Queen Letizia does her best to play a chic librarian

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The elegant Queen Letizia of Spain was a journalist by trade before her accession to the throne, and her latest outfit reflected all that expertise. Today, the Queen visited the Cuesta de Moyano “permanent book fair” in Madrid, marking its 100th anniversary. Think of this institution as New York’s Strand, with even more books outside. Naturally, the Queen donned her black and white librarian outfit for the occasion.

Letizia donned a black and white check coat from the Spanish label, Mirto. It featured a structured collar and statement buttons that the Queen left open. Like many pieces in her wardrobe, Letizia had worn this piece in the past. She debuted the patterned trench during a work meeting in 2021. Underneath, the Royal went with a simple black t-shirt, a leather belt with silver hardware, and fitted trousers.

Letizia spent her time browsing through the book racks, and it’s understood she’s an avid reader. According to El Pais, she picked out Buchmendel by Stefan Zweig, G.K. Chesterton’s On Monsters and Logic, Edgar Allan Poe’s Letters of a Poet (1826-1849), and Fantastic Fables by Ambrose Bierce. She was also gifted two first-edition works by the Spanish novelist Pío Baroja.

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While she may be highly cultured, she’s also always on top of the latest trends. Letizia accessorized her look with a structured, repurposed messenger bag from Uterque (studded styles like these are very popular among fashionistas right now) and editor-approved slingback Mary Janes with front straps.

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While spring is often synonymous with bold colors and even bolder patterns (a style Letizia has mastered), this Mirto coat has become an unexpected must-have for the Queen this summer. In April 2021, she wore this structured piece with a similar look to the one she’s wearing today: a white Hugo Boss blouse, Uterque leather leggings, and a Nina Ricci handbag. While spring may be more pastel, the black and white check print of this coat lends itself perfectly to the monochrome style Letizia has favored.

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With her black and white coat, Letizia strongly demonstrates that certain wardrobe basics should be worn all year round.