STYLE ICON : PRINCESS DIANA

Mar 14, 2018
3 min read

There was once a simpler time. There was no social media. No ‘influencers’. No-one was being paid to post a picture wearing an outfit. There was a monarchy, there were protocols. There was Princess Diana.

From the announcement of her engagement to Prince Charles she took the fashion world by storm. Right through the 1980s and 1990s we saw Princess Diana’s style evolve and grow from ruffles and frills to sophisticated suits. Both her on and off duty style was nothing but individual, pure and grace. Princess Diana was and still is a style icon.

I’m often asked what influences my personal style. I’ve always loved an oversized jersey reminiscent of a holiday in the states paired with tight leggings or shorts. However the ultimate definition of chic style to me is a pair of straight leg jeans, a classic belt and a plain tee tucked in.

As I look deep into Princess Diana’s style I see how clear it is that her style has influenced not just me but the whole fashion world. Princess Diana suited what she wore. The clothes, although bold, never wore her - she always looked completely put together yet effortless at the same time. It’s impossible not to comment on how she always, always matched her accessories with what she was wearing. Even a simple striped polo shirt for tennis would be perfectly matched with the shoe. She did wonders for British fashion and favoured British designers Jasper Conran, Bellville Sassoon, Bruce Oldfield and of course the Emmanuel’s.

In the early 1980s her style was more complicated and ‘frilly’, but later in the decade she clearly took control as her fashion confidence began to grow. ‘She was starting to move away from the first period of clothes which were like little girls clothes but made bigger, her style became more sleek and sophisticated and more grown up, as it should’ Victor Edelstein. She wore sequin gowns and bold colours however she always remained sophisticated and utterly elegant. Always keeping within the royal protocol she dressed relevant to the Country and event she was attending, she was the perfect definition of patriarchy meets fashion.

From fairy princess to timeless style icon, she made statements with what she wore, I mean the ‘revenge dress’ needs no explanation. After her separation she embraced the working woman and wore more tailoring and suits. Last year marked 20 years since her tragic passing, I was only 6 but Ii still remember taking the sunflowers i’d been growing in the garden to lay by the road as her car drove past on its way to Westminster Abbey. The world has a fascination with the Royal family and with the upcoming wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle everyone is watching what Meghan is wearing and predicting what she’ll be wearing on the big day. Anything wore by a royal seems to instantly sell out as everyone wants to dress like a princess.

As one of the most photographed woman of the Century it’s clear to see how Princess Diana’s style is still having an impact on the trends we see today. Here are 5 key steps to nailing the Princesses style:

Diamonds, Diamonds, Diamonds. You may not be able to get your hands on the crown jewels but add some sparkle to you evening attire to finish off the look.

Power Suits - The 80s and 90s are having a comeback and with that so are power suits. They’re the perfect way to make a fashion statement in the workplace while still dressing appropriately - very Diana.

Matching Accessories - For the ultimately put together look match colours or details in accessories, however be careful not to go to overboard with the trend and limit it to something subtle that ties an outfit together.

Colour Blocking - Be bold, confident and simple.

Athleisure - This trend couldn’t be more current. With the ‘ugly’ trainer all the rage just pair it with some chunky socks, cycle shorts and an oversized varsity t-shirt and you’ve got the look nailed.