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Diana Through the Years: A Fashion Journal

Diana Through the Years: A Fashion Journal


Izzy Turner-Hicks
Izzy Turner-Hicks Updated:
8th of March 2023

As we reach the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana's death, we take a look back at the style icon through the 80's and 90's and some of the fashion statements the 'People's Princess' made throughout her years.

Diana through the Years-A Fashion Journal

From attending royal duties to raising her two boys, Princess Diana stunned us all with her individual sense of style, emanating a class that we want to recreate. Here are just some of our absolute favourites.

1. The Wedding Dress - 1981

Designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, the iconic silk taffeta gown with its 25 feet train was kept a complete secret until the big reveal on the wedding day. The designers had to rip up designs once they'd been approved, put in blinds in their studio and even wove a variety of different fabrics so the media wouldn't be able to figure out which material they'd be using.

2. Pretty in Pink - 1983

Pink can be hard to pull off unless your Barbie, but not for Diana! Worn on an official visit to Brisbane, Australia, she appeared in this bright pink, silk evening gown, turning heads wherever she went.

3. The Other White Dress - 1985

Don't be mistaken - this isn't another wedding dress, but it's certainly a style we've seen on the catwalk. Diana wore this during another event in Washington.

4. The Victor Edelstein - 1985

A gorgeous midnight blue evening gown worn at the White House State dinner given by President Reagan. There she memorably danced with the one and only John Travolta - and looks fantastic doing it! The dress sold at auction for £240,000.

5. The Military Outfit - 1987

We LOVE this! A classy outfit worn during the Sovereign's Parade at the Royal Military Academy - a real stand out piece.

6. The Polka Dots - 1988

Heading to Ascot, Diana wowed the crowds with polka dots, shoulder pads and a sleek hat to match. Polka dots featured a fair amount in her outfits over the years, but this has to be one of our favourites.

7. The Elvis Dress - 1989

Designed by Catherine Walker and nicknamed the Elvis dress, it really turned heads on her tour of Hong Kong. Whilst it caused some controversy, we do adore a frock that whips up a frenzy!

8. The Revenge Dress - 1994

Worn to the Serpentine Gallery after the publishing of various scandalous books and tapes, Diana hit back with her own little black dress, designed by Christina Stambolian.  It has since been auctioned for $74,000. Recognise the necklace? It accompanied a lot of the dresses she picked and is certainly a statement piece.

9. The Versace Dress - 1995

Diana topped the best dressed list with this little white dress worn to a charity concert in Milan. Simple and sophisticated.

10. The Casual One - 1997

Effortlessly chic during a trip to Bosnia in a style that seems to have lasted time. Gotta love the shirt-trouser combo!

A selfless lady with an impeccable sense of style.

Discover more of Princess Diana's fashion throughout the years on our Pinterest board.

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Izzy Turner-Hicks

About the author


Izzy Turner-Hicks

Izzy has been writing about weddings for nearly 10 years. Recently married, she's been able to add her own experience of the planning process to her articles. In-house editor at Guides for Brides and previously editor of top wedding magazines; Wedding Ideas and Love Our Wedding. Her specialism is bridal fashion.

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