How to Dress Like Princess Diana
Princess Diana Taught Us 7 Style Lessons We'll Never, Ever Forget

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If you count Princess Diana as one of your style icons, keep reading. With the anniversary of her death just a few days away, we looked back at some of her most memorable outfits and the style tips she's given us along the way. From her unforgettable black dress to skirt suit ensembles, the royal dominated the style game. Scroll on for seven very important lessons we learned from her, and then shop similar pieces to really channel the princess.
The Power of a Little Black Dress Can't Be Denied
Though the LBD had been around forever, Princess Diana changed the game when she wore this formfitting Christina Stambolian number to a Vanity Fair party back in June 1994. Dubbed the "revenge dress" (she wore it the same night Prince Charles confessed to his adulterous relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles in a televised documentary), it was daring, sexy, and all too good. The royal wore her dress with a strand of pearls, tights, and black pumps. If you're on the hunt for a new black dress, we suggest browsing through these options.
Jeans Can Be Dressed Up or Down
The next time you don't know what to wear, just take a style cue from Princess Diana's easy, four-part ensemble. For a stroll at the Guards Polo Club in 1988, she dressed down in a white British Lung Foundation logo sweatshirt, jeans, boots, and a baseball cap. Diana gave the outfit a more polished feel with structured outerwear. It appears denim is the one piece even royals can't live without, proving everyone needs a few pairs.
No Print's More Classic Than Polka Dots
If there's one print Princess Diana wore a lot, it's polka dots. She even had them on her socks! The royal dressed head to toe in the print while attending the Royal Ascot race meeting in 1988. Though we wouldn't necessarily wear a matching hat with our polka-dot dress (unless we're going to a polo match), we can draw inspiration from the look. Perhaps find the design on a flat or on a dress like Kendall Jenner's for that modern-day take.
The Key to Looking Polished Is a Structured Blazer
No surprise here that Princess Diana kept a rotation of padded shoulder blazers on hand. It's a standard piece for sophisticated dressing, and the royal worked it into all parts of her wardrobe. In 1994, she layered it over an all-white ensemble while shopping in Knightsbridge and styled the look with a sleek pair of loafers. You can easily make a tailored blazer work for you, whether you wear it as a pantsuit set or simply over jeans and a tee.
When in Doubt, Add That Belt
We might have abandoned the belt in our everyday attire, but seeing it on Princess Diana and other royals has convinced us that it's a special accessory. Take the brown belt away from Princess Diana's floral skirt and denim shirt look in 1990, and it just wouldn't be the same. The belt broke up the outfit in a good way and added that extra "oomph." And just in case you missed the memo, these are the belt trends to try right now.
It Never Hurts to Go Monochrome
Princess Diana stepped out in a pink suit in 1993, but unless you're a royal or dignitary, this ensemble probably isn't part of your daily wardrobe. We can take the monochrome look, however, and make it our own with some of these outfit ideas. To channel Princess Diana present day, invest in a bright pink blazer or miniskirt, and if you're feeling extrabold, wear them together Jackie O style.
Own at Least 1 Statement Coat
As both Princess Diana and Kate Middleton know, a good coat not only keeps you warm but makes you stand out too. During a visit to the Honda factory in 1990, Princess Diana stepped out in this tartan coat with coordinating red heels. The holiday-inspired coloring and fit immediately drew our attention. When looking for a style like this particular one, pay attention to the length and tailoring — you want it to fit perfectly.
Silence & Noise Mini Dress
Wear this off-the-shoulder dress from Silence & Noise ($29, originally $69) with hoop earrings.
Boohoo Midi Dress
The sweet frills on this Boohoo midi dress ($30) are a yes for us.
Cinq à Sept Off-the-Shoulder Dress
For date nights, give this Cinq à Sept dress ($270, originally $385) a try.
ASOS Blazer
Catch everyone's attention in this ASOS blazer ($55, originally $79).
J.Crew Factory Skirt
This J.Crew Factory skirt ($48, originally $80) is a steal.
Mango Cotton Blazer
Wear Mango's structured cotton blazer ($30, originally $100) with jeans.
Brooks Brothers Alligator Tab Belt
This leather belt from Brooks Brothers ($998) is simply stunning.
Maison Boinet Leather Belt
Now here's a leather belt from Maison Boinet ($235) that can be worn with anything.
Isabel Marant Blazer
We would happily spend our paycheck on this Isabel Marant houndstooth blazer ($490).
J.Crew Houndstooth Plaid Blazer
For a more affordable alternative, try J.Crew's version of the houndstooth blazer ($258).
H&M Blazer
You can dress this H&M jersey blazer ($20, originally $35) up or down.
Re/Done High Rise Jeans
If you're looking for a pair of light-washed jeans, try this one from Re/Done ($265).
Topshop Mom Jenas
We love the vintage wash on Topshop's mom jeans ($70).
Levi's High-Rise Jean
Wear Levi's high-rise jean ($88) with a crop top and belt.
ASOS Polka Dot Dress
A polka dot dress from ASOS ($43, originally $87) you can wear to birthday brunches and beyond.
Monse Crepe Midi Dress
If you're looking to make a statement, start with this Monse dress ($2,490).
Lisa Marie Fernandez Shirt Dress
We're packing this Lisa Marie Fernandez polka-dot shirt dress ($387, originally $595) with us on our next vacation.
& Other Stories Wool Coat
For a pop of red, scoop up this & Other Stories wool coat ($245).
Chloé Wool-Blend Felt Coat
This Chloé coat ($1,995) comes right in time for Fall.
MSGM Ruffle Plaid Coat
If you want something a little more feminine, try ruffles on a coat like this one from MSGM ($985).