If you’ve been keeping tabs on royal style, then Princess Beatrice is likely at the top of your list. Can you remember the last time she put a fashion foot wrong in recent months?

The 36-year-old’s style has “evolved dramatically in recent months, shifting from a more traditional, occasionally whimsical royal look to something far more refined and fashion-forward,” says Ciara Russell. The Daily Express caught up with the leading fashion stylist who has worked with a number of A-listers, to get her expert take on Beatrice’s striking style transformation.

For those less familiar with Princess Beatrice’s earlier fashion choices, Ciara described them as occasionally looking “experimental or slightly mismatched.” Cast your mind back to 2011, and you’ll likely picture the bold ensemble she wore to Prince William and Princess Kate’s wedding. Alongside her sister, Princess Eugenie, the duo were famously branded the “ugly sisters” — a reference directed mainly at their elaborate fascinators.

Referring to her interesting choice of millinery, Ciara said, “At the time, she seemed to favour playful hats, ornate detailing, and vintage-style cuts—like the infamous fascinator at Will and Kate’s wedding, which drew headlines for all the wrong reasons.

“Her fashion choices felt youthful but also a bit forced, like she hadn’t quite found the balance between individuality and elegance. There was a strong desire to stand out, but not always in the most flattering way.”

Fast forward nearly over a decade, and her current fashion choices are confident, cohesive, and striking in a very elegant way. The fashion expert explained that it is down to three key changes.

Ciara shared, “Beatrice’s updated style feels like a beautiful reflection of her personal growth. Since becoming a mother, there’s been a noticeable shift toward more sophisticated silhouettes and confident, elegant pieces.

“It does feel like a mark of maturity—like she’s stepped into her identity fully, not just as a royal but as a woman with her own voice and taste.”

The expert continued, “It also feels like she’s no longer dressing to impress or keep up but rather dressing with intention. This evolution shows she’s more in control of how she wants to be seen, with a style that’s chic, modern, and uniquely her own.”

Last month Beatrice stepped out and attended a charity fundraiser at Kew Gardens in London to support the Elephant Family—a wildlife conservation founded by the Queen’s late brother, Mark Shand.

She was snapped in a breathtaking gown by Rebecca Vallance, an Australian designer. The dress retails for £960 and features a rich crimson red hue with an embossed floral jacquard pattern. It had stand-out puffed sleeves, a belted waist for a structured silhouette, and a full-length A-line skirt with a subtle front slit. It exuded timeless elegance with a touch of regal sophistication.

Ciara said that this showed that Princess Beatrice today has a “clear understanding of her own aesthetic and what suits her body best.”

She continued to share that by opting for this designer, it “signalled a real style awakening.”

Adding: “Vallance’s designs are modern, tailored, and refined—all things that align perfectly with the new direction Beatrice is heading in.

“She’s choosing clothes that flatter her shape and make a quiet statement, which feels worlds away from the busy or overly styled looks of her past. It shows she’s aligning herself with more fashion-forward, polished brands that still feel royal-appropriate.”

Princess Beatrice’s complete style overhaul did not happen overnight; it has been gradual. A turning point was when she attended Princess Kate’s Carol Concert back in December, rocking the colour of the season—a beautiful burgundy ensemble.

“Princess Eugenie’s style journey has been more understated, but she too is starting to lean into cleaner silhouettes and softer, more refined looks,” shared the fashion expert.

Adding: “As a young royal mum, it wouldn’t be surprising to see her take inspiration from Kate’s style shift. In recent months, she’s gravitated towards classic cuts, solid tones, and less of the bold prints she used to wear.

Ciara shares that we can expect to see her “embracing elegant, minimal looks—perhaps with designers like Emilia Wickstead, The Vampire’s Wife, or Beulah—pieces that are timeless with a hint of edge.”