Like most royals, Princess Diana's footwear collection was never limited to just one style. She had a mix of heels, flats, and boots at her disposal to match her many outfits. In fact, before Jimmy Choo became synonymous with Sex and the City, it was the royal herself who brought the spotlight to the brand. She tapped the designer to create heels for special occasions, including the famous slingbacks she wore in 1997.
As fancy as her Jimmy Choos were, Princess Diana also owned some casual options, from her Superga sneakers to her white loafers. The royal had a well-rounded shoe closet, so take a look at the six pairs she kept in rotation, then shop similar styles ahead.
Like Kate Middleton, Princess Diana was also a fan of Superga sneakers. She wore this pair with jeans and a blazer during a visit to Angola in 1997, proving that the royal wasn't always in heels. For more casual outings and relaxed occasions, Princess Diana turned to her sneakers (shouldn't every fashion girl?) and wasn't afraid to dress down.
If you have more than enough white sneakers, we suggest trying this striped one from Superga ($32, originally $79).
Your no-fail black Superga Cotu sneakers ($65) will match everything.
We count Superga's Cotu classic in white ($65) as a must have alongside our chucks and Keds.
All royals probably own a little black heel, and the beige option is a close second. Kate Middleton's favorite pair happens to be from Gianvito Rossi. Princess Diana, of course, had a few beige heels in rotation as well to wear with her colorful dresses. The royal matched her beige handbag to her shoes during a visit to the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute in 1996.
These Jimmy Choo kitten heel pumps ($675) are at a comfortable height.
There are leather heels and then suede options like this pump from Prada ($595).
For $99, this pair of Michael Kors kitten heels is practically a steal.
Princess Diana's love for Jimmy Choo is well documented, as she's seen here wearing a pair of slingbacks from the fashion label in 1997. "[This was the] light-bulb moment" said Sandra Choi, Jimmy's niece, to Marie Claire UK. "It really started everything for us — all of the celebrity appearances. That idea of glamour and getting dressed up is the DNA that's carried us through the last 20 years." Princess Diana selected the designer to create pumps and closed-toe heels for royal appearances, including this pair of purple slingbacks that she wore with her purple Versace gown in 1996.
Look out for the silver detailing on this pair of Jimmy Choo slingback pumps ($150).
If you're feeling bold, go with a pair of red pumps from Jimmy Choo ($475).
Look pretty in pink in Jimmy Choo's Syria slingbacks ($125).
For a shoe that was a step up from sneakers — but also equally comfortable — Princess Diana chose loafers. The sensible flat could be worn with cropped trousers and sweaters or with a nice Summer dress. The royal had a preference for tailored styles like the selections from Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo, wearing them everywhere from the polo fields to outings with the children.
We bet Princess Diana would approve of these Stuart Weitzman Verve tassel loafers ($395).
A classic black loafer from Gucci ($670) is timeless.
Add a pop of color to your outfits with a pair of Nicholas Kirkwood's Beya leather loafers ($475).
On several occasions, Princess Diana could be spotted rocking a pair of white heels. Like beige, the white shoe is a versatile piece to be worn with just about every look in her closet. During a visit to Bangkok in 1988, Princess Diana wore this kitten-heeled shoe while playing a game of boules. It coordinated perfectly with her crisp white skirt.
The strap on this Calvin Klein pointy-toed pump ($109) is different than your average t-strap heel.
For a glove style, try this Mansur Gavriel Ballerina leather pump ($475).
What's more classic than this Manolo Blahnik white heel ($695)?
While dropping off her sons to school in 1989, Princess Diana stepped out in a pair of brown and leopard-printed riding boots. The royal could have worn the shoes with jeans, but instead pulled a stylish move in an all-white ensemble complete with a pattered blazer and casual baseball cap. We know royals love their riding shoes, especially Kate Middleton, who has a penchant for her Penelope Chilvers.
Don't be afraid to wear Blondo's riding boots in the rain ($285). They're waterproof!
For a truly timeless look, invest in a pair of Burberry riding boots ($995).
We love the rich mahogany color of this Frye boot ($428).