Throughout the years, Diana, Princess of Wales wore some of the most memorable outfits. While many stylish individuals are often referred to as ‘fashion icons,’ Diana embraced a sophisticated, soft style deserving of that often-overused title.
From her 25-foot train wedding dress to the famous ‘revenge dress’ designed by Christina Stambolian (worn soon after then Prince Charles confirmed his affair), and her casual cycling short looks to her love for statement collars, either a pie crust or a Peter Pan, her fashion sense is still a source of inspiration seen on modern catwalks. Therefore, it’s not an exaggeration to say that her sense of style defined a generation.
The famously named ‘revenge dress’ symbolised Princess Diana’s comeback after she stepped out in it shortly after Prince Charles personally admitted to his affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles. Stambolian designed this form-fitting black off-the-shoulder dress, which Diana wore to a Serpentine Gallery event in 1994.
This iconic look is timeless and elegant and may easily be recreated for the modern era. Pairing a chic off-the-shoulder black dress with a dazzling choker and black heels – just as the Princess did in the ’90s – can help you achieve the same look.
Cycling shorts made an unexpected comeback a few years ago and have since stayed. Princess Diana’s casual style emulates a simplicity that provides inspiration if you’re looking for loungewear rather than party gowns. You can make her look work with a lightweight cotton hoodie and colourful shorts, perfect for running errands or just lazing around the house.
Famously known for repeating outfits, the Princess of Wales did not simply replicate her outfits, but thoroughly redesigned them. The late royal was truly ahead of her time due to simply recycling and re-wearing her wardrobe and today, she would likely have been a supporter of sustainable fashion.
Princess Diana donned a long-sleeved gown for the first time during an official visit to Lisbon, Portugal in 1987. Then she remade the dress by removing the sleeves and redesigning it with a heart-shaped strapless neckline to wear to a charity ball two years later in 1989.
A couple of years after she first wore a striking floral gown to meet the President of Nigeria, Princess Diana again wore the dress with a different skirt to a banquet in Seoul, South Korea.
She was creative even with her jewellery. In May 1986 she wore a headband made from jewels, which she had reset from the Saudi Sapphire Suite. She pulled off the look both wearing it around the head and as a choker necklace.
Princess Diana’s style wasn’t static, but evolved with her journey. Her fashion choices grew bolder and more daring as she gained confidence and independence, showcasing a more personal and expressive style which reflected her personality and replaced her early adherence to royal protocol.