Queen Mathilde of Belgium is one of the best dressed European royal ladies, often taking a conservative but nevertheless chic approach to her style, relying on heritage houses and the classic designers, such as Dior and her go-to Belgian house Natan.
For a dinner with young journalists at Laeken Castle on Tuesday, 10 February, the Belgian Queen opted for something a little more casual, glamorous in a slightly-retro and much more playful style than we've come to expect from her over the years.
As identified by royal style blogger @royalfashionpolice on Instagram, she opted for an ensemble from Natan, which included a silky bridal white long sleeve blouse with a scarf-like detail built in at the shoulder and a pair of wide, barrel-leg trousers adorned with sequins.
Rounding off the look with a clutch from Diane von Furstenberg and a pair or grey suede Gianvito Rossi pumps that matched her trousers, she was the embodiment of a 70s' disco queen, which was perfect for an occasion where she would be mingling with a younger group in a more fun, informal setting.
Queen Mathilde's recent fashion risk
The 53-year-old is on a streak of more ambitious outfits at the moment, having turned to Natan for another look last week that could have been slightly risky if it wasn't styled in such a thoughtful and professional way.
For her visit to the Sexual Violence Support Centre (CPVS) in Lodelinsart on Friday 6 February, where she was given a tour of the facilities and shown how victims of sexual violence are provided with support, she donned a bold red vegan leather top that resembled a blazer, and featured a twisted front style rather than a traditional closure.
© Photonews via Getty ImagesIt isn't exactly the most traditional choice of clothing for such a poignant outing, but the blazer-like structure and silhouette of the leather top, combined with the choice of a vegan leather, makes it a little tamer than a traditional leather choice.
Marina Thomas, a colour expert, personal stylist and fashion commentator, previously spoke exclusively to HELLO! about the significance of royals wearing red, explaining how it symbolises "courage, willpower and sacrifice", revealing the meaning behind this look.
"This symbolism dates back to the Spartans, Persians, and later the Romans, who all wore scarlet in battle," she continued. "Wearing red certainly portrays confidence and a willingness to be seen and noticed," adding that it is also "strongly associated with love, as well as with protection."
