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All Of The Style Hacks The Royal Family Use To Avoid Wardrobe Malfunctions

Tricks of the trade - by Diandra Malivindi
  • 30 Jun 2020
All Of The Style Hacks The Royal Family Use To Avoid Wardrobe Malfunctions

While the women of the royal family have endless access to the best fashion and accessories, a simple slip-up can end in endless ridicule on a global scale.

From wearing tights with every outfit to keeping nails neutral and presentable, the royal women must adhere to a strict list of style rules. So, it makes sense that they have a list of style tricks up their perfectly-tailored sleeves, to avoid a potential wardrobe malfunction.

And while we may not be royal or in the public eye, these inventive fashion tricks are both ingenious and useful no matter the social status.

Below, we've rounded up a list of the Royal family's top style hacks that they use on a regular basis, that you may want to add to your to-do list too.

Holding A Clutch Bag To Their Chest

Princess Diana
Getty Images

Ever wondered why Kate Middleton, Princess Diana and Meghan Markle all hold their clutches to their chest as they get out of cars? It's a simple yet effective way to courteously, cover any potential slips that a prying photographer could snap a picture of. Even Anya Hindmarch, Princess Diana's go-to handbag designer, famously refers to them as "cleavage clutches."

Hats With Secret, Hidden Combs

Kate Middleton
Getty Images

We've all wondered how the gravity-defying royal headpieces manage to stay perfectly perched atop their heads. From a full hat to a simple fascinator, each of the royals' head pieces are secured in place with a hidden comb, sewn into the interior. That way, there will be no slippage, knocking or wind-blowing for paparazzi to see.

Wearing A Body Suit To Avoid Awkward Bunching

Meghan Markle
Getty Images

We've all dealt with a top that loves to pull, tuck, or bunch every ten minutes, which is why the royal women have figured out a way to banish it forever: the bodysuit. Many royals opt for bodysuits—from a blouse or button-down—when wearing either pants, skirts, or other multiple-piece looks.

Weighted Hems

Kate Middleton
Getty Images

Both The Queen and Kate Middleton are known to be fans of a weighted hemline. Sewing in small weights at the base of every dress and skirt, they work to avoid any wind-blown wardrobe malfunctions. One of The Queen's favourite couturiers, Stuart Parvin, told the Daily Mail that he sews small lead weights (typically used for curtains) into the hems of her clothing, in order to prevent her skirt from blowing up in the wind.

Hairnets To Avoid Fly-Aways

Kate Middleton
Getty Images

Traditionally reserved in costumes or for children's dance recitals, the hairnet serves a much more important purpose to the royal family. The royal women often wear them when their hair is styled in more intricate up dos—that way, they can avoid any rogue fly-aways.

Bright And Bold Clothing

Queen Elizabeth II
Getty Images

While Queen Elizabeth is known to be an avid fan of brightly coloured monochromatic suits, it is said that her bold coloured wardrobe is in a constant rotation so that she’s always visible, no matter how large the crowd.

Wearing Pantyhoes With High Heels

Kate Middleton
Getty Images

While it comes as no surprise that the royal women are fans of pantyhose, the undergarment is actually more vital than you'd think. The smooth material makes it twice as easy for their feet to slide out of their heels, if need be. It also provides an even colour tone to the legs, and ensure that there are no pesky goosebumps.

Shoes That Are One Size Too Big

Meghan Markle
Getty Images

According to fashion expert Harriet Davey, going up one shoe size is a fashion hack adorned by many celebrities—including the royal women. For what reason? In an interview with The Sun, Davey revealed, "Celebs often go a size up, or even two, in the shoe department when they're at an event or on the red carpet, and it's for one reason we can all relate to—to avoid blisters."

Leather Insoles To Avoid Sore Feet

Kate Middleton
Getty Images

Every royal function calls for formal attire, and for women that usually means wearing high heels. And since Kate Middleton spends most of her time in the public eye, walking around in sky-high footwear, she is sure to have a trick up her sleeve when it comes to staying comfortable. A fan of Alice Bow leather insoles, they add extra cushioned padding and come with double-sided sticky areas to really hold them in place.

Wearing Shawls For Stay Warm

Queen Elizabeth II
Getty Images

As it's protocol that royals cannot remove their coat in public, shawls have been used by royal women for decades, to keep warm without altering their look—all while sticking the palace's strict rules.

Strapless Shapewear To Avoid Peeping Straps

Kate Middleton
Getty Images

According to The Sun, royal etiquette expert and The Beaumont Etiquette founder, Myka Meier, says the secret to hiding unwanted bra straps is special underwear. Meier claims that Middleton uses a seamless body suit, as it is royal protocol to not show any underwear. She continued: "One option being a bra that is actually sewn into the piece. A second option is strapless shape wear, which is a one piece that either snaps at the bottom or has legs attached."

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