Princess Diana's 75 Best Style Moments Ever

The outfits that made her an icon.

Princess Diana
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Andrea Zendejas's avatar
By ,
published
in Features

Innately tied to her legacy is Princess Diana's era-defying fashion sense, which evolved as she grew into her role as as a beloved public figure. Here, a look back at 75 of her chicest outfits.

1988
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1988

BBTB. (Bring Back the Bolero. Please sign my petition.)

1989
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1989

Not what you expected, eh? That's what makes it so great and modern, as the celebrity-off-duty look in beta. Or alpha.

1992
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1992

Not an ad for Yves Saint Laurent, but very well could be.

1987
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1987

Another wonderful evening option, this one with an off-the-shoulder neckline and yards of pink satin.

1988
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1988

But our very favorites might be the ones in simpler silhouettes, which she tended to favor later.

1985
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1985

Though velvet is never a bad idea.

1981
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1981

See—more velvet. (Bruce Oldfield ain't bad either.)

1987
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1987

Wowza.

1983
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1983

How is this real?

1991
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1991

Regal. Statuesque.

1983
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1983

Versus an interesting juxtaposition—even just in her sartorial choices, she grew so much in a few years.

1981
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1981

The original end-of-the-night, into-the-car pap shot.

1983
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1983

Even in costume—at a Canadian barbecue, no less—she looked like a queen.

1983
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1983

The sheerness makes this feel really fresh.

1991
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1991

BBTH. (Bring Back the Halter. Sign my other petition.)

1986
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1986

So '80s, kind of frivolous, but still marvelous.

1986
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1986

Love a drop waist.

1989
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1989

It might not be your first guess, but red was definitely one of Princess Di's best colors.

1994
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1994

If it isn't there already, this fire Christina Stambolian number will live in the "fashion" section of your brain forever. Phew.

1995
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1995

Raise your hand if you're having an extremely rough time deciding whether '80s or '90s Diana is the best.

1985
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1985

This COLOR.

1989
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1989

Sequins by Catherine Walker.

1983
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1983

Nice color, nicer accessorizing.

1997
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1997

I love this period in her style. Too chic.

1985
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1985

Ideas in styling: Wearing a necklace as a headband and a massive bow on your shoulder.

1981
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1981

Before it all began.

1997
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1997

Versus near the too-soon end.

1996
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1996

Top 10, for sure.

1985
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1985

And now, let us admire some headwear, starting with schooner of a hat.

1983
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1983

And this jaunty, feathery chapeau.

1985
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1985

This confection is by Murray Arbeid; the crown is by the monarchy.

1981How could we not include her wedding gown, with its tremendous train?
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1981How could we not include her wedding gown, with its tremendous train?

How could we not include her wedding gown, with its tremendous train?

1989
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1989

Few women could pull off powder blue hip pads, but somehow, she does.

1996
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1996

She could've only worn halter-neck dresses in different colors and fabrics, and we still would've made this gallery.

1982
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1982

A maternity gown straight out of Dangerous Liaisons.

1982
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1982

And the baby himself, welcomed in pink.

1989
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1989

Ah, the "Elvis dress," designed by Catherine Walker.

1989
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1989

Another Catherine Walker creation with ultra-flattering ruching at the waist.

1984
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1984

Somebody has to have made this into a poster, right?

1989
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1989

Romantic florals for a performance of Romeo and Juliet.

1990
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1990

Sharpen up that resolution, and this photo could be from yesterday.

1986
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1986

Wearing Catherine Walker on a visit to Saudi Arabia.

1986
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1986

Zandra Rhodes. Trompe l'oeil. Gold.

1991
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1991

"Epic" and "paisley," two words you never really see together.

1987
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1987

The best of '80s campiness.

1995
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1995

See what we mean about red?

1982
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1982

The power of the print.

1985
(Image credit: Getty Images)

1985

Goodbye (from Nancy Reagan too). And thank you.

1986
(Image credit: Getty Images/Tim Graham)

1986

Pretty in pink.

1985
(Image credit: Getty Images/Tim Graham)

1985

Great outfit, for the polo match. A sailor top with a floral skirt.

1989
(Image credit: Getty Images/Anwar Hussein)

1989

An unforgettable color-block moment by Catherine Walker.

1996
(Image credit: Getty Images/New York Daily News Archive)

1996

Lady D attended the Met Ball in her iconic choker and slip-like dress.

1989
(Image credit: Getty Images/Anwar Hussein)

1989

An on point neutral look.

1989
(Image credit: Getty Images/Princess Diana Archive)

1989

A white and pink dress by Catherine Walker for the performance of "Swan Lake".

1981
(Image credit: Getty Images/Tim Graham)

1981

A velvet and lace affair.

1989
(Image credit: Getty Images/Princess Diana Archive)

1989

Tartan from head to toe.

1983
(Image credit: Getty Images/Tim Graham)

1983

She never met a puff sleeve she didn't love

1989
(Image credit: Getty Images/Mirrorpix)

1989

A turquoise look is always a good idea.

1986
(Image credit: Getty Images/Princess Diana Archive)

1986

A mismatched glove moment.

1983
(Image credit: Getty Images/Tim Graham)

1983

Matching suit and pussy bow blouse are quite the pair.

1983
(Image credit: Getty Images/David Levenson)

1983

A collar moment, that is very on trend today.

1982
(Image credit: Getty Images/Princess Diana Archive)

1982

The green ballgown always goes.

1994
(Image credit: Getty Images/Tom Wargacki)

1994

A simple yet sophisticated look.

1988
(Image credit: Getty Images/Georges De Keerle)

1988

A neutral color block outfit is right for every occasion.

1995
(Image credit: Getty Images/Tim Graham)

1995

Dazzling in a white Versace dress.

1985
(Image credit: Getty Images/Tom Wargacki)

1985

This black velvet and taffeta gown is one to remember.

1990
(Image credit: Getty Images/Tim Graham)

1990

The red and black combo was always one of her favorites.

1988
(Image credit: Getty Images/Princess Diana Archive)

1988

Polka dots are always a good idea.

1988
(Image credit: Getty Images/Princess Diana Archive)

1988

Styling idea: Top of your look with a floral hair piece.

1988
(Image credit: Getty Images/Princess Diana Archive)

1988

The little white dress is perfect for an evening event.

1996
(Image credit: Getty Images/Tim Graham)

1996

Lady D's purple ensemble, in Versace gown and Jimmy Choo heels.

1983
(Image credit: Getty Images/Tim Graham)

1983

Frilled collar and puff sleeves dress by Gina Fratini.

1987
(Image credit: Getty Images/Princess Diana Archive)

1987

Lace and pearls.

TOPICS
Bridget Burns

I'm the Digital Visuals Editor for Marie Claire and I help pick the most interesting, relevant and prettiest photos for our site.