Queen Mary of Denmark leaves her tiara behind as she masters Scandi-French style
When it comes to our perception of national sartorial identities, you couldn’t find two more diametrically opposed than Scandinavia’s cool minimalism and avant-garde silhouettes, and France’s elegant refinement and adherence to timeless style rules. Yet despite this potential hurdle, Denmark’s Queen Mary has delivered a masterclass in combining the two styles during her three-day state visit to Paris this week.
On day one, the Australian-born Danish royal made an impression in a cream skirt suit by Christian Dior. Featuring the historic fashion house’s signature 1947 Bar Suit silhouette, the jacket had a nipped-in waist and structured shoulders, while her skirt was cut to fall just above the ankle. Meanwhile, for her accessories, she opted for a black Jane Taylor headband, toe-cap monochrome Gianvito Rossi heels and a classic Mulberry handbag, while her earrings and brooch were from the Danish Pearl Poire Parure. So far, so Scandi-French.
Meanwhile, for the gala dinner held at the Élysée Palace that evening, she teamed a floral maxi skirt by Danish designer Lasse Spangenberg with a chic high-neck blouse from Australian brand Clea, with earrings by Danish designer Ole Lynggaard as the finishing touch. Sadly for royal fashion fans, she eschewed a tiara for the occasion, instead sweeping her hair into a très chic bun – further indication of her cool approach to modern royal dressing.
Queen Mary wasn’t the only guest to choose the evening skirt and blouse formula: French culture minister Rachida Dati arrived for the event in a full black maxi skirt teamed with a crisp white shirt – proof that it’s a combination which comes Parisienne-approved.
Fashion insiders from Scandinavia are certainly impressed. “Scandinavians and Parisians share a sharp eye for proportions – something that Queen Mary nails in both of these looks,” says Clare McInerney, the digital managing editor at Vogue Scandinavia. “The ease of the monochrome ecru set would be right at home in Denmark or Sweden, while the silhouette and subtle details deliver a dose of Frenchness. The muted floral maxi skirt by Lasse Spangenberg sits right at the intersection of both styles, channelling the often-overlooked art of Scandinavian maximalism.”
“Her looks in Paris have been a stunning fusion of sleek, minimalist Scandinavian elegance and timeless Parisian chic,” agrees the anonymous writer behind the popular royal style Instagram account Royal Fashion Daily. “By wearing iconic French brands like Dior alongside Danish designs, she not only honours her Danish heritage but also demonstrates a keen appreciation for international fashion. Her thoughtful selection of both new and repeat pieces reflects a polished approach to royal style that is both graceful and personal.”
Queen Mary’s expert styling in Paris might even raise her profile in the UK, where she is perhaps lesser known than in the Nordics, despite having a similar approach to dressing as our Princess of Wales.
“Queen Mary’s fashion may fly under the radar in the UK, but it is undoubtedly one of the most refined and understated royal styles,” explains Royal Fashion Daily. “Much of the media attention has been on Kate and Meghan, but now that we see them less frequently, royals like Queen Mary are beginning to receive the recognition they deserve. Many of my followers, who initially followed my page for Kate and Meghan, have discovered new fashion icons, including Queen Mary, known for her effortlessly chic, practical yet luxurious style. Her fashion choices highlight her commitment to showcasing both Danish and global designers, reinforcing her position as a style icon.”
“While royalty holds a different place in Scandinavian culture, Queen Mary is a beloved fashion figure here in her own right, much like the Princess of Wales,” adds McInerney. “She is a vocal advocate for sustainability, regularly champions home-grown design talents like Soeren Le Schmidt and Ole Lynggaard, and she isn’t afraid to rewear a great outfit.”
