"The Princess Diaries 3 [1]" is officially in the works at Disney [2], as confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter [3] on Nov. 15. Since author Meg Cabot released a new installment of the books [4] with a quarantine storyline — and original cast members including Anne Hathaway [5], Mandy Moore [6], and Julie Andrews all spoke positively of returning to the series — fans of the first two films are in for a nostalgic treat with the forthcoming third movie.
Costume designer Gary Jones was behind the wardrobe for both the original film (2001) and the sequel, "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" (2004). Jones brought to life a lineup of ensembles that reflected key style moments from the early aughts [7]. Hathaway's character, Mia Thermopolis, wore her school uniform — plaid kilt and all — quite a bit in the first film, eventually trading it in for regal ballgowns and elegant skirt suits. Even so, she employed relatable outfit quirks throughout her style transformation, be it with understated glasses or Dr. Martens combat boots. Another 2000s fashion staple she frequently turned to? A chic backpack, which led her best friend Lilly (played by Heather Matarazzo) to famously remark, "This bag . . . you have one of these bags?!"
From casual bucket hats to the sophisticated outfits she wore for her royal duties under her grandmother's guidance (see: tweed suit sets and slingbacks), scroll ahead to look back on Princess Mia's most iconic fashion moments. Then, shop a selection of curated items that are inspired by the beloved character and her unique personal style.
— Additional reporting by Nikita Charuza
"The Princess Diaries" Style: Ballgowns and Combat Boots
Mia styles her strapless ballgown with a pair of black combat boots by Dr. Martens.
"The Princess Diaries" Style: Simple Tees
She wears a nose strip with a ribbed long-sleeved T-shirt — an instantly memorable pairing.
"The Princess Diaries" Style: Neutral Bucket Hat
The famous bucket hat hid Mia's hairstyle transformation.
"The Princess Diaries" Style: Plaid School Uniform
Her school uniform is classic preppy, complete with a plaid skirt and matching navy blazer.
"The Princess Diaries" Style: Plaid School Uniform
Here's a better look at the kilt, sans blazer, also worn by Lilly and Lana.
"The Princess Diaries" Style: Brown Outerwear
For a day out with her grandmother, she styles a striped top with a casual brown denim jacket.
"The Princess Diaries" Style: V-Neck Sweatshirt
She hangs out at a beach party wearing a purple sweatshirt loosely over her swimsuit.
"The Princess Diaries" Style: Ballgown and Tiara
Here's a closer look at her stunning floral ballgown. The gloves and tiara make the voluminous dress even more regal.
"The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" Style: Peach Sundress
Mia styles a peach chiffon dress with slingback heels and a lightweight sun hat.
"The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" Style: Patchwork Blouse
Mia's patchwork silk blouse is worn with dark denim and a pair of chandelier earrings, making for a distinctly bohemian look that stands in stark contrast from Queen Clarisse Renaldi's conservative cardigan and pearls.
"The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" Style: Turquoise Slip Dress
Mia's turquoise silk slip dress happens to coordinate with Nicholas's blue striped shirt.
"The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" Style: Wedding Gown
Mia's wedding dress is an off-the-shoulder ballgown with sheer, bead-embroidered sleeves and a delicate trim. She styles it with a long, tulle veil affixed to her tiara.
"The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" Style: Tailored Coatdress
Who could forget how Mia's jacquard coatdress set coordinated with her slingback heels, which came in the same fabric?
"The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" Style: Tweed Skirt Suit
Mia memorably wears a sugar pink tweed coat dress set with a pair of sunglasses — her modern touch.
"The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" Style: Patterned Head Scarf
Mia's paisley head scarf is yet another Y2K bohemian-inspired moment we see from Mia in the second film.
Shop Mia's Look in "The Princess Diaries"
Cider Tweed Crop Blazer [9] ($38) and Cider Tweed Pocket Mini Dress [10] ($32)
Babeyond Long Opera Party Satin Gloves [11] ($10)
Dr. Martens 1460 Smooth Leather Lace Up Boots [12] ($170)
Reformation Emil Knit Bucket Hat [13] ($128)
Asos Design Plaid Pleated Miniskirt [14] ($37)
Zara Patchwork Print Satin Effect Shirt [15] ($28, originally $46)
Charles & Keith Patent Spool Heel Slingback Pumps in Butter [16] ($53)