Learn how to dress like a royal with tips from Prince Carl Philip, King Charles III, and other stylish monarchs. Elevate your wardrobe with regal flair.
In the world of fashion, royal style stands as a paragon of timeless elegance and refined taste. Learning how to dress like a royal isn’t about donning crowns or ermine-trimmed robes; it’s about mastering the art of understated sophistication, impeccable tailoring, and confidently blending tradition with modernity. From the crisp lines of a bespoke suit to the subtle elegance of casual wear, royal men across the globe set sartorial standards that are both aspirational and achievable.
This comprehensive guide explores the wardrobes of some of the world’s best-dressed royal men, offering practical advice on how to dress like a royal in various settings. Whether you’re attending a black-tie gala, a day at the races, or simply going about your daily life, we’ll show you how to infuse your style with a touch of regal flair. Prepare to discover the secrets of princely attire, from formal grandeur to relaxed refinement, and learn how to elevate your appearance with the timeless appeal of royal fashion.
Suit: Prince Carl Philip of Sweden
When it comes to mastering the art of the tailored suit and learning how to dress like a royal, few do it better than His Royal Highness Prince Carl Philip of Sweden. The prince’s approach to formal wear is a masterclass in fit and proportion, demonstrating the transformative power of a well-tailored suit.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Invest in Custom Tailoring: The cornerstone of Prince Carl Philip’s style is impeccable fit. Invest in a made-to-measure or bespoke suit for the best results. A skilled tailor can ensure that every aspect of your suit – from the shoulder width to the trouser break – is perfectly proportioned to your body.
- Choose Classic Colors: Stick to versatile, timeless colours like navy, charcoal, and black for your core suit collection. These colours are appropriate for a wide range of occasions and can be easily dressed up or down.
- Pay Attention to Details: Notice how Prince Carl Philip’s suits always look crisp and well-maintained. Regular pressing, proper storage, and attention to detail like perfectly knotted ties and polished shoes make a significant difference.
- Experiment with Textures: While maintaining a classic colour palette, don’t be afraid to incorporate different textures. A subtle herringbone or a fine pinstripe can add depth to your look without compromising its elegance.
- Accessorize Thoughtfully: Complete your look with carefully chosen accessories. A classic watch, subtle cufflinks, or a pocket square can elevate your suit from good to great.
Regal: Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur
For those seeking to infuse their wardrobe with truly regal flair and learn how to dress like a royal with a touch of opulence, look no further than Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur. His style seamlessly blends traditional Indian elements with modern Western tailoring, creating a unique and sophisticated aesthetic.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Incorporate Rich Fabrics: Experiment with luxurious materials like silk, fine wool, and high-quality cotton. These fabrics not only look opulent but also drape beautifully, enhancing the overall silhouette.
- Embrace Color: While Western royal style often leans towards muted tones, Indian royal fashion celebrates colour. Incorporate deep jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red into your wardrobe for a regal touch.
- Mix Traditional and Modern Elements: Pair a beautifully embroidered Nehru jacket with tailored trousers, or wear a classic Western suit with an intricately patterned silk pocket square for a subtle nod to Indian aesthetics.
- Invest in Statement Pieces: An embellished sherwani or a richly detailed smoking jacket can serve as a centrepiece for your outfit, much like the Maharaja’s Dolce & Gabbana creations.
- Pay Attention to Grooming: Impeccable grooming is key to pulling off this regal look. Keep your hair neat and consider growing a well-maintained beard or moustache for an extra touch of princely charm.
Black Tie: Prince William
When it comes to formal eveningwear and mastering how to dress like a royal for black-tie events, few do it better than Prince William. As a future king, his approach to black tie is a study of timeless elegance and understated sophistication.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Stick to Classic Silhouettes: Opt for a traditional black tuxedo with either peak lapels or a shawl collar. The key is to choose a cut that flatters your body type while adhering to classic proportions.
- Invest in Quality: A well-made tuxedo can last for years, making it a worthy investment. Look for one made from high-quality wool with silk or grosgrain lapels.
- Pay Attention to Shirt Details: Choose a crisp white shirt with a pleated front and French cuffs. Ensure the collar sits properly and complements the shape of your bow tie.
- Master the Bow Tie: Learn to tie your own bow tie rather than relying on pre-tied options. This small detail can make a significant difference in the overall polish of your look.
- Keep Accessories Minimal: Follow Prince William’s lead and keep jewellery to a minimum. A pair of simple cufflinks and a classic watch are usually sufficient.
Morning Suit: King Charles III
For certain formal daytime events, particularly British society weddings and horse racing events like Royal Ascot, the morning suit reigns supreme. King Charles III, formerly known as Prince Charles, has long been a master of this quintessentially British look. His elevation to the throne has only cemented his status as a paragon of traditional British style and an exemplar of how to dress like a royal for formal daytime occasions.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Get the Basics Right: A proper morning suit consists of a black or grey morning coat, striped trousers, a waistcoat, and a crisp white shirt.
- Focus on Fit: As with any tailored outfit, fit is crucial. The morning coat should be snug across the shoulders and chest, with sleeves that hit at the wrist.
- Choose the Right Accessories: A tie or cravat, a top hat, and polished black Oxford shoes complete the look. For events like Ascot, don’t forget the all-important pocket square.
- Pay Attention to Proportions: The waistcoat should just peek out beneath the front of the morning coat, and the coat itself should fall to just above the knee.
- Consider the Occasion: While a grey morning suit is generally acceptable, for the most formal occasions (like royal weddings), black is the preferred choice.
- Embrace Traditional Details: King Charles is known for his appreciation of traditional tailoring. Consider details like a pocket watch or a boutonnière for special occasions.
- Maintain Immaculate Grooming: The King always appears well-groomed. Ensure your hair is neatly styled and facial hair, if any, is well-maintained.
The Polo-Player Look: Prince Mateen of Brunei
Polo, often called the “sport of kings,” has a dress code all its own. Prince Mateen of Brunei exemplifies how to dress like a royal both on and off the polo field, looking stylish in every situation.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Invest in Quality Polo Shirts: Look for well-fitted polo shirts in breathable fabrics. White is traditional for match play, but other colours are acceptable for practice or spectating.
- Choose the Right Trousers: For playing, white jeans or specially designed polo trousers are essential. Off the field, chinos in neutral colours pair well with polo shirts.
- Don’t Forget Footwear: Proper polo boots are crucial for playing, but for a polo-inspired look off the field, leather loafers or smart sneakers work well.
- Accessorize Appropriately: A leather belt, a classic watch, and sunglasses are all you need to complete this look. Avoid over-accessorizing.
- Layer with Purpose: A cable-knit sweater draped over the shoulders is a classic polo spectator look, perfectly embodying the blend of casual and preppy that defines polo style.
Watching Formula 1: Prince Pierre Casiraghi of Monaco
The Monaco Grand Prix is as much a fashion event as it is a racing one, and Prince Pierre Casiraghi demonstrates how to dress like a royal for the occasion with understated elegance.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Start with a Navy Blazer: A well-fitted navy blazer is the cornerstone of this look. Choose one in a lightweight wool for comfort in various weather conditions.
- Pair with Neutral Trousers: Light-colored chinos or tailored trousers in beige or light grey complement the navy blazer perfectly.
- Choose a Crisp Shirt: A white or light blue button-down shirt keeps the look fresh and classic.
- Add a Tie for Formality: A navy tie completes the polished look. For a more casual approach, the tie can be omitted.
- Don’t Forget Sun Protection: Sunglasses are both stylish and practical for outdoor events like F1 races.
The Racer: Tunku Abdul Rahman of Johor
Racing a car competitively is hard, but racing with style, that is even harder. In this regard, the Tunku Panglima of Johor is a class of his own – combining confidence and style swag.
Combining style with the practicality required for racing is an art, and Tunku Abdul Rahman of Johor has mastered it, showing how to dress like a royal even in high-octane environments.
How to Achieve This Look:
- Prioritize Function: Choose racing suits and gear from reputable manufacturers that meet all safety standards.
- Incorporate Personal Style: While safety is paramount, look for ways to express your style through colour choices or subtle customizations where allowed.
- Pay Attention to Off-Track Style: When not in racing gear, opt for smart casual attire that reflects the sleek, modern aesthetic of motorsports.
- Accessorize with Purpose: A quality watch with chronograph features nods to the racing world while serving a practical purpose.
- Maintain Impeccable Grooming: Even in the high-octane world of racing, well-groomed hair and skin reflect the discipline and attention to detail required in the sport.
Conclusion: The Essence of How to Dress Like a Royal
While each of these royals has their unique style, several common threads run through their approaches to fashion:
- Quality Over Quantity: Invest in well-made pieces that will last.
- Impeccable Fit: Whether casual or formal, clothes that fit properly make all the difference.
- Attention to Detail: From perfectly polished shoes to well-chosen accessories, it’s the little things that elevate an outfit.
- Appropriateness for the Occasion: Dressing suitably for each event or activity is a hallmark of royal style.
- Confidence: Perhaps the most important aspect of royal style is the confidence with which these men wear their clothes.
- Respect for Tradition: As exemplified by King Charles III, there’s a deep respect for traditional styles and tailoring methods, even while adapting to modern times.
By incorporating these principles into your own wardrobe choices, you can bring a touch of royal elegance to your everyday life. Remember, true style is not about blindly following trends or spending extravagantly, but about understanding what works for you and wearing it with confidence.
Whether you’re attending a black-tie gala or simply running errands, channelling these royal-style icons can help you look and feel your best. Learning how to dress like a royal is about more than just copying outfits – it’s about embracing a mindset of elegance, appropriateness, and self-assurance in your personal style.
Feature Image: Elisabeth Toll/The Royal Court of Sweden
