After two days of solo official engagements, King Felipe traveled to Toledo alongside Queen Letizia, where the couple presided over the presentation of the Gold Medals for Merit in the Fine Arts. The ceremony took place at the Teatro de Rojas, located in the heart of the historic Castilian city’s main square.
There, the Queen reaffirmed that after several years of generally favoring neutral tones such as white, gray, and navy blue in her wardrobe, she is once again embracing her signature color, the one that gives her the greatest sense of confidence and self-assurance and that eventually became known as the “Letizia red.”
© Getty ImagesSince her years as a princess, this shade has been a defining feature of Queen Letizia’s wardrobe. In recent days, she has once again turned to it through two figure-enhancing dresses, one a repeat outfit and the other a brand-new design. Last week, she re-wore an Adolfo Domínguez model with a rounded neckline and cape sleeves, then surprised attendees by debuting a Sybilla creation. The piece belongs to the brand’s Fall/Winter 2026-2027 collection, titled Anárquika.
This is not the first time the Queen has chosen designs by Sybilla, one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century. Although she established her fashion house in Spain, the designer was born in New York to an Argentine father and a Polish mother.
© Getty ImagesThe dress stands out for its impeccable tailoring, structure, and originality while remaining true to a clean, minimalist aesthetic. It features a flattering and sophisticated high neckline inspired by oriental fashion, reminiscent of the one Queen Letizia wore on her wedding day, although in a more understated version.
Its wrap silhouette is designed to flatter all body types and hugs the figure with a draped detail that mimics a knot and creates the visual effect of a sash. From there, a ribbon falls to the hem of the flared midi skirt.
The importance of red in royalty
María Moreta, image consultant and color analysis expert, explains that red “is associated with energy, vitality, and self-confidence. It is a color with a very powerful symbolic charge that conveys strength, passion, security, and power. It never goes unnoticed and immediately attracts attention. If you want to stand out, always choose it.”
She adds that the meaning of the color can vary depending on the context, and in royalty it carries connotations of solemnity and grandeur because “historically, it has been closely linked to monarchy and highly significant events.”
© Europa Press via Getty ImagesIndeed, Queen Letizia has worn it at some of her most important appearances, including her first engagement with European royalty just weeks before her wedding, a state banquet with Queen Elizabeth II, and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands’ 50th birthday celebration.
According to María, the choice of color is intentional: “As an expert in nonverbal communication, I believe she knows perfectly well the message she wants to convey with every public appearance. By choosing red for events with such international exposure, she projected an image of security, self-confidence, and, of course, power. It was a way of saying, ‘I am ready for this role.’”
Queen Letizia’s color analysis
But is returning to this color the right move for the Queen? The expert believes so: “Without a doubt, as long as the finish is not too bright, because as a soft autumn type, she needs colors that are slightly muted. Warm tones suit her very well, especially with a touch of intensity that isn’t overpowering. Red, in the variations that work best for her, brightens her face beautifully, highlights her hair and skin tone, and creates a harmonious overall look. It enhances her natural beauty and perfectly complements the image of confidence and composure that she projects.”
© Getty ImagesWithin the red color palette, María says the Queen is particularly suited to shades with a warm base that are not overly orange, slightly cool, and softly muted instead. “Poppy red, geranium red, with a hint of raspberry… these have just the right intensity to highlight her features without overwhelming them. I think she should avoid reds with a very bluish or cold base because they would accentuate her veins too much, and her complexion would not look its best.”
The accessories complete her Toledo look
Several years ago, Queen Letizia gave up the high heels she once loved and frequently wore, even in daily life, due to a foot condition. Since then, more comfortable options such as kitten heels, loafers, ballet flats, and even sneakers have become her preferred choices for official engagements.
Now, she selected a pair of pointed-toe slingback shoes in a sand tone. As for jewelry, she brought back her ruby, diamond, and white gold earrings by Gold&Roses, along with her signature gold Coreterno ring.
