Get Platinum Jubilee-Ready With Looks Fit For a Queen

In anticipation of the Platinum Jubilee weekend, we’re exploring the history of Royal Jubilee celebrations and looking back at some of the traditions fostered over the course of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign to celebrate each historical landmark! 

So, whether you’re getting ready for a good old-fashioned street party or just hoping for some sun to soak up on the extra-long bank holiday, we’ve put together some looks inspired by the fashions of the 1940s and 1950s that are positively fit for a queen.

What is the Platinum Jubilee?

Aside from giving us a four-day bank holiday weekend, the Platinum Jubilee is a celebration to recognise Queen Elizabeth II’s landmark 70 years on the throne. She is the first British monarch ever to spend seven decades as head of state, but while this is the first Platinum Jubilee celebration in British history, it certainly isn’t the first Royal Jubilee ever.

Historically, it’s quite rare for kings or queens to spend such a long time on the throne: in 1809, George III became the first king in modern history to reign for 50 years, and his celebrations started some of the jubilee traditions that still take place today. To mark his Golden Jubilee, George III held a private service of thanksgiving at Windsor with the rest of the Royal Family, followed by a firework display and a grand fete in the grounds of Frogmore.

Queen Victoria, the second longest-reigning monarch in British history, celebrated both Golden and Diamond jubilees marking 50 and 60 years on the throne. Victoria’s jubilee celebrations were more public than George III’s, and both her Golden and Diamond Jubilees culminated in a procession through London to Westminster Abbey, attended by thousands of members of the general public. You can even watch footage of her Diamond Jubilee parade in 1897 here on YouTube!

Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver, Golden, and Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

In 1977, The Queen marked 25 years on the throne with her Silver Jubilee celebrations. Beginning in February on the 25th anniversary of her ascension to the throne, Queen Elizabeth travelled across the UK and the Commonwealth, carrying out an extensive tour of royal engagements that culminated in large-scale street parties and a traditional parade in June to coincide with her official birthday.

Street parties have become particularly associated with jubilee celebrations, and in 2002 this tradition was revived up and down the country in celebration of The Queen’s 50-year reign. Over the course of the jubilee year, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip travelled over 40,000 miles across the Commonwealth, commemorating her time on the throne and thanking people for their loyalty.

Once again, in 2012, The Queen celebrated another jubilee, this time Diamond to recognise her 60 years as head of state. This milestone, previously reached only by Queen Victoria, was marked with another four-day bank holiday weekend, with street parties funded by special lottery grants being encouraged throughout the country.

Jubilee Style Through The Years

In his official portrait to mark 50 years on the throne, George III is pictured, aged 71, wearing the same coronation robes and Crown Jewels he’d worn when he ascended to the throne aged 22. Quite conversely, Queen Victoria refused to wear a crown when attending her Golden Jubilee parade, instead opting for a bonnet and a long dress. She later changed into a gown embroidered with silver roses, thistles, and shamrocks for a banquet at the Palace while giving out commemorative Jubilee broaches to her family.

This tradition of incorporating significant emblems from countries in the UK and, more broadly, the Commonwealth is one that Queen Elizabeth II has continued in her outfits, particularly in her accessories. For her Silver Jubilee Parade in 1977, The Queen wore a bubblegum pink skirt suit with a thistle broach and carried a bunch of daffodils. 

For her official Golden Jubilee portrait, Queen Elizabeth is dressed in white, wearing Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee necklace to mark the occasion. In 2012, for her Diamond Jubilee Parade, she opted for a blue-white coat dress with a matching patent bag and loafers.

Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

This year, Queen Elizabeth II became the first monarch ever to reach 70 years on the throne, making 2022 the Platinum Jubilee year. Celebrations have already started, beginning in February on the anniversary of her father’s death and her ascension to the throne aged 25. 

Across the four-day bank holiday weekend, Buckingham Palace has announced a number of events to mark the occasion, including Her Majesty’s traditional birthday parade (AKA Trooping the Colour) on Thursday the 2nd of June, to kick off the weekend! This will be followed by the lighting of over 1500 beacons across the country and in every capital city of each commonwealth country, and a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, much like the ones held by George III and Queen Victoria to mark each of their Jubilees.

On Saturday the 4th, the BBC is broadcasting their ‘Platinum Party at the Palace’ to celebrate The Queen’s seven-decade reign, including performances from comedians, musicians, and other entertainers. Then, on Sunday the 5th of June, there’s a country-wide invitation to attend your very own ‘Big Jubilee Lunch,’ where friends, families, and communities can come together for a Sunday roast to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee in the most British way imaginable!

However you’re choosing to celebrate the Jubilee - even if you’re just gearing up for a bank holiday in the sun - we’ve rounded up some of our favourite vintage-inspired Joanie styles to get you in the mood to party!

Vada Flamingo Print Sundress

Looking for an outfit that nods to the 1950s without looking like a costume? Look no further than Vada! Its full skirt and fit and flare silhouette make it the perfect ‘50s-inspired sundress that you’ll be wearing for years to come. Dress Vada up with some cat-eye sunglasses and heeled sandals for a ‘50s-themed jubilee party, or pair with your favourite white trainers for a dressed-down, casual nod to the era!

Horrockses X Joanie - Lilibet Ditsy Floral Shirt Dress

If your bank holiday weekend plans involve barbecues, picnics, or generally being on the go, then Lillibet is the jubilee dress for you! The functional buttons to the front of the dress make it easy to get on and off, as well as being perfect for breastfeeding. Style Lillibet with your favourite vintage handbag to amp up the ‘50s vibes, or layer with a chunky cardigan and sandals for the ultimate transeasonal outdoor party outfit!

Horrockses X Joanie - Sunday Giraffe Print Sundress

Every single dress from the Horrockses Fashions X Joanie collection is a ready-made jubilee weekend going-out outfit, but we especially love the 1950s-inspired shape of our Sunday dress! Crafted from textured barkcloth - a fabric that was particularly popular in the 1950s - Sunday’s adjustable shoulder straps and full skirt with pockets make it practical as well as glamorous!

Natalie Button-Through Cotton Tea Dress - Rust

Nothing says bank holiday weekend plans like a vintage-inspired tea dress! Natalie’s hip-skimming shape and midi length is super feminine and flattering, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for a jubilee outfit that can be worn again and again. Style with Mary Jane shoes for a 1940s-inspired look, or pair with your favourite trainers to keep it comfy and modern!

Tammy Lobster Print Button-Through Tea Dress

With an all-over lobster print, Tammy is a terracotta-coloured midi that’s sure to be your new favourite throw-on-and-go going-out dress! The relaxed, feminine pleated shape is extremely flattering and makes it perfect for transeasonal dressing. Lobsters were a popular print in the 1950s, so channel the vintage vibes and pair Tammy with faux pearls or a chunky beaded necklace and some cat-eye sunglasses!