With the new Princess Diana series on Netflix, people aren’t just remembering this exceptional woman for all she accomplished — her sense of style was pretty flawless as well. Diana was forward-thinking in both her policies and her fashions — many of her looks were beyond her time. Since her death more than 20 years ago, Princess Di’s fashion fame puts her high on the ranks alongside women like Audrey Hepburn, or even First Lady Jackie O.
Her looks were the ultimate blend of regal sophistication and glam. Most importantly, they were all timeless, and she knew she looked fabulous in them. Toady, people still try to emulate her style. Here are our favorite Diana details that made her the icon she is today.
1. Black Christina Stambolian dress
This is one of the most famous Princess Di looks. It’s after her divorce news broke, and she looks like she’s absolutely glowing. An off-the-shoulder black Christina Stambolian dress shows off a plunging neckline and a chic train from the hip, with an asymmetrical hem.
2. ‘Falcon’ dress by Catherine Walker
This breathtaking gown fit for a queen was worn as a diplomatically friendly choice in Saudi Arabia. The country’s emblem is the gold falcon, and she was paying homage to their culture. Is this where Michelle Obama got her style inspiration from during Barack’s time in office?
3. David Sassoon and Lorcan Mullany dress
On 22nd July 1991, Princess Diana wore this dress to Bellville Sassoon. We’re obsessed with the unique straps and gorgeous draping at the front of the dress. And she never misses details — check out the matching flats!
4. The velvet ‘John Travolta’ dress by Victor Edelstein
We’ve never met someone that could pull off velvet as well as Diana — in absolutely any silhouette. She wore this famous black dress when she danced with John Travolta at a White House gala dinner. It ended up selling at an auction for almost $350k.
5. A green velvet halter neck dress by Catherine Walker
It’s hard to make sequins look expensive and not trashy, but Di nailed it in this Catherine mermaid long-sleeved maxi gown with shoulder detailing and a matching clutch and shoes. Now that’s monochromatic styling done right! Formal wear inspiration for days.
6. Metallic silver dress by Bruce Oldfield
This shimmering silver dress worn by the princess was hard to forget. The backless detail was considered a risqué choice but it’s what made the look.
7. An ice-blue silk gown with beading from Versace
Diana was a vision in this slinky, figure-hugging dress by Versace with meticulous embroidery. It was one of the designer’s most understated looks and suited this royal family member’s figure perfectly.
8. A burgundy silk velvet evening dress with an embroidered tailcoat by Catherine Walker
A dress with a tailcoat is such a boss woman move when it comes to formalwear. That floral detailing on the front in cream contrasts perfectly with the burgundy velvet body. This was worn to a visit to Korea in 1991.
9. Zandra Rhodes white chiffon cocktail dress
This beaded chiffon creation had sheer detailing that made us swoon. Even on the mannequin, we get a serious dress-up fever. This look was worn to the Birthright benefit at the London Palladium. Today, it would be appropriate at any venue, from a fancy restaurant to a more formal event.
10. A pink suit by Catherine Walker
She was known for wearing monochromatic suits a lot, especially by her favorite designer Catherine Walker. But we adore when she thought outside the box a bit — like with this pink suit with unique purple detailing and shoes and clutch of the same color. This is a Diana style detail if we’ve ever seen one.
11. Di’s signature casual look
Stars from Hailey Bieber to Kendall Jenner have emulated Diana’s casual look, which is somewhere between off-duty supermodel and Annie Hall. So effortless, but genius.
12. Green Victor Edelstein suit
Diana wore this classy suit a total of 12 times! Who said celebrities can’t wear looks more than one? This forest green is just enough, especially with that black neck detailing and sheer black tights with flats to pull it all together. It’s queens like Di and Michelle who remind us we don’t need heels to be beautiful.