Royalty has long held the power to shape fashion, using clothing and accessories as tools to project authority and wealth. From opulent courts to wartime austerity, the sartorial choices of monarchs have often dictated trends that transcend class boundaries, influencing everything from textiles to silhouettes.

King Louis XIV of France, famously known as the “Sun King,” epitomised the intertwining of fashion and power in the 17th century. Under his reign, Versailles became not only the political but also the fashion capital of Europe. Louis’s obsession with luxury was deliberate: he used fashion as a tool to centralise authority and control the nobility. By enforcing strict dress codes at court, Louis ensured that his courtiers were perpetually in competition to display their wealth and status through clothing.

This system was more than aesthetic; it was economic and political. Courtiers were required to wear garments made of the finest materials, often adorned with gold embroidery, lace, and jewels. The expense of maintaining such a wardrobe ensured their dependence on royal favour, effectively tying them to Louis’s rule. Notably, Louis XIV also popularised red-soled high heels for men, which became a status symbol and a mark of elite privilege. By regulating who could wear such footwear, Louis reinforced social hierarchies through fashion. His influence extended beyond France, as European monarchs sought to emulate the splendour of his court.

Queen Victoria’s influence on fashion was equally transformative, albeit in a different way. When she married Prince Albert in 1840, Victoria chose to wear a white wedding dress. The white dress, symbolic of purity and simplicity, aligned with the moral values of the era. Victoria’s choice popularised white as the standard for wedding dresses, a tradition that persists to this day.

Beyond bridal fashion, Victoria’s style set the tone for the entire Victorian period. Her preference for modesty and refinement was reflected in the tight corsets, high necklines, and full skirts that defined women’s fashion of the time. These garments were emblematic of the conservative values of Victorian society, which emphasised propriety and restraint. Victoria’s mourning attire after Albert’s death in 1861—black dresses worn for decades—further solidified the association between fashion and emotional expression, influencing mourning practices across Europe.

During World War II, Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) demonstrated how royalty could lead by example in times of crisis. In an era defined by rationing and scarcity, Elizabeth’s practical yet stylish wardrobe resonated with the British public. She wore clothing made from rationed fabrics, embracing functionality without sacrificing elegance. Her wedding dress, made of fabric purchased with ration coupons, became a symbol of resilience and ingenuity, reflecting the collective spirit of wartime Britain.

Elizabeth’s influence during this period extended beyond the aristocracy, as her choices helped popularise the concept of “make do and mend.” This philosophy encouraged people to repair and repurpose clothing rather than buy new garments, fostering a culture of thrift that aligned with the constraints of the time. By balancing practicality with grace, Elizabeth redefined royal fashion as a medium for solidarity and national identity.

Today’s royals, such as the Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) and the Duchess of Sussex (Meghan Markle), have adapted their influence to suit a modern audience. Unlike their predecessors, who often showcased unattainable luxury, contemporary royals frequently wear accessible, off-the-rack clothing. Kate Middleton’s preference for brands like Reiss has made her style widely relatable, while Meghan Markle’s advocacy for sustainable fashion brands has highlighted the importance of ethical consumption.

Their influence is often immediate and measurable. Items worn by either duchess frequently sell out within hours, a phenomenon dubbed the “Kate Effect”. While their choices may seem personal, they are carefully curated to balance tradition with modernity, reflecting the evolving role of royalty in a democratic age. By supporting local designers and sustainable practices, they wield their fashion influence to promote broader social and economic values.

Throughout history, royal fashion has rarely been a matter of personal taste alone. It has served as a potent symbol of power and society. The influence of royalty on fashion underscores how clothing operates as more than mere adornment. It is a language of symbolism, capable of reflecting and shaping the cultural and political landscapes of its time.