Fashion

How Queen Letizia’s slinky black dress bucks royal tradition in more ways than one

She's following in the footsteps of other royal style icons.
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Queen Letizia of Spain has proven once again that she’s a style icon with an outfit that bucks royal tradition in more ways than one.

The 49-year-old royal stepped out for a chic film festival in Mallorca, Spain on Sunday, wearing a style rarely seen on royal ladies.

Stunning in a black silk slip dress, she showed off her svelte figure in the loose-fitting gown, which fell to her ankles.

Royals rarely don slinky numbers like this as they tend to be considered a little too risqué, but Letizia opted for a high neckline to offset the sensual material.

The Spanish queen looked ravishing in the simple satin number.

(Image: Getty)

She appeared to be following in the footsteps of Sophie, Countess of Wessex who donned a similar silky number last week.

However, her emerald green dress featured an even higher neck and long sleeves to create a more modest look.

But the slinkiness of Letizia’s black dress is not the only detail that set it apart from her usual royal wardrobe.

Not only was Letizia’s trendy slip on the sexy side, it was also an absolute bargain buy at just €22 – around $33 AUD – from none other than Zara.

Sophie, Countess of Wessex wore a similar style in Birmingham last week.

(Image: Myer)

She paired the affordable slip dress with a beaded clutch from budget brand Mango and jewelled sandals from Magrit.

Letizia isn’t the only royal to opt for affordable fashion from time to time and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge is also a fan of Zara pieces.

In June, she styled a chic white blazer from the brand with a simple white blouse and black slacks for an effortless business casual look replicated by women in offices around the world.

While we often look to royal women as aspirational trend setters, there’s been a shift in recent years to include more affordable options in royal wardrobes.

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While Catherine and Letizia are admired for their glamorous evening gowns and gala appearances, they’re just as loved for donning high street brands at more low-key events.

Meanwhile Princess Mary has been credited with inspiring a new generation of sustainable royal style, regularly rewearing pieces she’s had in her wardrobe for years.

Catherine has also hopped onto the trend, while Letizia herself has even been spotted recycling her staple accessories.

If you want to copy Letizia’s style statement, you can shop a few of our favourite affordable dress dupes below.

Queen Letizia’s slinky black dress dupes

ASOS DESIGN scoop neck midi satin slip dress in black, $56 via ASOS.

(Image: ASOS)

Levella Dress in Black Satin, on sale for $58 via Showpo.

(Image: Showpo)

Belle & Bloom No Regrets Slip Dress, on sale for $64.98 via Myer.

(Image: Myer)

IDS Billie Gathered Midi Dress, $69.95 via The Iconic.

(Image: The Iconic)

Ceres Life Satin Slip Dress, $99.99 via The Iconic.

(Image: The Iconic)

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