18 photos show how Crown Princess Mary of Denmark's style has evolved through the years

• Crown Princess Mary of Denmark has undergone a style transformation since becoming a royal in 2004.
• Mary told the Financial Times she previously wore T-shirts and shorts and sometimes went barefoot.

Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark, has been a public figure since she married Prince Frederik in 2004.

As future queen, it's typical for Mary to wear formal attire, such as ballgowns and tiaras. But she didn't always dress this way.

The princess was born Mary Donaldson in Tasmania, Australia, and was working as a real-estate agent when she met Frederick at a pub in Sydney in 2000, according to the couple's 2003 interview on "60 Minutes Australia."

"Very early on, it was clear that there were expectations about what you wore and how you dressed appropriately to an event," the princess told the Financial Times in 2022.

"That was pretty daunting for me. I was a T-shirt-and-shorts girl, known to go barefoot," she added.

These photos show how Mary's style has evolved since joining the Danish royal family.

Mary dressed casually for one of her first public appearances in 2003, opting for a long-sleeved shirt, jeans, a matching belt, and sunglasses.

Mary Donaldson is pictured at the 2003 Dragon World Championships.      Patrick Riviere/Getty Images

At a 2003 press conference to announce her engagement to Prince Frederik, Mary wore a simple, beige dress and matching pumps.

Mary Donaldson and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark are pictured during a press conference to announce their engagement in 2003.      Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Mary stepped out in a sleeveless, mint-green dress and a pair of open-toe heels for her sister's wedding that same year.

Mary Donaldson and Crown Prince Frederick attend the wedding of Mary's sister Patricia in 2004.      Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

At a royal engagement in 2004, she dressed in a floral-print skirt, a gold blazer, matching heels, and layers of beaded necklaces.

Mary Donaldson at a royal engagement before marrying into the royal family in March 2004.      Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images

At a state banquet in 2004, Mary wore her most formal look yet, which comprised of an off-the-shoulder ballgown with gold embroidery, a dainty clutch bag, and a pearl and aquamarine choker necklace and drop earrings.

Mary Donaldson and Crown Prince Fredrick attend a state banquet at Amalienborg Palace in March 2004.      Julian Parker/Getty Images

Source: The Court Jeweller

At her royal wedding in 2004, Mary's gown by Danish fashion designer Uffe Frank had a scoop neckline and a 19-foot train. She wore her hair in a sleek updo with a flowing veil.

Mary Donaldson in her wedding dress.      RICK STEVENS/Getty Images

Source: Hello Magazine

At one of her first appearances since getting married, the princess wore a retro dress with bold heart prints to an art show in 2004.

Crown Princess Mary attends a private view and reception for the show "Ancient Art To Post-Impressionism" at the Royal Academy of Arts on September 14, 2004.      Dave M. Benett/Getty Images

Mary wore a floral headpiece and a blue coat with a sapphire brooch that was gifted to her by Queen Margrethe for her son Prince Christian's christening ceremony in 2006.

Crown Princess Mary and her son Christian at his christening ceremony at the Palace Chapel, Christiansborg Palace, in 2006.      Mark Cuthbert/Getty Images

Source: People

Attending a state banquet in 2009, Mary wore a ballgown with capped sleeves and a ruffled skirt. She accessorized with a tiara and rewore the pearl choker necklace.

Crown Princess Mary attends a state banquet in 2009.      Julian Parker/Getty Images

During a visit to Australia in 2011, the princess wore a floral, knee-length dress and a pink hat that was adorned with a faux rose.

Crown Princess Mary in Canberra, Australia, in 2011.      Pool/Getty Images

For one of her boldest looks to date, Mary wore a bright-pink, one-shoulder gown by David Anderson in 2011. She styled her hair in an updo with a tiara.

Crown Princess Mary at a formal dinner celebrating Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco in 2011.      Mark Cuthbert/Getty Images

Source: Daily Express

Wearing another colorful look, Mary opted for a floor-length orange gown at a New Year's banquet in 2013. She completed the look with the Danish ruby parure tiara and a matching necklace.

Crown Princess Mary at a New Year's banquet in Copenhagen in 2013.      Julian Parker/Getty Images

Source: Hello Magazine

Mary proved she's not afraid to go casual from time to time when she and her son, Prince Vincent, wore matching blue jackets in 2015.

Crown Princess Mary and her son Prince Vincent are photographed during their annual ski trip in 2015.      Julian Parker/Getty Images

The princess wore a knee-length orange gown with a tie belt to attend Royal Ascot with Queen Elizabeth II in 2016. She accessorized with a floral fascinator and clutch bag.

Crown Princess Mary, Prince Edward, and Queen Elizabeth II attend Royal Ascot in 2016.      Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

To celebrate Prince Frederik's 50th birthday in 2018, Mary wore a cream dress embroidered with colorful flowers and blue gem drop earrings that matched her husband's suit and tie.

Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark on May 26, 2018, in Copenhagen, Denmark.      Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images

At a birthday gala for Queen Margarethe in 2022, Mary wore an off-the-shoulder ballgown with a sheer overlay and accessorized with a diamond tiara, a chunky gemstone necklace, and a coordinating bracelet.

Crown Princess Mary and Prince Frederick attend a gala dinner to celebration the Queen of Denmark's 50th anniversary on the throne in 2022.      OLE JENSEN/Getty Images

Mary changed up her style that same year, swapping out her typical dresses and skirts for a peach pantsuit during a visit to the Netherlands.

Crown Princess Mary pictured in The Hague, Netherlands, in 2022.      Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images

At one of her most recent royal engagements in November 2023, the princess wore a gray blazer, matching pants, and styled her hair in loose waves.

Crown Princess Mary visits DAC Danish Architecture Center in November 2023.      Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images