Hats off to Samantha Cameron as she bucks tradition for more casual look for Queen's Speech at state opening of Parliament

By Maysa Rawi

Less is more: Samantha Cameron, pictured at today's State Opening of Parliament, forgoes a hat but makes sure to retouch her make-up


Samantha Cameron possesses more in-depth fashion knowledge than most - and the new Prime Minister's wife is aware that a true style icon makes her own rules.

Bucking tradition for elaborate hats and formal attire, a pregnant Samantha chose to keep it simple in a navy blue v-neck maternity dress for the State Opening of Parliament today.

Sitting in the gallery of the House of Lords during the Queen's Speech, she appeared glowing and relaxed in the less formal outfit - a far cry from her predecessors.


Glowing: The pregnant wife of Prime Minister David Cameron kept it simple in a navy blue v-neck dress


Last year, Sarah Brown caused a stir sporting a headband that was not quite hat, not quite fascinator, prompting onlookers to question her style choice.

But the look was far more casual for the occasion than that of former PM's wife Cherie Blaire.

Cherie, who was sometimes criticised for her flamboyant wardrobe, was often pictured in dramatic suits and larger-than-life hats.

But in a move that will surely send the message that a thoroughly more modern government has come into power, the former Smythson creative director chose to forgo a head piece all-together.


New beginning: It was the monarch's 56th Queen's Speech but her first for a coalition government and the first with a Tory as Prime Minister for 14 years


The cotton dress and simple accessorising is part of her latest attempt to draw attention away from her sartorial choices.

Although Samantha, 38, who was pictured at the start of husband David's campaign trail sporting a bolder wardrobe, since announcing her pregnancy has chosen to tone down her look, sticking mostly to black and navy blue.

Nick Clegg's wife Miriam, who continues to keep a low profile, was absent from the event.


Men at work: Nick Clegg and David Cameron head to Parliament from Downing St


It was the monarch's 56th Queen's Speech but her first for a coalition government and the first with a Tory as Prime Minister for 14 years.

And it's a year for firsts as in another attempt to forge new rules, the coalition pair have given up use of official Jaguars in favour of taking the tube.

Gordon Brown had been escorted by up to six motorcycle outriders who swept him through traffic, holding up other drivers and buses in an American-style motorcade.


Formal: Sarah Brown, last year, and Cherie Blair, pictured in 2003, opted for hats for the even


source: dailymail