Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 24, 2025 · Entertainment

From Fashion Fails to Style Queens: The Remarkable Transformation of Beatrice and Eugenie

While both faced criticisms for the 'awkward' fits, often marked by seemingly shapeless silhouettes and plain colours - with particularly memorable Philip Treacy hats worn to the Prince and Princess of Wales's royal wedding (pictured) - they have certainly had the last word

From Fashion Faux Pas to Royal Runway Queens: The Stunning Transformations of Princess Beatrice and Eugenie

The British royal family is known for its impeccable style, but even they weren't immune to the fashion disasters of the early 2000s. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, daughters of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, were once the laughing stock of the fashion world with their cringeworthy outfits. But fast forward to today, and these sisters have undergone a dramatic transformation, emerging as two of the most stylish and sophisticated royals on the scene.

From Baggy Shirts to Bespoke Designs

Eugenie this month

In the early 2000s, Beatrice and Eugenie were often seen sporting baggy dress shirts teamed with skinny jeans, chunky statement belts, and extreme side-fringes. The fashion world was merciless in its mocking of their outfits, with some even dubbing them "awkward." But it seems those days are behind them now.

As we take a trip down memory lane, it's hard to believe these two princesses once wore such questionable ensembles. Beatrice, 36, was often seen sporting pastel-colored babydoll dresses and audacious patterns, while Eugenie, 35, favored black monochrome looks with little flair. But those days are long gone.

A New Era of Elegance

Now, Prince Andrew's two children have emerged as among The Firm's best dressed, and always reliably well regarded to be the picture of elegance. Pictured in 2008

Fast forward to today, and both sisters have perfected their own unique styles. Beatrice has emerged as a beacon of sartorial elegance, pairing vintage-inspired cuts with fresh-from-the-catwalk glamour. Her style is no longer the subject of much jest, but rather the envy of many.

According to sources close to the royal family, Beatrice's transformation can be attributed to her stylist, Olivia Buckingham, who has been instrumental in shaping her look. Buckingham, known as society's secret weapon, has introduced Beatrice to a series of high-end designers, including Monique Lhuillier and Emilia Wickstead.

"I like to push my clients' boundaries but also stick to their authentic codes," Buckingham revealed in an interview with thescholarlynote.com. "I don't want it to be one-sided, what I enjoy is giving them creative freedom, then we meet in the middle and come up with a magical look."

The pair have also learned to lean into the bright colours and patterns that accentuate and complement their tones. Pictured in 2023

The Rise of Self-Portrait

One label that has become synonymous with Beatrice's style is Self-Portrait. The It-girl brand has taken center stage alongside international labels Reem Acra and Monique Lhuillier. This marked a notable shift in Beatrice's style, moving away from quirky headpieces and bold colors to a more streamlined look.

Since turning 30, Beatrice has found her own fashion formula, and it seems she's not the only one who's taken notice. Last year, she topped Tatler's best-dressed list, with the society bible praising her for being "a beacon of sartorial elegance" by pairing vintage-inspired cuts with fresh-from-the-catwalk glamour.

Beatrice has refined her look over the last years, adding some stylish new season pieces, together with recycling her faithful accessories and wardrobe essentials. Both pictured in 2023

Eugenie's Evolution

But Beatrice isn't the only sister to undergo a transformation. Eugenie has also emerged from her fashion faux pas days to become one of the most stylish royals on the scene. According to celebrity stylist Alex Longmore, Eugenie now exudes a "new-found fashion confidence" that stems from becoming a mother.

"Eugenie's outfit choices have evolved hugely in the last few years, favoring block colors over the tawdry floral prints of the past," Longmore revealed. "She has also learned what styles work with her figure."

An important part of this gradual transformation is that, after experimenting with different styles, silhouettes and brands in the past, Beatrice has now found a theme - and a new confidence with upmarket fashion brands. Pictured in 2023

From Baggy Dresses to Bespoke Designs

Eugenie's transformation is perhaps even more remarkable than Beatrice's. Gone are the days of baggy dresses and black monochrome looks. Today, she favors dual-tone outfits and curated accessories.

In a recent photo shoot, Eugenie was seen posing proudly in a short brown top and cinched high-waisted skirt, teaming the look with an ivory wide-brim hat. It's clear that both sisters have learned from their fashion mistakes and are now reaping the rewards of their hard work.

Pictured last year

Conclusion

The royal family may be known for its impeccable style, but even they weren't immune to the fashion disasters of the early 2000s. However, Princess Beatrice and Eugenie have emerged as two of the most stylish royals on the scene, perfecting their own unique styles and cementing their places in the world of high fashion.

As we take a look back at their past outfits, it's clear that these sisters have come a long way since their cringe-worthy ensembles. But what's even more impressive is the fact that they've learned from their mistakes and are now using their platforms to promote emerging designers and advocate for sustainable fashion.

Last year, Beatrice, 36, topped Tatler's best-dressed list - as the society bible praised her for being 'a beacon of sartorial elegance'. Pictured in 2022

With their newfound confidence and impeccable style, it's no wonder Beatrice and Eugenie are now household names in the world of fashion. Long live the queen... or rather, the princesses!

She has evolved her palette into more flattering colours for her gowns. Picutred at King Charles's Coronation last year

Beatrice and Eugenie sporting striking ensembles at the Coronation Big Lunch in Chalfont St Giles in 2023

Eugenie, pictured in a figure-hugging all-scarlet ensemble, as she attended Ascot earlier this month

October 2024

Before images from the early 2000s show Beatrice discovering the throws of noughties fashion in ill-fitting pastel babydoll dresses and audacious patterns. Pictured in 2005

In one snap from 2008, the royal is pictured next to supermodel Naomi Campbell sporting a daring ensemble that features both snake and cheetah-print designs

In 2009, she can be seen sporting a green linen dresses teamed with a simple belt and little else

Beatrice and Eugenie, pictured with their mother, sporting outfits which have since been dubbed 'awkward' in 2009

The sisters pictured in 2009, with their mother, in black outfits. They have since enjoyed playing with more colourful looks