Princess Beatrice’s Simple Layering Trick Softened a Daring Deep-V Dress

Princess Beatrice once found a low-key way to make a striking summer dress feel more covered. At the 2008 Hurtwood Park Polo Masters Tournament in Cranleigh, the then-19-year-old wore a bright white mini dress with an A-line skirt and a ruffled V-neckline that plunged to her waist. Rather than leave the neckline as it was, she layered a white tank top underneath, adding coverage while keeping the outfit’s light, summery look. The royal paired the dress with a brown clutch, matching ballet flats and several long necklaces. The styling choice stood out as a practical adjustment to a bold cut, rather than a dramatic change to the outfit. The article notes that the same kind of layering could make low-cut pieces more wearable in cooler weather, too. Beatrice has made similar adjustments for formal occasions. At her 2020 wedding to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, she wore a vintage Norman Hartnell gown lent to her by Queen Elizabeth II. The late Queen had worn the dress as a sleeveless design in the 1960s, but Beatrice’s version featured organza puff sleeves. She worked with the Queen’s dresser Angela Kelly and couturier Stewart Parvin on the changes, which added coverage to the shoulders. Designer David Emanuel, who created Princess Diana’s wedding dress with Elizabeth Emanuel, praised Beatrice’s choice to reuse and update the family gown. He described it as simple and natural, and said its alterations showed how a borrowed dress could be refreshed. Beatrice also called it an honour to wear her grandmother’s dress and encouraged people to visit its exhibition at Windsor Castle.