The Queen of Spain's fashion formula: How Letizia chooses vibrant outfits that make her look taller and matches them with footwear to give the illusion of longer legs - as she celebrates 20 years of marriage to King Felipe

Since joining the Spanish royal family two decades ago, Queen Letizia has transformed into a style icon.

The former TV journalist has garnered widespread praise for her impeccable fashion sense.

Letizia favours a formula of affordable high street and designer labels, such as Carolina Herrera, Boss, Massimo Dutti and Zara, delighting fans who strive to replicate her style. 

Since becoming Queen, her confidence has flourished, leading to increasingly bold and daring fashion selections that often incorporate head-to-toe colour.

However, there is a methodical strategy behind these decisions.

Letizia cleverly chooses vibrant outfits that highlight her waistline to appear taller than her 5 ft 6 frame, ensuring she stands out in any crowd. 

Another savvy tactic she employs is coordinating her footwear with her clothing to create an elongating effect, giving the illusion of longer legs.  

Here, we reflect on the Letizia's most noteworthy ensembles over the years. 

Fairytale wedding gown 

Letizia stunned in an ivory Manuel Pertegaz gown to wed Prince Felipe on May 22, 2004

Letizia captivated guests as she made her way down the aisle of Almudena Cathedral in Madrid to marry Prince Felipe on May 22, 2004.

Her exquisite ivory Manuel Pertegaz gown, featuring intricate embroidery and a dramatic 15 foot train, was complemented by a veil gifted by her future husband, now King Felipe VI of Spain.

To complete her ensemble, the bride donned the magnificent Prussian tiara, previously worn by her mother-in-law, then Queen Sofia, on her wedding day in 1962. 

First year as Queen Consort 

For a visit to Belgium in 2014, Letizia wore an elegant outfit by Spanish designer Felipe Varela

Letizia quickly cemented her status as a royal style icon. 

In her initial year as Queen Consort, she favoured creations by Spanish designer Felipe Varela on a remarkable 23 occasions. 

One memorable ensemble, worn during a trip to Belgium, comprised a fitted wool jacket and satin A-line skirt.  

Letizia expertly accessorised with a clutch and pumps in complementary hues, and swept her hair into a chignon.

Evening glamour

Letizia showcased a sophisticated dress at the 2018 Princess of Asturias Awards

Every October, Letizia accompanies her husband to the Princess of Asturias Awards at the Campoamor Theater in Oviedo.

Since her first appearance in 2004, Letizia has unswervingly chosen outfits by Felipe Varela for the annual event.

In 2016, she showcased a forest green dress, paired with corresponding emerald and diamond drop earrings, exuding sophistication. 

The glamorous design combined a flattering silhouette with sequin embellishment that shimmered under the lights.

High street hero

Royal fans were delighted to see the Queen donning a Zara jumpsuit in 2019

This distinct jumpsuit, often mistaken for a dress, hailed from the popular high street brand, Zara. 

And royal fans were thrilled to see the Queen donning a budget-friendly design from the globally renowned chain in 2019.

Created in a bold teal hue, the pleated jumpsuit incorporated a sash belt and ruffled accents, producing a striking aesthetic. 

The cohesive ensemble particularly complemented Letizia's raven locks and dramatic eye make-up. 

Symbolism of red

The colour red holds deep meaning for Letizia, since it features in the Spanish national flag

The colour red holds deep meaning for Letizia as it is prominent in the Spanish national flag. 

She has displayed this hue numerous times, including when welcoming the country's 2018 Winter Olympic Games team at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid.

For the occasion, Letizia selected a Hugo Boss turtleneck, Carolina Herrera floral skirt and Magrit over-the-knee boots. 

She had previously donned this skirt-and-boot combination in December of the year before.

Trophy jacket 

Letitiza has worn this houndstooth blazer from Uterque six times since debuting it in 2019

Letizia's fondness for this double-breasted houndstooth blazer by Uterque is unmistakable.

Since debuting it in 2019, the royal has worn the monochrome linen design a total of six times.

During a meeting at FEDER in 2020, Letizia paired her jacket with leather leggings from the same brand. 

To complete the look, she added a roll neck jumper and patent pumps, achieving a contemporary business feel.   

Cape dress

Queen Letizia wore a cape dress to present the 2016 National Sports Awards, held at the Royal Palace of El Pardo

In line with tradition, a cape typically signifies heroism, virtue and courage. 

It seemed fitting, then, that Queen Letizia chose a cape dress for the presentation of the 2016 National Sports Awards, hosted at the Royal Palace of El Pardo.

The royal offset the olive design with a python clutch from Lidia Faro and Magrit 'Mila' court shoes. 

Classic Princess

Letizia has worn various ballgowns by Felipe Varela for significant events over the years

Letizia often embraced her role as Princess by choosing classic ballgowns for significant events.

She radiated glamour in a bright scarlet dress by Felipe Varela during the 2010 wedding celebrations for Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Daniel Westling. 

The strapless gown boasted a bandage-style bodice and textured floor-sweeping skirt. 

Similarly, in 2018, Letizia showcased another shoulder-baring creation by the Spanish designer while commemorating the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton. 

Business chic 

Letizia championed business chic when she welcomed representatives from UNICEF to Zarzuela Palace in 2018

In 2018, Letizia championed business chic as she hosted representatives from UNICEF at Zarzuela Palace.

The Queen opted for a pleated silk blouse and high-waisted trousers, elevated by a pair of block-heeled shoes.  

The effortlessly stylish ensemble garnered praise for its sophistication and poise.

Colour pop

Letizia was positively glowing in a Pertegaz embroidered dress while attending lunch at the Royal Palace in 2022

This alluring embroidered dress by Pertegaz proved to be a faultless choice for the official lunch marking the Miguel de Cervantes 2021 literature prize.

With its dove grey background, adorned with vibrant red blooms, paired with flamingo pink accessories, the ensemble accentuated Letizia's sun-kissed complexion. 

Sleek and streamlined 

Letizia chose an affordable Mango dress for a meeting in 2022. The design was so popular that Inmaculada Vivas Teson, who was attending the same meeting as Letizia, also wore it

This Mango dress became a global sensation with its simple yet striking aesthetic.

Featuring cleverly placed vertical panels to elongate the figure, it was a hit worldwide.

Letizia selected it for a meeting with the Council of the Royal Board of Trustees on Disability in 2022.

The popularity of the design was evident when Inmaculada Vivas Teson, also attending the discussion, wore the exact same dress.

Fortunately, both women found humour in the situation, sharing a laugh and embracing each other as they acknowledged the mishap.

Power suits 

Queen Letizia's colour pop suits demonstrate her style confidence

Over recent months, Letizia has demonstrated her style confidence by donning head-to-toe colour. 

She has become an avid fan of trouser suits, opting for eye-catching shades like crimson and bubblegum pink. 

Letizia teams these impeccably tailored creations - by Carolina Herrera and Boss - with neutral blouses and coordinated heels, creating a perfectly balanced look.