Princess Diana's Most Underrated Style Moments
Princess Diana's Most Underrated Style Moments
Known as the people's princess, Lady Diana Spencer was one of the most recognized and influential style icons in the world. Paving the way for future fashionable royals like daughters-in-law Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, Diana made bold statements with her sartorial choices, from bright suits and dramatic gowns to her famous wedding dress. Several of her most memorable ensembles are depicted in The Crown season 4, as played by newcomer Emma Corrin. But there are tons of worthy pieces that don't make it into the final edit.
Relive some of Princess Diana's most underrated style moments—many of which are still in vogue today.
Topped-Off Teen
Before she graduated to elaborate fascinators, Di went with a classic black chapeau in her formative years.
The Original Normcore
We want to wear this now.
An Oversized Sweater Over a Dress
Sporting what we'd now call a "boyfriend sweater," Princess Diana makes effortless look chic.
Tied at the Neck
Somehow this fair isle sweater, button-up oxford, and ribbon doesn't come across as granny.
Turban-Hat Hybrid
Diana covers her head in an incredibly chic way.
Stacked Watches
Diana did the arm party thing before it was even a thing.
Gingham Pants
Summery fancy pants for a polo match. Is there anything more appropriate?
Initial Necklace
A classic piece with a hint of fun. We're into the gold hoops, too.
Matching the Outfit to the Atmosphere
This sunny yellow dress against the bright yellow backdrop makes a stunning combination.
A Statement Collar
Leave it to Princess Diana to take a collar to whole new fashion heights.
A Menswear-Inspired Fedora
This boyish topper balances out the high-necked, feminine shirt.
The Beret
A lesson on how to wear a beret without looking like a french painter.
Layered Pearls
She manages to make pearls on pearls on pearls look chic, not cheesy.
High-waisted Pants and a Loose Fitting Shirt
Some of Diana's most casual, laid-back looks are her most stunning.
The White Tux
Suited up, black tie style. Diana stands out in a sea of gray suits.
Jeweled Headband
Like Lupita Nyong'o's 2014 Met Gala look, Diana chose an untraditional way to wear a headpiece.
Overalls
Overalls are back—but Diana was wearing them almost 30 years ago.
Peplum Hem
The peplum trend saw a resurgence in the early 2010s, but Diana did it first.
Animal Print
This flowy cheetah print dress feels current right now.
Double Denim
A Canadian tuxedo is always perfect for a day out with the children.
Velveteen Dream
Diana looks like a vision in this fitted velvet body-con dress, complete with sheer black tights and minimalist heels to match.
Pretty in Pink
The reason why "millennial pink" became a trend.
Colorblock
A high contrasting look with this pink and red button down dress, down to the top hat and clutch, makes for a bold statement.
Neon Brights
Before slime green became a trend, Diana rocked neon with this bright orange skirt-suit—with a generous amount of black to tone it down.
Monochromatic
To perfectly accent her cobalt blue dress, Diana made sure to keep her bag and shoes the exact same color for a seamless look.
Print Mixing
Nothing says "carefree" more than mixing and matching a plaid blazer jacket with a polka dot skirt.
Military Chic
Diana wears this impeccably tailored military-style jacket so well, we wish we had our own.
Aviator Sunnies
Aviator sunglasses and pearls make for an unlikely yet gorgeous pairing.
Playful Tights
From the front, Diana's pantyhose appeared to be all business. From the back, a thin black line and bow at the heel adds a touch of whimsy.
Houndstooth
How do you wear houndstooth without looking stodgy? Mix colors. Princess Diana's black, white, and red Moschino suit was bold yet elegant.
Maternity Wear
During both of her pregnancies, Diana led the way on maternity style. Case in point: This drop-waist polka dot dress.
Athleisure
Diana had no idea how on-trend she would be in 2020. She rocked bike shorts like no one else.
Menswear
A high-waisted belted skirt adds a feminine touch to Diana's oxford and hunter green suit.
Cozy Knits
Diana's cashmere knit turtleneck and blazer combination is our favorite look for fall. It's casual, but sophisticated.
The Long Coat
This below-the-knee coat is too cool for a Royal Air Force event.
Mohair Outwear
The mohair wool on this pink Bellville Sassoon coat is a stylish detail on an already showstopping piece.
Polka Dots
Diana was never one to shy away from polka dots and she wore them from head to toe (literally) at the Royal Ascot in 1988.
The Power Suit
This powder blue suit is tailored to perfection, and was designed by her close friend Gianni Versace.
Plaid
The royal family loves their plaid. Princess Diana coordinated her look with a hat by Philip Somerville.
Coordinated Mother-Son Ensembles
Catherine Walker created a powder blue satin-trimmed coat for Diana and a similar version for Prince William for Easter in 1987. Too cute.
Pleated Periwinkle
For a trip to Egypt, Diana opted for a monochromatic belted look, complete with matching handbag and heels.
Festive Flourishes
Diana eschewed traditional Christmas Day coloring for this deep purple tuxedo dress, accented with striped detailing.
Buttoned-Up Blouse
It appears Diana knows she chose the right layering pieces for this green, blue, and cream ensemble.
The Wedding Gown
A moment for the most famous dress of all time.
Newly Tweed
Diana swapped her 25-ft David Emmanuel wedding gown for a tweed Bill Pashley suit while honeymooning in Scotland.
Hats Off
Thank (or blame) Diana for the hat trend sweeping 2020.
Pretty in Polka Dots
The royal opted for a tan and cream color scheme when attending a state visit.
Taking the Plunge
As if attending the Back to the Future premiere as a royal isn't cool enough, Diana stunned in this plunging Catherine Walker gown. There's crushed velvet, there's exaggerated sleeves, and that long strand of knotted pearls—immaculate.
Red With Envy
Lady Di sparkles in red ruffles, a look that's recreated in The Crown's fourth season.
Sporty Spice
Of course, Diana made this pared-down athletic look seem effortlessly chic.
A Dramatic Veil
Diana's fascinator game is regularly on-point, and this dark-hued hat and veil combo is no different.
Soft Satin
While attending a performance of Swan Lake in London, Diana channeled her ethereal side.
Aye, Aye, Sailor
It's hard to imagine any attention being paid to this polo match when Diana stepped out in this sailor blouse and floral-print pencil skirt.
The Black Sheep
This statement sweater has only grown in appreciation over the years, prompting Rowing Blazers to release its own recreation of the knit.
Glowing in Green
Lady Di cradles her bump while pregnant with Prince William. This wool green coat shares similar velvet detailing with her headwear.
All Laced Up
Diana chose go-to designer Catherine Walker for The Santa Claus premiere in London. All we want for Christmas is a version for ourselves.
Cozy Couple
This printed sweater and turtleneck combo remains a lesson in peak cozy fashion, decades later.
Prim Pearls and Purple
Diana never met a pearl choker she didn't love—and this look proves why she can pull them off.
Two-Tone Elegance
The princess chose a strapless, two-tone Murray Arbeid gown for the America's Cup Ball. But it's the mismatched evening gloves—one red and one black—that steal the spotlight.
Floral in France
Choosing this bikini for a trip to the south of France was one of the fashion best decisions Diana could make.
Statement Stripes
This satin striped look is accessorized perfectly with a wide-brimmed hat and large pearl earrings.
A Pop of Purple
A solo trip to Chicago was made unforgettable by a purple Versace gown and matching Jimmy Choo pumps.
Hot Pink Hero
Be still our hearts over this hot pink polka dot knee-length look, complete with matching bag.
Revisit her best looks ahead of the season 4 premiere of 'The Crown'.