Queen Letizia debuts autumnal print dress for double engagement

19/11/2019

Queen Letizia accompanied her mother-in-law, Queen Sofia on a private visit to Rastrillo Nuevo Futuro at the Pabellón de Cristal, Casa de Campo Park in Madrid today.

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Queen Sofia is a regular at the annual event, and Letizia has previously attended with her mother-in-law from 2009-2013. The money raised by the solidarity market goes to The Nuevo Futuro association, (homes for supervised minors) which has been operating for fifty years.

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They toured the stalls which offered an array of antiques, Christmas decorations, and fashion, among other items.

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Later in the day, Queen Letizia attended the opening of Goya's Drawings 'Solo la voluntad me sobra' (Only my Strength of Will Remains) at Museo Nacional del Prado.

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The exhibition celebrates the museum's 200th anniversary. Queen Letizia held a meeting with the Royal Board of the Prado National Museum and exhibition curators before touring the catalog of work. The exhibition displays more than 300 drawings from Prado's selection and from public and private collections around the world.

Queen Letizia tours Goya's Drawings 'Solo la voluntad me sobra' exhibition at Museo Nacional del Prado

WHAT QUEEN LETIZIA WORE

DRESS: NEW! HUGO by Hugo Boss 'Kalocca' floral print shirt dress (£449).

JACKET: NEW! Cognac tan leather and suede mix jacket (unidentified).

Carlos Alvarez / Stringer / Getty Images

ACCESSORIES: Magrit custom rust red leather & suede clutch bag and matching pumps (repeat).

Magrit custom rust red leather & suede pumps

EARRINGS: Gold bamboo design huggie hoop earrings (unidentified / repeat)

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46 Comments

Sandy

20/11/2019 10:53:25 pm

The fabric of this dress looks like it could be used to make pyjamas or nightgowns. I don't like the dull & drab colour combination of rust/mustard yellow/white. The unsightly yellow is highlighted further in the belt which doesn't help . The dress looks better with the tan leather jacket which hides the matronly bodice, pin tucks and high collar. The only things that stand out are the rust pumps and clutch. Queen Sofia wins the fashion stakes on this occasion because her co-ordinated pantsuit is very stylish.

Simone

21/11/2019 07:22:38 pm

Sorry but I can't see yellow there, it is as copper colour, maybe your screen?

Jennifer F

20/11/2019 11:46:39 pm

I'm not the hugest fan of handkerchief style hemlines and I wouldn't choose this dress, but it appears expensive compared to others we have seen and looks well on the Queen. There are a lot of features with the pleated bodice, gathers at the waist, collar and D-belt ring. Light viscose fabric allows the details to marry together nicely, they somewhat blend into one from a distance so that the dress presents as fluid. The combination of colours is sophisticated, the autumnal rusts and graphic design dilute the feminity of the sugary pink base. Fit is strong, the shoulder seam lines fall in the right place and there isn't excess fabric in the top. The underside of the belt is an eye-catching pop of contrast against the busy print, the twisted tie cleverly introduces the tangerine shade before dropping down. I believe the dress is lined which improves movement and the overall look of the piece. The rust accessories echo the floral perfectly, while the gold hoops provide subtle polish.

Bertie

21/11/2019 10:06:33 am

That's really beautifully put, Jennifer, thank you so much, you really have a trained eye for that tailoring! That's such a good point you make about not too much fabric in the bodice, I can see now that's what helps this loose style work so well this time. So many of these tea-dress styles suffer from baggy shirt tops and this one as you say, presents as a fluent whole.

Jennifer F

22/11/2019 11:46:33 am

Hi Bertie, I loved what you said that 'Hugo Boss and Letizia can handle this' very true! She has worn some wonderful looks over the years by this brand. A few of my favourites are: the red leather dress with the super chic bob 31/10/15, white skirt and top set 7/7/15 and light grey trouser suit 15/03/16 all classic pieces which were worn repeatedly. This dress looks well on the Queen but I don't think it has the same timeless appeal we have seen from other ensembles. Personally, I loved HB when renowned New York designer Jason Wu was creative director, (from 2013-2018) his collections captured an understated, highly polished, elegance. Saying that, there were some beautiful pieces in the spring 2020 collection, I look forward to seeing what she will wear next!

Bertie

23/11/2019 08:09:10 am

Thanks Jennifer, and for further valuable education in the comings and goings at top fashion houses! I have had to face up to the break in Letizia's trademark polished elegance via Sandy's post, looking back through 2015/16 was a touch sad to see how she kept it up. I'm finding her switch to these roomy shirtwaisters a trifle matronly, so I can only assume she might be trying to follow fashion, I suppose there are a fair number of what I might call droopy dresses about right now. A bit like the 1970s -- not necessarily a good thing!

Jennifer F

25/11/2019 05:30:56 am

Hi Bertie, I agree with Zoe that she has entered a new phase style-wise, sadly, she'll never please everyone, but ultimately it is the Spanish media and people at home that she needs to keep happy (hopefully without losing her identity, I often wonder if her natural style leans towards structured or loose-fitting garments...). There are looks that are similar in tone to previous years but overall we are seeing less tailoring. I am happy to see mainly Spanish designers, there are some iconic names including the PUIG group, I would love to see a little more variety rather than returning to the same companies (I appreciate that in more recent years she has started to incorporate more names into her wardrobe). Spain has some of the leading, more affordable, high street brands on offer, I would like to see fewer looks like the Poète black and white set and Maje pink dress, which both lacked in quality. There are amazing pieces to be found on the HS and I would like to see the best of Spain showcased, (two of my ten favourite new looks of the year are from the HS). There were also one or two grand events this year like the 'Order of the Garter' where ensembles were perfectly suitable, but I felt more luxurious fabrics and customised fit were needed for the importance of the occasion while still remaining quietly elegant and lifting the design to another level.

Wendy

25/11/2019 08:14:36 pm

Jennifer, as Zoe said, she has been criticised for being "pimpante" (smug??, it is difficult to translate, sometimes) about
her clothing. There is one journalist who accused her of that (Carlos García-Calvo) and he writes for El Mundo, a right wing newspaper, so I guess that she is triying to do the contrary. Queen Sofia always has worn a jacket and and skirt, only trousers lately, all of them almost identical and she has never had criticism. The monarchist want a matronly Queen but on fashion and the Republicans a modern Queen (but these ones are against the monarchy). She comes from a Republican atmosphere and the more conservative ones do not forgive that. It is very difficult for her. In the begining she suffered a lot, lost weight, etc...
Felipe is the Monarch, she only the Consort of the King (his spouse), thing that is repeated to death by other one, who was the Head of Casa Real, Jaime Peñafiel. (She is a nobody who must walk one step behind the King, shut up and unnoticed). Imagine that for a woman who was a journalist and reported Iraq war....
I do not know if you know the anecdote. The day of their engagement she dare to interrupt Felipe when he was seaking saying "let me go on..."....That was terrible!! (I barely has heard Sofia speaking...)(

Bertie

25/11/2019 09:53:34 pm

Agree with both you and Zoe about a new style phase!

Simone

25/11/2019 10:07:04 pm

Jennifer, the Maje pink dress has been applauded by the Media in Spain, "At first glance, the set was somewhat disconcerting, since although of enormous innocence, the result was somewhat mischievous"....(G. Calvo).

"A sweet ballerina" (Olga Pérez)..

And also they say that she was overdressed for Cuba. (In this blog people thought the contrary).

Elena

26/11/2019 01:30:32 am

Jenny, "The Order of the Garter" had no importance for Spain at all. It is seen as a bizarre or eccentric event. She wore a Spanish thing which was the best for her here. UK and Spain have not got the best diplomatic relation (to say it in a polite way)

Jennifer F

26/11/2019 10:18:13 am

Hi Wendy, as always thank you for your insight, it's clear that Letizia walks a very tight rope between the monarchists and republicans. In addition, it must be extremely hard at times following in the shadow of her husband having had such a successful career, hopefully, they are very supportive of one another, King Felipe seems like a good man. I have often wondered if her perfect poise (which I love) plays a role in the 'smug' comments, to some, she may look aloof, sadly she can't win either way. To me, she comes across as a dedicated and intelligent woman, working gracefully to carve out a role for herself while supporting her family. She hasn't been Queen long, I hope dearly that she will be considered a valuable member of the royal family who many are proud of.

Hi Simone, it's always interesting to know how looks are critiqued in Spain, many thanks! I must admit that I am a little perplexed by the media, Varela's clothing is criticised for being overworked, etc and this French piece was received so positively...perhaps by different news outlets. I adored the idea of the Maje dress but thought it was a poor take on a beautiful idea.

Jennifer F

27/11/2019 11:33:07 am

Hi Elena, thank you for your feedback. I appreciate that the Order of the Garter had no importance in Spain and that there are tense political issues. I believe this event was covered in online publications all over the world, Queen Letizia looked lovely, but I think the ensemble could have been much improved with some alterations, while still being seen as diplomatically neutral. For example, if Cherubina had made a custom version of the dress, that was tailored to her, in lined silk (similar to how Lola Li made a bespoke Carli dress in white) and if accessories had been lighter. I think the outcome could have been quietly stunning and showcased Spanish designers to full effect. I apologise if I seem to only take into account 'the fashion', I do try to be sensitive towards political issues.

Wendy

26/11/2019 07:24:44 pm

Jennifer, to be honest I do not understand the Spanish media, and bloggers.(there are only two or three) Because of that I am here, I appreciate much more your insight about fashion and couture. She must be very confused. It is more a politic thing that her choices, as I said Sofia and her daughtres never were criticised, well there was a deal with the press. Juan Carlos brought back the democracy so everybody was grateful. Nowadays there is internet, etc... Back in the day only a photo in "Hola" magazine. By the way Felipe's sisters were and are an horror about fashion. Infanta Elena improved when she got married Jaime de Marichalar but after their divorce again awful. You only need to google Infanta Elena or Infanta Cristina.
Thanks for your interest.

Laura

21/11/2019 02:37:14 am

The style of this dress is typical of so many that Letizia has worn lately. They are likely much more comfortable than the more structured fitted dresses. The print is pretty and not overwhelming, even though it is an all over print. The tan jacket and darker tan/rust shoes and purse coordinate well. I do have a bit of an issue with the belt. The D ring does nothing to enhance the dress.

edita

21/11/2019 05:19:12 am

This outfit is flawless in every detail. I especially like the colours, they are perfect for autumn. Love the jacket, it elevates the look.
The only thing I'm not happy with is repeating similar type of dresses too much. That is what I don't like about Kate Middleton for example, she almost has a uniform for every type of event. I miss QL style from 2014-2017 (as Sandy once mentioned) I would call it chic bussines look. She also used to have more variations in make up and hair. Now she mostly keeps her hair down and make up neutral. She also used to wear all kinds of sandals, even boots, now only pumps. She looks great but I liked her style better before.

Wendy

21/11/2019 07:36:49 pm

People love that the Duchess of Cambridge wears such an uniform in Spain. And Letizia has been criticised for the variations. Queen Sofia has never changed her hairdo, as far as I know she has never worn a bun. And she used to wear lots of Varela that people hates. So...following the country....
And as the population do not follow her clothes here daily only at Princess of Asturias awards, National day or something, like that people speak even less, whay she must want. Even Carlos García-Calvlo (who used to criticise her lots) speaks less and better...

Sandy

21/11/2019 11:47:28 pm

Edita, please take a look at the Carolina Herrerra floral printed sheath dress Letizia wore on 09/19/16 and 10/21/16. The dress is very similar to the Hugo Boss one seen here but because of a few differences in the print, style and length the CH dress is far more stylish & gorgeous overall (IMHO). This is an example of how Letizia style has changed or evolved over the past few years. And sadly I miss the older styles and outfits. If it was me I would have saved money and re-worn the CH dress instead of purchasing the new HB.

Elena

22/11/2019 07:50:02 am

She can't go to a charity market in that dress, it would have looked odd, you only need to see Queen Sofia who is 81 years old or the other women, all of them are from the aristocracy, one of them is King's cousin.

edita

23/11/2019 12:46:54 am

Sandy, today's dress reminded me of that dress from 2016 even before you mentioned! We had the same thought. 😊
I agree with you, the style and the lenght of that dress is much better. I 'm not happy with that wierd lenght between knees and ankle. I think that lenght is not flettering, it shortenes the figure, but I see it is a trend lately.

Sandy

25/11/2019 12:50:58 am

I noticed the same things, Edita. In years past Letizia's hemlines were mostly on the knee or slightly above the knee which is the most flattering length. But now we are seeing mainly mid-calf length or even ankle length which is unflattering for most women. We can only wait and see how her style evolves in the coming years. It should be interesting.

Asya

21/11/2019 06:43:43 am

I'm afraid I don't like this at all. From the two-toned leather/suede jacket and matching shoes to the oversized dress. It looks too big on QL and the colors don't suit her.

Bertie

21/11/2019 10:03:00 am

A beautiful print and dress, such a well worked classic shirtwaister, feminine and comfortable, and so well executed I don't even mind the asymmetric hem. Hugo Boss and Letizia can handle this! With the snappy jacket it's really sizzling.

Ava Pittman

21/11/2019 05:59:37 pm

I'm personally not a fan of asymmetric hem, but this look works well. Beautifully crafted bodice, the 5th photo, side angle,shows gathered fit is perfect, no excess fabric (which I love) shoulder seam is aligned well. From the waist down, fall and flow is perfect on movement. Two tone belt, a lovely, clever addition, mixes it up a tad. Rustic colours against the backdrop, lovely. Rust red shoes, suede clutch and Jacket work in perfectly. Neutral makeup is natural and very becoming. Queen Sofia, looked really modern and elegant. Loved her choice of pantsuit.

Wendy

21/11/2019 08:11:10 pm

This kind of flowery, handkerchiefied 🤔dresses started to be worn by the royals in Scandinavia, Victoria, Mary, Mette-Marit loves the flowers too. And they are on trend so all you can find at stores is like that. She has similar dresses of different brands...It is prêt-à- porter..(take away....)..haute couture is called like that for some reason.

Elena

21/11/2019 08:37:26 pm

Obviously she can wear these dresses because she is dropped off until the door of the places. It is 7C in Madrid, raining, snowing by the Sierra.❄

Ps: Canadians must be thinking that they are worse...

Sandy

22/11/2019 10:16:16 am

Actually, it is 6 C today and raining this evening in Toronto. Not too different from Madrid!

Laura

22/11/2019 03:59:25 pm

Although Hamilton, less than an hour west of Toronto, got 25cms of snow ten days ago and temperatures were below freezing.

Elena

22/11/2019 07:11:07 pm

The North of the country is all snow covered, the ski resorts are open already. Also you can ski in Madrid in Somosierra, an hour from Madrid. Spain is the second more montaneous country in Europe after Switzerland.

Merri

21/11/2019 10:45:40 pm

Perhaps these softer dresses are an intentional way to make QL appear more approachable. I love suits but many people perceive women wearing suits as intimidating an impression I am sure the Queen would want to avoid. I imagine there are many considerations that go into her choices. I think she is always chic, beautiful and appropriate for the occasions.

Zoe link

22/11/2019 02:41:04 pm

These dresses are on trend and offer a ladylike look which she carries off very well. The dress has a lot of detail when seen at close range. the shirt collar, the vertical pleats and the asymmetrical hem with the belt defining the waistline. The leather jacket and other accessories match one of the leaves of the autumnal print.
The print is quite similar to the CH but 'saving money' by wearing it again presents two problems. The dress may no longer fit since she has gained weight and, she has indicated fashion wise, since 2017 that she has entered a new phase. Also, she buys so many of her pieces at a discount that it seems petty to insist that she wears dated pieces from her wardrobe. Many critics wanted a matronly 47+ queen, more in line with what they were used to and each stage that she enters brings its own legion of critics. This stage is less pimpante (Calvo) and more dowdy. Sometimes we get what we ask for.

Bertie

25/11/2019 09:56:48 pm

This has worried me all along, just how far can Spain go in wanting their Queen to look a frump? Because that's what the complaints will be about next, like as not!

Wendy

25/11/2019 10:24:31 pm

Bertie, in Spain she is not considered the Queen, she is not important, she has not Constitutiinal power. She is the Consort of the King. Queen Sofia always was Sofia of Greece here, only in other countries she is Sofia of Spain. Similar to the Duke of Edinburgh, her first cousin.
In fact the president's wife has attended some events.

Simone

25/11/2019 10:42:46 pm

Spain?? Complicated.. There are 17 Autonomous regions with each individual govermment and some againts the Monarchy as the Catalans and the Basques, the Republicans. Even some aristocrats, (as Cayetano Martinez de Irujo) only if Felipe does it well, they will be there, some people are asking for a referendum about the Monarchy. Sorry if I speak about politics but it is a political issue.
There are people who do not feel that they are represented by them.

Even the late Duchess of Alba's son did not want to answer about Letizia in an interview.

Bertie

25/11/2019 11:28:44 pm

Wendy, Simone enlightening as ever, thank you, it all sounds very tough on Letizia, no wonder she lost weight! It is all clearly a very live issue in Spain and I can understand her style choices being affected by it.

Zoe link

26/11/2019 01:33:23 pm

@Bertie, the queen's situation is reminiscent of the fable of the miller, his son, etc. In the rags, it has become legend that she has a vast closet. Most people eliminate some pieces over time. She it seems has held on to everything. In June and July she 'recycled' many outfits. The rags spoke of satiation and boredom, and there were shameless pleas for new outfits during the holidays (to file new articles) ...from the same rags that publish the total cost of her clothes and shoes at the end of each year.. Many of these so called fashion writers have no credibility. This dress was actually described by a magazine as spring like, and the similarity to the CH went unnoticed in favor of nightgown comments!. She is one of those women who always looks effortlessly graceful (this is probably what has attracted international attention) and would never look frumpy, even in a potato sack, which is why she can get away with wearing HS brands. Like Jennifer says she deserves to wear truly luxurious pieces for some occasions. However, it still comes across as hypocrisy that she is asked to showcase Spanish brands which neither Sofia nor her daughters are ever asked to do. This new stage will have its hits and misses but respect for her stylistic choices and support for her work are important.
The consort, and wife of the king nonsense are thinly veiled insults. Both she and Sofia are queens because of the title held by their husbands yet Sofia is not tagged as a consort. The term must have been coined for QL even though she came to the table as a self reliant/self made person and not an appendage. Lastly, the urban legend that she interrupted the fiance is..an urban legend. One has only to look at the video where, she was trying to say a few words to the press, and He interrupted Her, but it makes a good story to repeat, even if there is evidence to the contrary.

Wendy

22/11/2019 07:46:46 pm

Sorry Elizabeth but the correct translation would have been (New Future charity market, not rake) which is a tool. Rastrillo in Spanish means "little charity market" too, or where you can find second hand things El Rasto in Madrid is very famous, similar to Candem Market in London. Maybe because of that you all have not understood the event.
Many thanks.

Wendy

22/11/2019 09:31:50 pm

The dictionary also says "rummage sale", "yard sale", "jumble sale".😉

Karen

26/11/2019 01:56:38 am

Normally I'm not a fan of shirtdresses. BUT, this one I love. The colours of the leaves, the belt that's an yellow/orange colour. The shoes/leather jacket goes well with it. Asymmetrical hemline.....All very nice.

My fav pic of hers is the 5th pic. I love that look of hers.

Bertie

26/11/2019 10:39:19 am

I thought the colours were so edgy, that sharp orangevon the warm blush background helped take this dress to another dimension - definitely not frumpy!

Karen

29/11/2019 05:07:48 am

Yes! :) Nicely said.

Simone

26/11/2019 08:12:10 pm

Letizia was a journalist who borrowed clothes and then many people speaking of her outfits but not about her job which was the most important for her. She completed a bachelor's degree in journalism, at the Complutense University of Madrid, as well as a Master's degree in audiovisual journalism at the Institute for Studies in Audiovisual Journalism. She speaks 4 languages, she is not a clothes horse, not her personality.
She worked for the Spanish version of the economic channel Bloomberg before moving to the news network CNN+.In 2000, Letizia reported from Washington, D.C., on the presidential elections. In September 2001, she broadcast live from Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks in New York and in 2003, she filed reports from Iraq following the war. In 2002 she sent several reports from Galicia in northern Spain following the ecological disaster when the oil tanker Prestige sank.
Today she is going to receive an award because her fight against gender violence.

Inteligent, educated, hard working woman.

Karen

27/11/2019 05:59:54 am

Wow. That's amazing. Accomplished, brave, and smart. Thanks for all the info Simone.

Maya

30/11/2019 07:38:00 am

This is exactly why I like Letizia so much. She was a truly educated, career woman before marrying Felipe. She is really smart and opinionated and I often wonder if she finds "taking a back seat" as a consort frustrating.

Elena

27/11/2019 03:42:17 am

She has worn the dress you are talking about 4 times, I think it is enough.

https://www.queenletiziastyle.com/blog/canary-islands-royal-visit-day-1

Maya

30/11/2019 07:35:49 am

I don't really like the dress, but I really like the combo with the leather jacket, it gives a tad of an edge.
I adore Letizia in suits, and I truly believe that is her personal style, but the fact is that these dresses are on trend, so she is probably trying to switch it up. She is in a public eye a lot, it can be repetitive if she only wears pantsuits. I get that.

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Queen Letizia debuts autumnal print dress for double engagement

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