By Amy Lee
5:01 AM PDT, August 31, 2019
Whatever Princess Diana wore turned into fashion gold. Her eye for trends combined with a timeless aesthetic -- but not afraid to be daring from time to time -- makes the late royal an inimitable style icon. So much so that even after more than 35 years since we were first introduced to the humanitarian, we can still look back on her ensembles and confidently say, "I would totally wear that right now." She was a true trendsetter and ahead of her time as so many of-the-moment pieces are what she consistently donned decades ago.
With the continuing resurgence of '80s and '90s fashion (and our attention on royal sartorial selects like Meghan Markle's), we thought it would be opportune to inspire our outfit choices by revisiting Diana's best looks of all time, from stunning evening gowns to classic denim outfit formulas that are still incredibly chic. Browse through our favorites here for the princess' major fashion moments we want to copy, stat.
Ballet Blue
While most would opt for a gown for the ballet, Princess Diana chose a glamorous pale blue beaded mini with bow details on the straps, designed by Jacques Azagury for a 1997 performance of Swan Lake at Royal Albert Hall. She paired it with matching sling-back shoes, satin clutch and pearl necklace.
Just Belt It
On the field watching Prince Charles play polo in 1986, Diana donned a classic striped coat dress cinched with a wide belt -- a styling trick that enhances any figure.
Down for Dots
One of many polka-dotted ensembles she wore, the royal adored the whimsical print, which happens to be a favorite among the style set right now. All eyes were on Diana as she arrived at the 1988 Royal Ascot in a gathered white-and-black dotted dress and matching hat.
A Vision in Ivory
The Princess of Wales stunned at a fundraiser dinner in a pearl-studded Shalwar Kameez ensemble she wore in 1996. The choker! The dress over trousers! The strappy white shoes! This monochrome outfit is everything.
Red Alert
Diana demonstrated the versatility of a midi skirt as she chose a red pleated design to pair with a high-neck black sleeveless top as she headed to a Pavarotti concert in 1995 to benefit The Red Cross. It's set, we're wearing this to work tomorrow.
Mellow Yellow
A young Diana was spotted in a floral blouse, eggshell yellow overalls and cork wedges during a polo match in 1981 with Sarah Ferguson. This playful getup proves the blonde beauty could nail both polished and off-duty looks.
Beach Babe
The gorgeous princess soaked in the sun on a Caribbean getaway in 1990 in an exotic leopard print swimsuit and coordinating sarong. Now we know what we're packing for our summer vacation this year.
Shine Bright
Another glamorous outfit for the books, Princess Diana looked like a movie star in a silver metallic pleated lamé gown with a surprising sexy open back for the 1985 London premiere of A View to a Kill.
The Revenge Dress
Known as the "revenge dress," Diana made everyone's jaw drop as she stepped out in a daring fitted ruched off-the-shoulder black mini designed by Christina Stambolian for the 1994 Serpentine Gallery Summer Party, aptly donned on the night Prince Charles confessed to his affairs. Boy, bye.
Sporty Shorts
Long before Kim Kardashian West and Kylie Jenner donned bike shorts to no end, the princess sported the athletic bottom. Leaving the Chelsea Harbor Club in 1995, the trendsetter wore a bright orange pair with a Virgin Atlantic sweatshirt, tube socks and sneakers.
Purple Haze
Obsessed is an understatement on our feelings about this printed pastel purple maxi by Zandra Rhodes. The royal styled the eye-catching dress in Dubai in 1989 with metallic pumps and sparkly earrings. The pom pom detail on the hem, sheer sleeves and slightly puffed shoulders combined seamlessly.
Princess Goals
Literally resembling Cinderella, Princess Diana had a fairy tale moment in a periwinkle blue Catherine Walker chiffon gown and matching stole, which completely enhances the ensemble, at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival.
Casually Chic
In the late '80s while attending an event at the Guards Polo Club with her then-young son, Prince William, Diana opted for comfort and style. The mother of two stepped out in high-waisted light wash jeans, cowboy boots, a blazer and a baseball cap.
Floral Flair
An outfit so timeless yet trendy is worth recreating forever. A voluminous white blouse teamed with a floral pencil skirt and a wide belt can work for day or night, whether you're heading to the office, dinner with friends or a polo game like the Princess of Wales did in 1985.
Denim Days
On her trip to Bosnia in 1997, the humanitarian opted for a casual outfit of straight-leg denim, white button-down and wide belt -- a formula as timeless as Diana.
Pretty in Pink
No one did monochrome as well as Princess Di. The bubblegum pink ensemble of blazer, polka-dot dress and pumps she wore in Nepal in 1993 is a memorable one. It's bright and fun, yet still very polished.
Forever Classic
Diana loved blazers and for good reason! The wardrobe staple is a versatile essential that will never go out of style, and neither will this look. The royal teamed the menswear-inspired jacket with a cream turtleneck and matching jeans, cinched with her go-to belt. She accessorized with square sunglasses, canvas bag and flats. A 1995 outfit that can be worn in 2018 and beyond.