Meghan Markle [1] hosted her daughter Lilibet "Lili" Diana Mountbatten-Windsor's first birthday party [2] this week. For the occasion, she chose an outfit that instantly conjured up images of Princess Diana's day-off attire [3]. Markle, who welcomed close friends and family to an intimate backyard picnic alongside husband Harry at their Frogmore Cottage home in Windsor, appeared completely natural in a series of images [4] released by photographer Misan Harriman [5]. The duchess wore a fitted, lightweight sweater with pinstripe linen trousers, perfectly complementing Lili's flouncy, powder-blue dress with flutter sleeves. Opting for minimal accessories and makeup, Markle wore her updated engagement ring [6] and timeless wedding band [7].
The 40-year-old activist [8], philanthropist [9], and author [10] maintains a wardrobe filled with sophisticated basics that double as workwear staples [11], but with her signature "Markle Sparkle," she styles them in a laid-back, modern way that's reminiscent of California, her home state. She often completes her looks with delicate, everyday jewelry or conveys cool nonchalance with a casual untuck. No matter which style trick she pulls, her outfits are reliably attainable yet still luxe. Sound familiar? Markle's sartorial combinations are often similar to those that Harry's mother, Princess Diana, frequently pulled off in the '80s. Diana, too, was known for sporting pinstripe, seersucker pants with simple blouses and fashion-forward sunglasses at polo matches or capping off her pedal pushers with boat shoes and a chic timepiece.
Lately, we've seen Markle channel Diana in a number of ways at various public appearances. Most recently, she opted for the late royal's signature color palette in a belted coat dress [12] and elegant gloves from Dior Haute Couture and a navy-and-white wide-brim hat [13] at Trooping the Colour during the Platinum Jubilee weekend [14].
Ahead, see the Princess of Wales in pinstripe pants that are reminiscent of Markle's, then shop the classic summer look yourself.
Princess Diana Wearing Seersucker Pinstripe Pants, 1983
The Princess of Wales coordinated her high-waisted, pleat-front trousers with an ivory blouse, brown aviator sunglasses, a stack of bracelets, gold earrings, and a floral quilted purse on her second wedding anniversary at a polo match in 1983.
Princess Diana Wearing Pinstripe Pants, 1987
Diana and Harry played on the banks of the River Dee near Balmoral Castle during a summer vacation in August 1987. Diana went for a thicker pinstripe with these denim pedal pushers, completing the look with a tucked-in, baby-pink T-shirt and white leather boat shoes.
Shop Pinstripe Pants
Denimist Double Pleat Chinos [16] ($395)
Boohoo Stripe Wide Leg Satin Trousers
Boohoo Stripe Wide Leg Satin Trousers [17] ($16, originally $40)
Mango Pinstripe Suit Pants
Mango Pinstripe Suit Pants [18] ($80)
H&M Ankle-Length Linen Pants
H&M Ankle-Length Linen Pants [19] ($28, originally $35)
The Frankie Shop Zakura Pants
The Frankie Shop Zakura Pants [20] ($125)
12 Storeez Striped Linen Trousers
12 Storeez Striped Linen Trousers [21] ($186)