The royal ladies are a quietly fashion-conscious group, often donning dramatic ball gowns, fluttering ruffled frocks and tailored suits. Sometimes, the ladies from the firm opt for more figure-sculpting dresses.
This style originated in the '90s from the now archival 'bandage dress', and although you won't see the royal ladies opting for something quite this close-fitting, they do choose clothes that delicately skim the body.
Eugenie's subtle bodycon moment
Princess Eugenie's olive-green dress in 2024 was a great example. The Duke of Westminster married Olivia Henson that year, and their wedding, which was held at Chester Cathedral, was swiftly dubbed the high-society wedding of the year, due to the 400-strong guest list and intense media interest.
© Getty ImagesDressing to impress, Eugenie delighted onlookers with her surprise appearance, turning heads in an olive-green wedding guest dress featuring a V-neckline and close-fitting cut by Joseph. Carrying a cream handbag by Anya Hindmarch and completing her look with chic Aquazzura high heels and a stunning fascinator by Emily London, this look was widely considered one of her best.
© Mark CuthbertThe top half of the dress fitted close to her body, but the delicate pleats added balance, adhering to the royal dress code, which often calls for mindful dressing - super-tight looks go against protocol. Eugenie's luxury high-street number is a more flattering way to wear this style.
Royal ladies wearing subtle bodycon looks
Princess Diana
Arguably the most iconic bodycon dress of all time is Princess Diana's 'revenge dress'.
Her low-cut, figure-hugging mini dress, made by Greek designer Christina Stambolian, would go on to become one of her most memorable. It gained its nickname because her bombshell outing was perfectly timed with the release of Prince Charles' candid ITV interview with Jonathan Dimbleby, in which he confessed to being unfaithful during their marriage. With its figure-hugging shape, corseted waist, and billowing bustle, it caused quite a stir.
Meghan Markle
The Duchess of Sussex donned an eye-catching Victoria Beckham fitted dress during one of her last visits to the UK before stepping down as a senior royal in 2020.
© Getty ImagesThe wife of Prince Harry teamed the timeless number with a slicked-back ponytail and smoky makeup, adding petrol blue accessories.
The Princess of Wales
Princess Kate had a show-stopping sartorial moment at the 2022 premiere of Top Gun: Maverick in London.
© GettyLooking positively glorious alongside her husband, Prince William, the mother of three wore a glamorous bodycon Roland Mouret dress with a Bardot neckline. The dress was a black column style with a white band across the top that showed off her elegant décolletage.
