Rewears one of her most daring 2018 looks

After attending the Winter Olympics in Milan, the Dutch monarch returned to Amsterdam to kick off her official engagements on Tuesday, February 17. For her first day back, she played it safe, bringing out a brown checked dress she has worn on no fewer than six occasions, by one of her favorite labels, Belgian house Natan.

Much less restrained was her choice for Wednesday, when she inaugurated a new theater in Hengelo alongside Theater KamaK, a professional company that works with actors with intellectual disabilities.

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands proved once again that she is not only a master of building a sustainable capsule wardrobe, she is one of the European royals who most frequently repeats her looks, but also a fan of full-color ensembles.

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While royals like Kate Middleton often favor neutral tones, the wife of King Willem-Alexander has shown she is fearless when it comes to vibrant hues, bold patterns, and especially jacquard fabric. This last element, known for its intricate patterns woven directly into the textile, took center stage in her latest look.

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The 54-year-old royal turned heads in a two-piece outfit featuring a top with a modest bateau neckline, three-quarter sleeves, a subtle peplum flare, structured seams, and a delicate belt. The satin yellow top was paired with a pleated midi skirt in deep navy, creating a striking yet elegant contrast.

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isn’t the first time Queen Máxima has stunned in this combination. She debuted the look in 2018 during the opening of the new offices for the Dutch Charity Lotteries, where it was hailed as one of her boldest ensembles to date. She wore it again in 2020, but it seems her original styling remains the inspiration for today’s outfit.

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Exactly as she did eight years ago, she paired the Natan two-piece with the same suede pumps and matching turban that crowns her chic updo.

© Robin Utrecht/Shutterstock

Time seems not to have touched the monarch, she wears the ensemble just as beautifully today, and she even brought back the sapphire jewelry she first wore in 2018.

Queen Máxima’s new challenge:

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands is taking on a new challenge, following in her daughter Princess Amalia’s footsteps by joining the army as a reservist. She will complete a short military training program that combines theoretical and physical instruction, learning skills from map reading to firearms handling.

Her enlistment isn’t just symbolic, reservists can be deployed alongside professional soldiers during emergency relief operations or, in extreme cases, serve as regular troops, making Máxima’s commitment both practical and inspiring.

Beyond the training itself, Máxima’s decision carries a powerful message for the Dutch military. Just weeks after Princess Amalia graduated as a corporal, applications surged, and the queen’s enlistment is expected to trigger another wave of interest, especially among older candidates, highlighting that people can join the army up to age 55.