Royal Engagement Outfits Through the Years and What They Say About the Bride-to-Be

Before she was queen, Princess Elizabeth chose an ultra-feminine dress to announce her engagement to Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark. The pale blush color and bow detailing at the neckline and elbows were a far girlier choice then anything she wore after she acceded the throne. The 21-year-old bride-to-be accessorized with white shoes, a double strand of pearls and a slick of red lipstick.

When Princess Margaret announced her engagement to Antony Armstrong-Jones she chose a sober and business-like pale gray skirt suit. Known for her lavish taste and glamorous fashion choices, the formal ensemble could have aimed to display a more grown-up and sensible image. Margaret accessorized with brown shoes, a glimpse of cream silk scarf around her neck, and a pop of coral lipstick.

The queen's eldest daughter was quite the fashion trailblazer throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and for her engagement announcement to Mark Phillips she didn't disappoint. The princess opted for a beehive, pale pink fitted skirt suit accessorized with a pink and yellow striped scarf, a lavish brooch, and pearl earrings.

Diana was brand-new to the royal fold, and hadn't found her fashion feet yet, so she went literal and matched her new sapphire engagement ring with an all blue ensemble when she stepped out with new fiancé Prince Charles. The princess-to-be wore a royal blue skirt suit from Harrods teamed with a white bird print blouse, a navy clutch bag, and pumps. Even her hosiery was tinted blue.

Meghan Markle wasn't the first royal-in-waiting to wear a coat with a pop of color for her engagement press call. Thirty years ago Sarah Ferguson chose an eclectic mix of ankle-length black coat cinched in at the waist with a belt, purple blouse, white tights, black shoes, and pearl studs in her ears when her engagement to Prince Andrew was announced.

Sophie took a leaf out of Princess Margaret's book when she chose a low-key gray skirt suit to announce her engagement to Prince Edward. Although Sophie's look was understated, there were flashes of flair with the beaded detailing along the lapels and pocket of the Tomasz Starzewski suit, a pair of large diamond ear studs, and a sapphire pendant.

Autumn Kelly and Peter Phillips showed their laid-back approach when on the day the news of their engagement became public, they attended the Festival of British Eventing wearing matching green polo shirts. Autumn teamed hers with white cargo pants and flip flops.

Forgoing a formal engagement announcement may have been OK for someone unlikely to ever take the throne, but when it came to a future queen consort, all the stops were pulled out for William and Kate's big news. Kate Middleton channeled William's mother Princess Diana with her choice of color, teaming her midnight blue silk Issa dress with Tiffany diamond and cabochon sapphire necklace and matching earrings, and Episode 'Angel' pumps.

Zara followed in the footsteps of her sister-in-law Autumn when she announced her big news with new fiancé Mike Tindall. It was no fuss all the way for fresh-faced Zara in puffa gilet, hooded top, jeans, snow boots, and a cap.

For her slightly more formal engagement photo call with Prince Harry, Meghan went for effortless style in a bottle green dress by Italian label P.A.R.O.S.H, a white wrap coat by Canadian brand Line the Label, Aquazzura nude suede shoes, and opal earrings by Canadian jewelers Birks.