15 Style Moments That Prove Princess Charlene of Monaco Was Born to Rule Fashion

Updated on 1/25/2017 at 5:25 PM

Princess Charlene of Monaco became an official royal when she married Prince Albert back in 2001, but her status as a royal fashion plate goes way, way back. The South African-born former competitive swimmer began turning heads when she took her relationship public with the prince in 2006. Since then, Charlene's style has captivated the world, whether she's pushing boundaries in top designers, making a big hairstyle change, or rubbing shoulders with her famous friends.

Princess Charlene turns 39 today, and the occasion is giving us cause to pay royal homage to her sartorial skills. Read on to see 15 of Charlene's best looks — ever.

When She Paired a Motorcycle Jacket With a White Gown

Charlene chose Ralph Lauren for the 2013 Rose Ball in Monaco.

When She Wore Full-Length Velvet

Dior was Charlene's pick for Monaco's MONAA Gala in 2013.

When She Wore That Wedding Gown

Princess Charlene selected Giorgio Armani as her wedding gown designer.

When She Proved Short Sleeves Can Be Formal

Princess Charlene picked a short-sleeved Dior gown for the 2015 Princess Grace Awards Gala in Monte Carlo.

When She Showed How to Wear Ruffles

Charlene supported the house of Dior at a haute-couture show in 2012.

When She Proved the Enduring Power of Plaid

Princess Charlene wore a bespoke 21st Century Kilt dress for a Christmas celebration at the Monaco Palace in 2013.

When She Rocked a Cape

Charlene displayed her knack for casual elegance when she wore a simple Akris cape to a Monaco event in 2015.

When She Made Black a Red Carpet Staple

Armani was Charlene's choice for the 2009 Bambi Awards in Germany.

When She Proved How to Look Fab in All Black

Charlene was outfitted in her Louis Vuitton best for the house's Fall show in 2014.

When She Mixed Bright Colors

Dior was Charlene's pick to attned a cruise fashion show in 2013.

When She Proved the Power of Small Details

Charlene's intricate gown was the main focus when she and Albert attended a 2011 event in her native South Africa.

When She Finished Her Look With a Blazer

In a Roberto Cavalli outfit, Charlene spent time on the designer's yacht in Cannes during 2013.

When She Pulled Off This One-Shouldered Jumpsuit Look

Charlene's red Valentino jumpsuit stole the show at the 2015 Monaco Red Cross Gala.

When She Proved Baby Blue Is Her Color

Charlene's Karl Lagerfeld outfit at her 2011 civil wedding in Monaco was the perfect hue.

When She Went For the Gold

Charlene wore Dior to the 2011 Yorkshire Variety Club Ball in the UK.