There was a time when Prince Edward’s wife was something of an outsider in the British Royal Family.
But after decades of hard work and loyal service, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, has established herself as a key figure in the Monarchy.
If your role, your reputation, and your fashion choices have evolved over time, One aesthetic has remained constant in his wardrobe: the pantsuit.
Sophie Wessex, as she was known, once favored oversized silhouettes (left, in 1999). In more recent times she has opted for tailoring (right, in 2024)
Sophie Wessex, then Sophie Rhys-Jones, in 1994. She married Prince Edward in 1999.
Sophie Rhys-Jones attends a Krug champagne party in London, 1998
Sophie arrives at work in 1999, shortly after her engagement to Prince Edward was announced.
Conveying elegance and authority, with a touch of informality when necessary, the two-piece set has played a key role over the years.
In the 1990s, Sophie wore the staple in oversized silhouettes, tweed fabrics, and earth tones.
Today, explore stylish tailored jackets and airy wide-leg pants, often paired with knee-high boots and a Breton top.
Sophie Rhys-Jones married Prince Edward at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in June 1999, after a five-year relationship.
The Duke of Edinburgh first crossed paths with his wife in 1987, when she was working in public relations for Capital Radio.
Six years passed before the couple met again, this time Sophie was leading the publicity for Edward’s Real Tennis Challenge event.
The duo bonded over their interest in sports and their first date was reportedly a tennis match followed by dinner at Buckingham Palace.
When Sophie appeared before the public, her style choices inevitably attracted attention.
In 1994, during the early stages of her relationship with Prince Edward, Sophie made a statement by wearing a distinctive wool jacket, paired with matching trousers.
Created in a burnt orange hue, this striking jacket featured padded shoulders, classic peak lapels, a double-breasted front, and a dramatically oversized fit.
Sophie added a simple mink turtleneck, knitted flats and a printed silk scarf in complementary shades of white, ocher and tan.
Later in 1998, Sophie showed off her sartorial prowess in a monochrome ensemble, featuring a plaid jacket, for an elegant Krug Champagne party in London.
The fashion-forward look ensured all eyes were on Prince Edward’s bride.
Sophie is pictured in London, November 1999.
Pictured arriving at work in London after attending a memorial service for murdered television presenter Jill Dando in 1999.
Sophie pictured at the Ascot May race weekend in May 2022
Pictured wearing a pink crossbody at the Chelsea Flower Show 2022
Already popular in the 1970s, the pantsuit gained momentum and continued to dominate fashion throughout the 1990s, conveying a sense of authority and competence.
Suit sales reached an all-time high, with several high-profile designers participating.
Giorgio Armani, for example, created two square pieces for women that reflected men’s fashion.
Donna Karan, for her part, presented designs that highlighted the female figure.
Known for her style consciousness, Sophie first embraced the trend with peplum-style jackets and straight-leg pants.
One particularly flattering ensemble from 1998 featured a defined waist and contrasting color-blocked collar, signifying a change in the duchess’s outfit.
Attending a memorial service for Jill Dando in 1999, Sophie wore a long fitted jacket and baggy trousers.
The plum-colored ensemble featured diamond-shaped buttons and decorative stitching along the front.
As more and more women occupy positions of authority, new silhouettes and color palettes for the pantsuit have continued to be developed.
For example, a new variation could be seen during Sophie’s visit to the 2022 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. She wowed viewers in a pastel pink outfit, complemented by a touch of lipstick in a similar shade.
Gabriela Hearst’s sophisticated linen dress was made up of a double-breasted jacket and straight pants.
Sophie added a Sophie Habsburg bag with an embroidered shoulder strap and fun Penelope Chilver heels in tan and ultraviolet.
As for her wardrobe, the Duchess of Edinburgh seems to have benefited from having Kate Middleton by her side.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, visits Community Projects at Burwell Hall, Walton-on-Thames, in January this year
Despite their age difference of 17 years, Sophie has forged a close alliance with Kate and has mirrored her sartorial choices on several occasions, including trouser suits.
In January, the duchess wore a forest green Victoria Beckham suit that was reminiscent of Kate’s Burberry two-piece. Both incorporated long blazers and wide pants.
For the Community Sport and Recreation Awards, held at Leeds’ Headingley Stadium earlier this month, Sophie wore a navy Max Mara suit.
Her modern look, reminiscent of Kate’s Holland Cooper suit, suggested that shared taste is a feature of their friendship.
