As the year draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the good, the bad… and the fashionable.
2017 has been a mixed bag of events but one thing’s for certain—the style stars of the Middle East have given us plenty of wardrobe inspiration to take into 2018.
And one royal in particular has given us so many standout looks that we’ve struggled to whittle down our favourites.
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Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan seems to have a wardrobe positively bursting at the seams with show-stopping gowns and trend-setting separates.
She was our Ramadan-dressing inspiration, she’s our constant muse when it comes to find the perfect wedding guest outfit, and we try to copy her glossy blow-out on a daily basis (with very, very varied results).
We could have easily compiled a top 150, but let’s have a look at the royal’s 15 most noteworthy outfits from the last 12 months…
Her Majesty sported this head-turning Valentino dress to launch Amman Design Week, pairing the monochrome number with some latticed booties we’re immediately adding to our shopping list. The detailing in this number is also divine.
When it comes to easy, breezy summer style, we’re taking a leaf out of Queen Rania’s style book with candy-striped cotton. It’s elegant and relaxed all at once.
Attending the national day celebrations at Raghadan Palace in Amman, the royal stunned in a flowing cream gown, complete with a dramatic cape featuring bold lining. It’s one of those pieces that looks all the more stunning when seen in motion, too.
To attend a teachers’ forum, Queen Rania plumped for a directional dual-striped blouse from Monse, finished off with a demure necktie. Chic tailored pants allow the statement shirt to take centre stage.
The key to office-appropriate elegance is all in the small details, as Her Majesty demonstrates in this ladylike navy dress, given avant-garde appeal with theatrical ruffled sleeves.
For Crown Prince Hussein’s graduation from Britain’s prestigious Sandhurst Military Academy, the royal wore a cherry-red dress coat. We adore the vibrant hue, while the subtle jacquard design lends a particularly regal feel to the tailored piece.
Even when dressed down, Queen Rania nails off-duty sophistication. Here, the royal mixes pared-back denim with a crisp nautical shirt, given a contemporary twist with an architectural collar.
With its glimmering embellishments and figure-flattering peplum, this uber-refined ensemble hits the perfect balance between glamorous and stately. The lick of metallic detailing on the stilettos expertly plays against the beadwork, too.
This knotted-front shirt dress by Loewe feels fresh and very of the moment (especially when toughened up with statement boots).
For a military dinner at Sandhurst, the Queen rocked a marigold shade we’ve rarely seen her in—but looking at this, HM should definitely incorporate more yellow into her wardrobe. This sunny Chloe blouse is positively bursting with ethereal romance, while the sculpted skirt complements the colour palette with restraint.
The royal masters trend-led proportions in culottes and a short-sleeved Fendi jacket. The subtle matching of her bag against the floral brooch is inspired.
For this charity gala, Queen Rania turned to Givenchy Couture for a gown that matched the magnitude of the occasion, without feeling overbaked. The peek of dainty lace is especially swoonworthy.
While professional and polished, this embroidered and ruffled Versace midi also packs a whimsical punch.
With its fluid chiffon hem and feminine fluted sleeves, this Prabal Gurung midi blends a boardroom-ready aesthetic with a featherlight delicateness. Those contrasting stilettos make the ideal sole mate.
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Those who often stick to black and white for the office, take heed—here’s how you keep to a neutral palette but with extra impact. Queen Rania’s fringed knit skirt and gauzy high-neck blouse bring a certain softness to a classic combo.
Images: Getty, HM Queen Rania/Instagram