Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh's Style at the Milestone Age of 60 Is 'Effortless and Elegant Always' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh in a new portrait to celebrate her 60th birthday on Jan. 20, 2025.Photo:Christina Ebenezer/Buckingham Palace via Getty

Christina Ebenezer/Buckingham Palace via Getty

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburghhas style in spades.

As the royal celebrates her 60th birthday on Jan. 20, fashion insiders who work with Sophie say her style has evolved into something quite special.

“I think it has become more refined and confident,” Suzannah Crabb of Suzannah London, one of her go-to British designers, tells PEOPLE.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh attends the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on Nov. 21, 2023 in London, England.Yui Mok-WPA Pool/Getty

Yui Mok-WPA Pool/Getty

Crabb has been working alongside Sophie since 2015 and has created some of her most iconic looks, like the exquisite cream and lace gown Sophie wore toKing Charles’ coronation in May 2023. For that specific look, Crabb collaborated with a ceramic artist and an embroiderer who used vintage machinery to create a unique piece of couture.

“It was incredibly beautiful and a divine modern piece which was also a celebration of British craftsmanship and skill for which HRH champions,” Crabb says of the special gown which Sophie re-wore at a state dinner later that year.

“As always, and what I absolutely notice about the British royals, is that they always wear their pieces again," says the designer, whose modern take on vintage feminine designs have become synonymous with the royals thanks to the support of Sophie andKate Middleton, who is also a client.

“They are mindful, realistic and have strong values,” Crabb adds.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh in a new portrait released to celebrate her 60th birthday on Jan. 20, 2025.Christina Ebenezer/Buckingham Palace via Getty

“She’s a working royal but also a mum, and you just get the feeling that she’s built a wardrobe that has lots of really good pieces that are wearable and she does wear things and again and again,” Alice Leet-Cook, co-founder of Hicks & Brown, tells PEOPLE.

Hicks & Brown’s feather-embellished fedora has been a favorite of Sophie’s since she purchased it from their pop-up stand at the Royal Windsor Show in 2018.

“Even at Royal Windsor, there’s something about her, you just can’t help but turn to look,” says Leet-Cook of her more casual looks. “There’s an ease in the way she dresses. It appears effortless.”

Lady Louise Windsor and her mother Sophie, Countess of Wessex are seen carriage driving during the Champagne Laurent-Perrier Meet of the British Driving Society at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on May 13, 2018.Alamy

Alamy

It’s a sentiment echoed when it comes to working with her behind the scenes: “It’s always an effortless, collaborative and joyful process,” says Crabb of her time with Sophie.

Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

“She makes some bold choices, but the cut and length of the dress is always immaculate,” Leet-Cook tells PEOPLE.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh visits the Feel Good Inside and Out Project at Cranford College on Nov. 18, 2024 in Hounslow, England.Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty

Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty

With her hair often tied in a loose chignon and her makeup discreet and neutral, there’s an understated element to Sophie’s style which feels safe yet aspirational.

“The colors and prints she chooses are subtle yet chic, never overpowering,” says Natasha Rufus Isaacs, co-founder of Beulah London. “I think this feminine look is aspirational, as it never goes out of style.”

Sophie, Countess of Wessex at St. Mary Magdalene Church at Sandringham on Dec. 29, 2019.Paul Marriott/Shutterstock

Paul Marriott/Shutterstock

Having been a solid and dependable member of the royal family for over 25 years, Sophie certainly seems to have found a winning fashion formula.

“I love how she is not afraid to try new things and she makes beautiful choices,” Crabb says. “She’s effortless and elegant always.”

source: people.com