Princess Diana Taught Us 7 Style Lessons We'll Never, Ever Forget

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wear this off-the-shoulder dress from Silence & Noise ($29, originally $69) with hoop earrings.

The sweet frills on this Boohoo midi dress ($30) are a yes for us.

For date nights, give this Cinq à Sept dress ($270, originally $385) a try.

Catch everyone's attention in this ASOS blazer ($55, originally $79).

This J.Crew Factory skirt ($48, originally $80) is a steal.

Wear Mango's structured cotton blazer ($30, originally $100) with jeans.

This leather belt from Brooks Brothers ($998) is simply stunning.

Now here's a leather belt from Maison Boinet ($235) that can be worn with anything.

We would happily spend our paycheck on this Isabel Marant houndstooth blazer ($490).

For a more affordable alternative, try J.Crew's version of the houndstooth blazer ($258).

You can dress this H&M jersey blazer ($20, originally $35) up or down.

If you're looking for a pair of light-washed jeans, try this one from Re/Done ($265).

We love the vintage wash on Topshop's mom jeans ($70).

Wear Levi's high-rise jean ($88) with a crop top and belt.

A polka dot dress from ASOS ($43, originally $87) you can wear to birthday brunches and beyond.

If you're looking to make a statement, start with this Monse dress ($2,490).

We're packing this Lisa Marie Fernandez polka-dot shirt dress ($387, originally $595) with us on our next vacation.

For a pop of red, scoop up this & Other Stories wool coat ($245).

This Chloé coat ($1,995) comes right in time for Fall.

If you want something a little more feminine, try ruffles on a coat like this one from MSGM ($985).