Queen Maxima schools us in formal style in your 50s with form-fitting grandma dress

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands has earned a reputation for being one of the most eclectic dressers in western Europe, putting her own fashion-forward spin on contemporary royal style and finding a middle ground between being more exciting and boundary-pushing, and more traditionally elegant.

For her visit to a homeless shelter in Amsterdam on 17 February, it was vital for the Dutch Queen to appear down-to-earth and approachable, as the engagement revolved around supporting homeless EU citizens, and finding ways to collaborate between healthcare and supply chain partners.

© Alamy Stock Photo

As always, the 54-year-old hit the balance between subtle and fashion-forward perfectly: as identified by royal style blogger @royalfashionpolice on Instagram, she opted for a plaid shirt dress from her go-to Belgian couturier Natan. 

The dress featured plaid check patterns on the bodice and the skirt, but the opposing directions of the pattern broke up the piece and added some intrigue to the otherwise block pattern. It also featured a scarf collar and belted waist, for a fashion-forward edge and to accentuate her figure.

© Alamy Stock Photo

Queen Maxima’s accessories were just as chic, as she brought out a burgundy shoulder bag, also from Natan, and a pair of heeled boots from Gianvito Rossi that gorgeously coordinated with her bag.

To round off a completely cohesive look in her accessories, the Dutch royal also brought out a pair of red enamel earrings and a red enamel ring, both from Roberto Coin, matching with her bag and shoes.

Queen Maxima’s recent ‘mood-boosting’ look

The 54-year-old has been on a brilliant streak of outfits: when she paid a visit to the Leading Locals Network from Mind Us, in her position as the honorary chair, on 3 February, she brought out what might still be her brightest outfit of the year.

She was a complete tangerine dream in an orange two-piece suit from Claes Iversen, which featured a figure-hugging single-breasted blazer and matching straight-leg trousers with a single pleat down the front.

© Getty Images

Leanne Jones, a personal stylist who specialises in colour analysis and symbolism in clothing, had spoken exclusively to HELLO! about the meaning behind orange, especially the messages it can convey when worn by a royal.

“Orange is a mood-boosting shade that conveys warmth, energy and spontaneity,” she told us. “By choosing this hue, she brings a sense of optimism and approachability to her look, showing how thoughtful colour choices can communicate personality as well as style.”