Queen Bey met the Duchess!
Beyonce and Kate Middleton met for the first time at the Royal Basketball Game in Brooklyn on Monday, Dec. 8. And while the powerhouse singer was certainly dressed appropriately—in a prim short-sleeved, button-up blouse and an over-the-knee Herve Leger pencil skirt—we had to ask: Girl, why did you glam down?!
The “XO” singer, 33, is known for her bold style choices. (Seriously, have you seen her Instagram outfits?) We suspect that Mrs. Carter simply didn’t want to outshine the visiting royals—especially the classic but always glam Duchess, 32—and yet, we can’t help but think what could have been!
Thus, we present five outfits Beyonce’s worn before that we think could have been perfect to meet Middleton and Prince William in. Scroll down for our picks, and tell Us what you would have chosen for the pop superstar.
Retro Fabulous
This ’50s-style ensemble, which she donned during a 2014 trip to London and shared via Instagram, is rock-and-roll cool, but also surprisingly appropriate to wear when meeting a royal. Long sleeves? Check. Over-the-knee A-line skirt? Also a yes. But this demure look is just so much more fun!
Bold Jumpsuit
Beyonce’s black and white Osman jumpsuit was an unexpected choice when she wore it to the 2013 Grammys, and that label still holds up! It’s sleek, chic, and sexy without going overboard. And the pants are a nice bonus for a lady being papped courtside.
White-Hot Mini
Beyonce performed her Maid of Honor duties at sister Solange‘s New Orleans nuptials in this elegant white dress. It’s clean, understated, and it has long sleeves. (It is winter in NYC, after all!)
Hot Pink One-Piece
Yes, one more jumpsuit. But this one’s quite feminine, thanks to its fuchsia shade—one we know Middleton adores, since she wore a coat in just the same hue while out and about on Dec. 9. The conversations that could have been had about the power of pink!
Bedazzled Princess
Okay, this aqua Vrettos Vrettakos Couture number (worn to the BRIT Awards in February 2014) is a little much for a basketball game—even a royal one. But a girl only meets a real-life princess so many times in life. Go big or go home!
