If there was any lingering doubt about the color of fall 2026, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands just settled it. On Wednesday, the queen arrived at The Hague’s Museon-Omniversum wrapped in aubergine from top to bottom, a monochrome moment that put her squarely in step with royals, celebrities and fashion insiders who’ve already fallen for one of this season's most coveted shades.
© Getty ImagesMáxima was in attendance to mark the 10th anniversary of Schuldenlab070, a Hague initiative dedicated to tackling problem debt. According to the Dutch Royal House, more than 300 representatives from government, business, civil society and academia gathered for the event.
It was a quick turnaround for Queen Maxima. Hours earlier, she'd been the center of attention at Noordeinde Palace alongside her husband, King Willem-Alexander, and their eldest daughter, Princess Amalia, for the traditional biennial gala dinner honoring members of the Council of State.
The dress
© Patrick van KatwijkMáxima has always embraced risk. She loves clashing prints and mixing unexpected colors, so a disciplined, single-shade look is almost a statement in itself. For this outing, she pulled out a flattering Natan design she first wore last April.
The style, called Talix, looks simple at first glance, but the magic is in the details: a bateau neckline, dropped shoulders, and soft draping at the waist designed to flatter and elongate every body type. Cut from matte silk, it finishes in a gently flared midi skirt with an asymmetrical hem.
The accessories
© Getty ImagesShe kept every element in the same family. She wore classic suede pumps, the Gianvito 105 by Gianvito Rossi, in Royal Burgundy. It’s one of her go-to pairs and a favorite of Queen Mary of Denmark, who wears them on repeat. Her bag was a matching envelope clutch by Hermès, a piece she’s lent to Princess Amalia on more than one occasion.
Nodding to another of the moment’s biggest trends, Máxima topped the look with a flat pillbox hat in the same tone as her dress, paired with coordinating statement earrings. She wore her hair loose, side-parted and styled in natural waves, a softer touch that gave the outfit a more youthful, less formal feel.
Why aubergine, why now
© REMKO DE WAALEvery fall belongs, at least in part, to the wine palette. Shades like burgundy, plum, and garnet usually share the spotlight with browns and muted greens.
This year, though, those hues have taken on an even bigger presence, and aubergine in particular is everywhere. It’s dominating street style, and it’s winning over royalty at their most formal engagements.
