with the era.
Accentuating her figure, the dress featured a wide black sequinned belt which drew focus. Sophie accessorised with black heels, an ebony clutch and statement earrings, styling her dark blonde cropped cut into a voluminous straight style.
© GettyWhy black isn't always a fail-safe option
Sophie has often remained loyal to a classic black gown. One of her most memorable examples includes the Buckingham Palace State Banquet for the Emir of Qatar in 2024, when she wore a Suzannah London gown with a modest Bardot-style neckline, structured fitted bodice and a sweeping skirt.
While black is seen as a fail-safe colour, it was actually an unusual choice for a white-tie event, where royals tend to favour pastel hues or rich jewel tones – as black is traditionally reserved for official periods of royal mourning or black-tie events. Sophie used the black canvas to highlight her Wessex Aquamarine Necklace Tiara, royal sash and gold court shoes.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesSophie's refusal to have a personal stylist
Prince Edward's wife has spent years refining her style, transitioning from a corporate PR wardrobe to a modest royal. Despite having access to a number of designers and stylists from around the world, Sophie continues to prefer her independence when it comes to choosing outfits.
© Tim Graham"I know what I like and what I don't like, but I have never had a stylist," she admitted during an interview with the Sunday Express.
"Initially, when I first started to do full-time engagements, I sort of had to start paddling my own canoe a bit and carving out my own style... It was all about my clients, not me [in PR]. It's still not about me, it's about my charities, but I recognise that I'm on display."
