How Does a Queen Wear Shorts? Letizia of Spain Shows How It’s Done

Queen Letizia of Spain might have had her family decked out to the nines in Mallorca yesterday for their family portrait, but earlier today in the Spanish seaside town, Her Majesty kept things casual. Queen Letizia dressed in a tailored top, shorts, and espadrille sandals while out with daughters Princess Sofía and Leonor and mother-in-law Queen Sofía.

Queen Letizia’s summer style has been polished, yet approachable with the monarch stepping out in the denim wrap dress, the midi skirt, and colorful sheaths. However, today’s ensemble took cues from prior looks with a more casual tack. A body-skimming, ombré ribbed top was the ideal complement for Her Majesty’s tailored shorts. The gradient in color provided a subtle, girlish pop, while the front pleat, cuffed shorts were an elegant (and practical) alternative to more formal skirts.

And while Her Majesty loves Steve Madden’s heeled PVC mules, she swapped out the sky-high stilettos for low-key, surf-friendly espadrilles in a neutral tone for a leg-lengthening effect.