Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh’s Style at the Milestone Age of 60 Is ‘Effortless and Elegant Always’ (Exclusive)

“I love how she is not afraid to try new things and she makes beautiful choices,” designer Suzannah Crabb of royal favorite Suzannah London tells PEOPLE

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Monique Jessen is a UK-based journalist with over 20 years experience interviewing celebrities, reporting on the British royal family and covering style

Published on January 20, 2025 11:57AM EST

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh has style in spades.

As the royal celebrates her 60th birthday on Jan. 20, fashion insiders who work with Sophie say her style has evolved into something quite special.

“I think it has become more refined and confident,” Suzannah Crabb of Suzannah London, one of her go-to British designers, tells PEOPLE.

Crabb has been working alongside Sophie since 2015 and has created some of her most iconic looks, like the exquisite cream and lace gown Sophie wore to King Charles’ coronation in May 2023. For that specific look, Crabb collaborated with a ceramic artist and an embroiderer who used vintage machinery to create a unique piece of couture.

“It was incredibly beautiful and a divine modern piece which was also a celebration of British craftsmanship and skill for which HRH champions,” Crabb says of the special gown which Sophie re-wore at a state dinner later that year.

“As always, and what I absolutely notice about the British royals, is that they always wear their pieces again,” says the designer, whose modern take on vintage feminine designs have become synonymous with the royals thanks to the support of Sophie and Kate Middleton, who is also a client.

“They are mindful, realistic and have strong values,” Crabb adds.

When Sophie announced her engagement to Prince Edward in 1999, she was in her power suit era, wearing a gray suit by Tomasz Starzewski accessorized with chunky black loafers. These days, the busy royal leans heavily on a collection of British designers that value craftsmanship and elegance like Emilia Wickstead, Beulah London and Claire Mischevani, often adding a flamboyant hat by her go-to milliner Jane Taylor.

“She’s a working royal but also a mum, and you just get the feeling that she’s built a wardrobe that has lots of really good pieces that are wearable and she does wear things and again and again,” Alice Leet-Cook, co-founder of Hicks & Brown, tells PEOPLE.

Hicks & Brown’s feather-embellished fedora has been a favorite of Sophie’s since she purchased it from their pop-up stand at the Royal Windsor Show in 2018.

“Even at Royal Windsor, there’s something about her, you just can’t help but turn to look,” says Leet-Cook of her more casual looks. “There’s an ease in the way she dresses. It appears effortless.”

It’s a sentiment echoed when it comes to working with her behind the scenes: “It’s always an effortless, collaborative and joyful process,” says Crabb of her time with Sophie.

There are playful hints in her clothing choices too, such as the white bridal-inspired applique daisy lace dress by Suzannah London that she wore on her 25th wedding anniversary in 2024, worn to Royal Ascot last June. The Duchess of Edinburgh was the first royal to wear a jumpsuit to Royal Ascot, and keeping with taking risks when it comes to fashion, one of Sophie’s favorite outfits is a black leather dress from Loewe.

“She makes some bold choices, but the cut and length of the dress is always immaculate,” Leet-Cook tells PEOPLE.

With her hair often tied in a loose chignon and her makeup discreet and neutral, there’s an understated element to Sophie’s style which feels safe yet aspirational.

“The colors and prints she chooses are subtle yet chic, never overpowering,” says Natasha Rufus Isaacs, co-founder of Beulah London. “I think this feminine look is aspirational, as it never goes out of style.”

Having been a solid and dependable member of the royal family for over 25 years, Sophie certainly seems to have found a winning fashion formula.

“I love how she is not afraid to try new things and she makes beautiful choices,” Crabb says. “She’s effortless and elegant always.”