Best Dressed for the Royal Wedding

[Every element of the day, from the wedding dress to the tiara to the list of invited guests, is brought to the attention of the general public. Therefore, when you are an invited guest at a royal wedding, you become very aware that the walk into the church is like a red carpet, and you do something special in terms of your attire.

Many of the outfits on this list are from recent weddings: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Prince William and Kate Middleton, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank. The evolution of royal wedding outfits from formal and traditional to fashion statements is a very recent phenomenon, as royal wedding guests like Princess Diana and Victoria Beckham pioneered this movement in the 90s and mid-00s, and and showed that it was possible to dress up and be stylish.

At the nuptials of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, former Suits co-star Sarah Rafferty wore this gorgeous puffed sleeve. I might not have liked it if it were any other color, but the navy color and contrasting beading (which matches her hat detailing nicely) pick up just enough light to make it feel vibrant.

These two hats of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie (technically a fascinator by Philip Tracy) are quite legendary for the attention and somewhat controversial nature of William and Kate's wedding. Frankly, I appreciate that they went for it.

For Harry and Meghan's wedding, Eugenie kept it simple in a Jackie Kennedy-esque pillbox and matching light blue tweed dress. It was carefree, comfortable (except for the just striking sky-high heels), and one of her best colors.

In a complementary shade to her sister, Beatrice wore a pretty beaded dress and a very minimalist hat made of delicate matching fabric strings.

Two chic gentlemen arrived for the wedding of the century (in matching vests, one with a white dress and the other with a white dress). Elton and her husband are appropriately dressed up here as well, but he adds an important touch of flair in the form of pink glasses for Elton freaking John. Yes, to everything.

Karolina Kurkova attended the royal wedding of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco (on the arm of spouse Archie Drury) in the classic color, navy.

For the Monaco royal wedding, Roberta Armani (niece of Giorgio Armani, also pictured) wore a stunning tulip-like topper and a contrasting dress that mimicked a hat shape. Oh, and it comes with my all-time favorite cape.

This is not the best photo, but it shows Doria Ragland in full costume as she heads to the church to witness her daughter's marriage. This Oscar de la Renta pattern is stunning up close, and the pistachio hue is striking, the perfect color for the mother of the bride.

"Suits" actor Patrick J. Adams celebrated his friend's marriage in authentic style with his wife and fellow actor Troian Bellisario. Normally, I don't like such a bright blush (it can sometimes wash people out), but the beaded detailing on the shoulders gives a much needed flourish.

Leave it to Oprah to come up with a huge, very fun hat and cool sunglasses to go with it. The lace detailing on this petal pink tiered dress is incredibly intricate, and I love the backless pumps (and marvel that she doesn't fall, where I would).

Princess Marie-Chantal and Princess Maria-Olympia are both lovely, but I give Princess Maria-Olympia a slight edge.

What would you wear to your ex-lover's (in this case Prince Harry's) wedding? If it's Cressida Bonas, something bright, colorful, and absolutely beautiful. But seriously, you don't always see this many patterns at royal weddings, and it paid off handsomely.

Strictly speaking, it may not have been a major royal wedding per se (Camilla Dunn, daughter of the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, was marrying HRH Rupert Soames, grandson of Winston Churchill), but we couldn't resist including Princess Diana here.

Now, this is an impressive wedding outfit (in this case by Alexander McQueen, one of Kate's favorite designers). The burgundy color matched with the floral fascinator is queenly.

At the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston, Kate's sister Pippa Middleton (alongside husband James Matthews) wore a pretty cornflower blue dress with delicate patterns, ruffles, sheers, and buttons. Yet somehow this look was very put together.

At the wedding of Spain's then Crown Prince Felipe, Queen Rania of Jordan made a gorgeous, fashion-forward statement in what could have been a casual button-down shirt and skirt. See-through and lace details added visual interest.

This is a hat. It's like a cowboy hat, but with a smaller energy.

"Suits" star Gabrielle Makto is lovely, of course, but let's be honest: wife Jacinda Barrett steals the show. I love the deep wine color of the dress, the bow detailing on the shoulders, and the triangle cutout on top. It's a cool way to elevate a basic dress.

Carey Mulligan and her husband Marcus Mumford are pretty private people, but when they step out in public like this, they make a lovely couple. Whether intentional or not, Mulligan's black dress band matches Mumford's suit in a darling coordinated moment.

"Suits" actor Abigail Spencer looks great in navy and polka dots with a white collar. Priyanka Chopra is lavender (we especially love the asymmetrical neckline at the top), and together they are the perfect sartorial pair.

Particular attention was paid to Mrs. Kitty Spencer (Princess Diana's niece). Black or beige would have been much easier, but orange is much cooler.

At Prince Felix's wedding, Beatrice Borromeo wore what I can only describe as the coolest headgear I have ever seen. It looks incredibly minimalist (two tendrils extend from behind her right ear), but the contrasting colors make it immediately eye-catching.

At Eugenie's wedding, Princess Meghan (who was pregnant, but not necessarily publicly) was a vision in simple navy. As an active royalty, she showed off many chic and simple outfits, but on this occasion she was accompanied by striking high heels and a dashing little hat.

In addition to the best accessories ever (Idris Elba), Sabrina Dowle rocked one of the most unusual outfits of Meghan and Harry's wedding. The cardigan jacket may be too casual, but its construction, matching dress and shoes really elevate it, making it an unexpected and chic choice.

Charlotte Riley, wife of fellow actor Tom Hardy (pictured), is a floral vision at Harry and Meghan's wedding. The black-toned pattern makes the look stand out and is dressy.

At Eugenie's wedding, Cara Delevingne (who is not afraid to defy tradition) attended in a menswear-style suit. Even if she had broken the dress code, it was formal and perfectly tailored.

In addition to being married to James Blunt (pictured), Sophia Wellesley is the daughter of Sir John Henry Wellesley and Lady Corinne Vease. The semi-sheer detailing on her dress is a model of floral arrangements for weddings.

Look at the height of those shoes. Add in the fact that Victoria Beckham is pregnant at William and Kate's wedding, and the feat of walking in those heels becomes even more impressive. My favorite is the pillbox-like fascinator.

For Harry and Meghan's wedding, Beckham re-dressed in a similar outfit in basically almost the same colors (the dress was her own design). The little touches, like the slits in the long sleeves and the buckle detail at the neck, are especially nice.

Princess Sophia, who attended the wedding of Princess Madeleine of Sweden and Christopher O'Neill (whose style I have long admired), was a lavender apparition. It doesn't have to be overly ornate to be formal, proving that sometimes basics are best.

Serena Williams is irresistible beyond compare. From her delicate, ethereal fascinator to her petal pink wrap dress to her high yet practical pumps, everything is a triumph. It doesn't hurt that Alexis Ohanian looks thrilled to be in her arms.

I really, really appreciate wearing bold colors to a formal wedding. Yellow is one of the more difficult shades to wear, but Amal Clooney looks as if she was born to wear it. The short train in the back is a special touch.

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