Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, was a veritable fashion icon in her day. A huge fan of Dior’s New Look, the “royal rebel” dressed in contrast to her prim elder sister and favored a bold variety of accessories—from glamorous sunglasses to bright headscarves. In fact, her style prowess earned its own nickname in the 1950s: “The Margaret Look.” Ahead of the season three of The Crown (in which Helena Bonham Carter will play Princess Margaret), we’re looking back at all the royal’s best looks throughout the years.
1940
In a patterned dress and wrist watch in the schoolroom at Windsor Castle at the age of 10 years old.
1941
Wearing matching outfits with her older sister Elizabeth for a portrait with the Queen Mother in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
1940s
In a floral print dress, layered pearl necklaces, and red suede shoes for an official portrait.
1940s
In a full equestrian look while horseback riding as a young teenager.
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1943
In costume for a production of Aladdin at Windsor Castle.
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1947
Photographed with King George VI and older sister Princesses Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) during an excursion in the Royal Natal National Park in South Africa. Margaret wears a buttoned dress with a belt cinched at the waist.
1940s
Posing for an official royal portrait in a floor-length ball gown with flower detailing and her signature layered pearl necklaces.
1949
In a pink and white polka dot dress, white opera gloves, and a matching flower hat while visiting the Women’s Resident Training College.
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1949
In a floor-length gown with floral embellishments, pearl necklaces, and white gloves at Regents Park.
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1949
Wearing a fur-trim coat, pleated skirt, and feathered hat while being greeted by the Cadet Guard of Honor in Bristol.
1949
In a pale pink ball gown and strands of pearls for a portrait.
1940s
Attending a royal engagement in a wide-brimmed hat, patterned dress, pearl necklaces, and white gloves.
1949
In a feathered hat, fur coat, black gloves, and midi dress out in London.
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1949
Arriving to an airport in London in a skirt suit, matching hat, and white accessories.
1950
In a wide-brimmed hat, opera gloves, and a vested dress at St. Peter’s Church in London.
1951
In a white fur coat, white gloves, and a jewel-encrusted gown at the premiere of Captain Horatio Hornblower at the Warner Theatre Leicester Square.
1951
In an off-the-shoulder ball gown cinched at the waist for a sitting royal portrait.
1951
Attending the traditional Drum Castle Pageant in a checked blazer and pleated skirt.
1953
In a silk ballgown and opera gloves at the premiere of Hamlet at Leicester Square in London.
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1953
In a white cap and skirt suit on a train at Southampton station.
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1953
Wearing an embellished gown, crown, and royal sash at the coronation of her sister, Queen Elizabeth II.
1953
Posing for a portrait at the palace in a tiara, diamond necklaces, and sleeveless gown.
1954
Attending the Highland Home Exhibition in a velvet jacket and silk cap.
1955
In a tiara, a diamond necklace, a sash, and a white, sleeveless ball gown.
1955
In a floral headpiece, cap-sleeve dress, and long white gloves while on tour of British West Indies.
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1956
In a netted cap, a cape coat, white gloves, and heels at the Royal Society for the Blind at Deal in Kent.
1956
In a floor-length ball gown with a single shoulder strap during her 26th birthday.
1958
Posing for a portrait in a white tulle gown and green jewelry.
1960
The official royal wedding portrait of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones at Buckingham Palace. The princess wore a cascading veil, long white dress, and diamond tiara.
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1960
In a pink gown and white fur jacket while attending the premiere of the film The Alamo at the Astoria in London.
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1962
Princess Margaret attends a wedding at Westminster Abbey in a purple overcoat, floral print dress, and black croc handbag.
1965
Donning a white and blue dress with a matching pale blue hat while on tour in East Africa.
1965
In a floral print dress and white pumps while visiting a ranch in Arizona with Lord Snowdon.
1965
In a tiara, diamond jewelry, and a baby blue evening gown, with husband Antony Armstrong-Jones.
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1967
While visiting the Bahamas with her husband Earl of Snowdon, Princess Margaret wears a colorful print dress and baby blue hair bow.
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1973
In a peacock feathered hat and a green-collared coat while attending the Royal Ascot.
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1981
Standing with Princess Diana in a floral dress and fur stole at Nicholas Soames’ wedding in Westminster.
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1990
Wearing a red floral print dress and white heart-embellished sandals at the Queen Mother’s 90th Birthday outside Clarence House.
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1990
In turquoise jewelry and a blue caped gown at the London Palladium for The Queen Mother’s 90th birthday.
1997
Wearing a diamond tiara and jewelry for the State Opening Of Parliament.
1999
In a pale yellow dress while attending the Queen Mother’s 99th birthday celebration.
From Harper’s Bazaar UK
