In the 1980s, Diana, Princess of Wales was both royalty of a kingdom and of the fashion industry, with her uniquely sophisticated yet modern style. She possessed the power of wearing groundbreaking gowns catered to her role in the royal family, while also pulling off athleisure and defining her individual streetwear look. Diana managed to make running errands chic – inspiring others to create elevated outfits using their casual attire. Although Diana catapulted this new era of style in the late twentieth century, her impact as a fashion icon continues to last today. Not only did she set the stage for modern royal members, like Meghan Markle, to dress more freely, but she also created trends that today’s celebrities, like Kendall Jenner, continue to use. Looking back at some of her most classic looks, we can easily pinpoint their powerful effect on fashion today.
History will never forget the moment Diana stepped out in her “revenge dress” for the Vanity Fair party in London. This short, black, off-the-shoulder dress Diana graced in 1994 directly after her divorce from Charles III goes down as one of the most iconic looks of all time. Her beauty, confidence, and elegance practically dripped off of her. Diana made a powerful statement through this dress: that women deserve better. To this day, people wear chic black dresses to represent the same type of fearlessness and determination Diana embodied. Breaking both royal protocol and her ties to Charles III, Diana’s “revenge dress” forever remains a showstopper.
Diana wasn’t just making headlines for her gowns, but also for her casual street attire, which became just as symbolic. One of her most recognized looks became an oversized college crewneck, biker shorts, long socks, and white sneakers. No one had combined these pieces prior, and people certainly did not expect Diana to do so. It became the off-duty model attire that current fashion icon Hailey Bieber wears, and she even credits her inspiration to Princess Diana, who displayed how comfort can glow.
It’s safe to say we can thank Diana for kickstarting many of today’s most iconic trends. The statement red coat she wore in 1994 kickstarted a worldwide love for puffer coats. Often stepping out in baggy jeans, she started the “mom jeans” casual look that people wear daily. She even wore cowboy boots with sweats to polo matches, making these shoes a staple. Ultimately, Diana remains the blueprint for fashion as we know it.