On January 21, when she visited the Netherlands’ central bank in Amsterdam, Queen Maxima indulged her wilder fashion instincts. She toured BDR Thermea and the Remeha factory in Apeldoorn. The 54-year-old royal opted for a bold houndstooth getup by Natan. She had already repeated this outfit on a similar factory visit in February 2024. In her latest get-up, we’re getting a look at her new-found fashion sense. It mixes traditional shapes with contemporary colors, celebrating her offbeat style.
The houndstooth pattern is often considered a classic design choice, and it’s typically used in less flashy colors. That said, Queen Maxima’s use of a bold orange color palette added a modern flair to this timeless style. To her pantsuit, the royal layered on a pale tan Max Mara turtleneck. This frosty, almost-nude layer upped her ethereal look tenfold, making it the perfect addition to her winning outfit.
On her factory tour, Queen Maxima learned how BDR Thermea is 3D-printing less equipment. Together, this initiative shows the depth of the company’s commitment to innovation in both residential and commercial heating systems. Her visit was an important industry engagement, further solidifying her role of bringing the sustainable practices business case to the industry.
A Touch of Orange
While Queen Maxima’s ensemble proved practical, it made a colorful statement. Her houndstooth pantsuit made the black and white pattern of the fabric sparkle with the depth of its electric orange color. It was especially pronounced in winter months when color is at a premium. Particularly known for her fondness of bold colors, Queen Maxima’s choice could not have better represented her fearless attitude towards royal attire.
Fashion journalist Clare Pennington said the houndstooth motif remains popular because it is timeless. She even mentioned that “It’s one of those patterns that is eternally chic, that will come in and out of the spotlight but never really leave the style canon.” Queen Maxima brilliantly mixes classic prints with a contemporary palette. Her individual approach to styling has helped her to be considered one of the best dressed royals in all of Europe.
Her adventurous fashion choices and joy in vibrant patterns makes her very different from the majority of her peers in the royal family. She settles on a bright color palette, resulting in a “rousing burst of cheer.” Pennington is quick to point out that it’s just what we all need this time of year.
Accessories That Speak Volumes
Queen Maxima finished off the look with a stylish tan faux sheepskin bag by Mango. The bag perfectly suited the overall aesthetic of her outfit and gave it fresh flavor to the ensemble. Needless to say this is the kind of bag that will dress up any of your looks, Pennington said. Consider it the neutral that goes with everything, according to the shade’s namesake. It’ll bring depth to your outfits. The minimal style of the bag complemented the clean, modern look of her outfit.
And it is Queen Maxima’s masterful mixing of textures and patterns that goes a long way to making her a perennial fashion icon. Her love of adventure is immediately apparent in her adventurous use of block colors. She contrasts them with dark, complex patterns, producing a jarring yet beautiful clash unlike anything you might encounter.
A Royal Fashion Inspiration
Queen Maxima isn’t afraid to take chances, and she always takes royals to the next level of modern style. Her fashion choices reflect a commitment to both tradition and innovation, allowing her to remain relevant in contemporary fashion discussions. Her signature style often plays with geometric shapes and vibrant hues. Through this radical lens, it emboldens millions to raise their collective fashion game.
As she tours factories and engages with communities, Queen Maxima not only supports important initiatives but reinforces her status as a fashion leader. Her sartorial decisions extend well past the palace gates. With each unique outfit she wears, she demonstrates that royal fashion can be stylish and attainable for all of us.
