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Queen Mary Proves This Royally-Approved Brand Won't Quit as She Nails Pre-Fall Dressing in Leopard and "Summer Chocolate"

Our take

Queen Mary’s recent pre-fall styling has definitively cemented Me+Em’s status as a royally-approved favorite. The Danish royal showcased the brand’s enduring appeal with a sophisticated pairing of leopard print and the label's signature "Summer Chocolate" hue. Like Princess Kate, Queen Mary demonstrates a clear and consistent affinity for Me+Em’s timeless aesthetic. This signals a continued embrace of elevated basics and refined silhouettes—a testament to the brand's quiet luxury.
 Queen Mary Proves This Royally-Approved Brand Won't Quit as She Nails Pre-Fall Dressing in Leopard and "Summer Chocolate"

The quiet ascent of Me+Em, a British brand previously known for its understated elegance, continues to gain momentum, largely fueled by the consistent endorsement of royalty. Queen Mary of Denmark’s recent embrace of the brand – showcased in a pre-fall ensemble featuring leopard print and what the article delightfully terms "summer chocolate" – further solidifies its position within the realm of sophisticated, timeless style. This isn’t a fleeting trend; it's a testament to the enduring appeal of quality and classic design. The resonance we’re seeing echoes a broader shift away from fleeting trends and towards enduring style, a sentiment captured in articles like Stylish Women Have Quietly Started Wearing Their Jeans This Specific Way and Instead of T-Shirts and Tanks, This Jumper Trend Makes Stove-Pipe Jeans Look Chicest, both of which highlight the power of subtle, considered choices in building a wardrobe. This preference for enduring style is a direct counterpoint to the fast fashion cycles that have dominated the industry for so long, and royal approval is a powerful signal to consumers seeking investment pieces.

The significance of Queen Mary’s repeated choice of Me+Em extends beyond mere product placement. It speaks to a broader cultural yearning for authenticity and understated luxury – a feeling of “quiet luxury” that’s currently captivating the fashion landscape. Princess Kate’s similar affinity for the brand further amplifies this effect, creating a ripple of desirability amongst those seeking to emulate a refined, yet relatable, style. It's a powerful contrast to the overt displays of wealth often associated with high fashion. The brand isn’t screaming for attention; it’s letting the quality of its garments and the discerning taste of its patrons do the talking. This approach aligns perfectly with the current mood, where consumers are increasingly valuing conscious consumption and timeless design over fleeting trends. Consider, too, the current focus on footwear, as explored in Not Wedges, Not Pumps—This Is the New-Season Heels Trend Fashion People in Paris Are All Wearing, demonstrating a shift towards considered elegance in even the smallest details of an outfit.

Me+Em’s success isn’t accidental. The brand has consistently focused on creating versatile, high-quality pieces that seamlessly integrate into a modern woman’s wardrobe. They prioritize impeccable tailoring, luxurious fabrics, and a muted color palette – all hallmarks of the quiet luxury aesthetic. This focus on craftsmanship and enduring style resonates with a consumer base that is increasingly disillusioned with disposable fashion. The royal endorsement acts as a powerful validation of this approach, offering a tangible example of how timeless style can transcend fleeting trends. This isn’t about chasing the latest runway looks; it’s about investing in pieces that will remain relevant and cherished for years to come. The brand has cleverly positioned itself as a purveyor of this enduring elegance, and the royal patronage is a significant boost to its credibility and desirability.

Ultimately, the continued embrace of Me+Em by the Danish and British royal families suggests a powerful shift in the fashion landscape. It’s a move away from the performative aspects of fashion and towards a deeper appreciation for quality, craftsmanship, and timeless style. The question now is: will this trend of quiet luxury continue to gain momentum, and will other brands follow suit in prioritizing enduring style over fleeting trends? The choices of those in the public eye, especially royalty, often serve as a bellwether for broader societal shifts in taste and values, and the current trajectory suggests a long-term embrace of understated elegance.

After devastating heatwaves swept across Europe this summer, Denmark is enjoying some fall-like temperatures, and Queen Mary took advantage of the crisp late summer weather with one of autumn’s hero pieces. The Danish queen has long been a fan of British brand Me+Em, and she debuted a chocolate brown blazer by the label in one of her best polished casual looks yet.

Blazers can be hard to pull off in late August, but Queen Mary’s linen piece straddles seasons effortlessly, as she showed during a visited to the Deaconess Foundation-Momentet on Wednesday, August 19. The Danish queen’s Me+Em blazer—currently 30 percent off in the brand’s sale—is crafted from an Italian linen and cotton blend and comes in the aptly named “summer chocolate” colorway, as well as a sky blue shade.

Queen Mary of Denmark getting out of a car in a brown blazer and jeans

Queen Mary wears a Me+Em blazer with Britt Sisseck jeans. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Mary rolled up the sleeves of her suit jacket, showing off the ruffled cuffs of her new windowpane-check blouse by M.A.B.E Apparel.

Instead of wearing traditional suit pants with her jacket, the queen brought back a more casual pair of wide-legged Britt Sisseck denim trousers for her visit to the group home, which provides young people with social and mental health support.

Queen Mary wearing jeans and a blazer standing with a teenage boy and woman

Queen Mary visits the Deaconess Foundation-Momentet on August 19. (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Danish queen has worn her '70s-inspired pants multiple times since 2022, per fashion blog UFO No More, and Mary leaned into one of fall's trends by adding a pop of leopard to her outfit with printed ballet flats. She finished off the look with her Louise Grønlykke Marrakech necklace and a pair of gold hoop earrings with beaded accents by Copenhagen jeweler Dulong.

Queen Mary's event marked her first royal engagement since the summer break, and the royal, who serves as patron of the Deaconess Foundation, told the waiting press, “I have been looking forward to being back at work and I have been incredibly happy to visit the children here at Momentet.”

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