But why always white? For state dinners, the dress code is usually white tie and sashes. Sashes are part of the insignia that accompanies membership in an order of chivalry or merit. Most countries, even ones that don't have a monarchy, have some sort of honors to bestow. Each order has its own specific rules regarding who can award it, what it can be awarded for, and who can receive it. The Queen often meets this criteria and by now, 60 years into her reign, she has received an order from just about every country that has one to give. Understandably, the Queen needs to wear these orders when she is visiting the country that bestowed it. The problem, however, is that each order comes with unique instructions of how (or where) to wear it, and a uniquely coloured sash or ribbon. Figuring out gowns to match or coordinate with all of these different sashes simply became too complicated, so our practical Queen Elizabeth took up wearing white evening as it matches everything. I can't say that would have been my choice, but I understand the need for simplicity (because, who ever wants to show up with a gown that clashes with your sash!). Here is a peek at some of the Queen's snowy white gala gowns.
Photos are courtesy of The Daily Mail, London Telegraph, Getty Images, Corbis, Zimbio and Press Association and the Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor blog.
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| The Queen wearing sashes from: Jordan, France, Norway, Thailand, South Africa, The UK (Order of the Garter), Poland and Denmark |
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