Looking through the photos posted in this thread, those that stand out to me from among the older generation are the outfits worn by:
1.
Fabiola (in the black and white pictures, not the color photos
)
2.
Grace (with mixed thoughts about the patterned fabric)
3.
Princess Elizabeth (I wish she had worn simpler shoes)
When it comes to the more recent engagements, it was hard to pick a number one and a number two. In the end, the simplicity of Victoria's look wins for me, with Mary coming in closely behind her.
What I like most about
Crown Princess Victoria at her engagement is her radiant joy! But the most important aside, this is probably among my favorite looks for Victoria. She was so well put together--very polished, impeccable grooming (no ponytail), in a dress made for her figure in a color perfect for her complexion. The whole look was regal, elegant, classic, and sophisticated. The simplicity of the style of the dress combined with the richness of the fabric was perfect for the occasion and the brooch finished the look. My only complaint is that the dress appears a little shiny, but could this simply be the way the dress photographed?.
For me, of the commoners turned royal,
Mary has probably evolved the most. She certainly appeared to be the most nervous during the engagement announcement and, thankfully, her makeup has greatly improved. But in the clothing department, her engagement outfit did not disappoint on the promise of perfection and attention to detail, which are now the hallmarks of her style and grooming. Apart from her makeup, she was well put together from her hair to the shoes. The coat and dress that she wore for the engagement interview are, I feel, the most original. The delicate fabric of the dress was very feminine in contrast to the bands, and the color suited her well. Her look was truly one of lady-like timelessness, one of regal elegance, and one of sophisticated class.
The other engagement outfits that I like from the younger generation include that of:
3.
Princess Madeline: I don't follow Madeline closely so I could be wrong but the dress she wore for the announcement of her engagement seemed to be a demure deviation from her typical style. However, not only do I really like the dress, I also feel the look was highly appropriate. Her whole look was incredibly feminine, soft, delicate, beautiful, lady-like, and romantic. From what I have seen of Madeline, there is something of 'fairytale princess come true' about her, about her style, about her image. I hope she finds her real-life prince charming and lives 'happily ever after.'
4.
Catherine: Catherine appeared very confident and poised. She looked so happy, as though her dreams were coming true, and yet was composed and dignified. Catherine was very true to herself with her clothing and jewellery choices for the announcement of her engagement, and she looked lovely in doing so. The dress was elegant and classic and feminine. It complemented her figure well, the color was stunning, and her hair was glorious. But, for such an occasion as this, I would have liked to see a neckline that was slightly more conservative and/or a slightly longer hemline (yes, yes, I realize we no longer live in the dark ages
but for - royal - engagements and weddings, I personally prefer greater modesty as I feel it is more true to the religious aspects of marriage, at least the religious aspect for royals, and the vows of exclusivity). I also feel that the necklace was out of place. Not only did it subtract from the neckline (which I realize I just 'critizied'), it was also lost, was too petite, in her voluminous hair.
5.
Maxima: Maxima's look--the shoes, the jewellery, the hair, the dress--was very classic and sophisticated, if not a little too work place professional for an engagement announcement. It is hard to explain, but whilst I really like this outfit I feel that it was not Maxima...it was a little too conventional (she certainly knows when a situation demands less and turns out in the essence of elegance, but not this time), a little too fundamentalist (for want of a word more suiting than 'conservative').