On August 31, we lost one of the most famous women of modern times — Princess Diana. In remembrance, let’s look back at how the style icon’s wardrobe evolved from her marriage in 1981 to her death in 1997.

Princess Diana was recognized as one of the greatest women of her time. Additionally, the style of the «Queen of Hearts» became as significant a part of her persona as her charitable and social activities. Her wardrobe captured public attention, and she rightfully earned a place among the most stylish monarchs of all time.

Lady Diana didn’t immediately embrace the princess look. During her engagement to Prince Charles, she could still afford to wear casual-style suits: hats with soft brims, unusual blouses, and voluminous jackets — in short, everything that was particularly trendy in the ’80s.

Princess Diana’s wedding dress sparked considerable debate. Some claimed it was the epitome of a royal gown, while others said Diana’s wedding dress was far from perfect.

The princess herself once admitted that she hated the voluminous, meringue-like outfit. Despite the controversial wedding dress, Princess Diana made it into the list of the most stylish royal figures.

Princess Diana, 1982

During her first pregnancy, Princess Diana preferred bright, loose-fitting outfits adorned with ruffles, laces, and other «girlish» details.

Princess Diana, 1982

On the day of her discharge from the hospital, Princess Diana wore a loose, dark green dress with white polka dots and a charming Peter Pan collar. The outfit successfully concealed Diana’s still-rounded belly. She paired it with dark cherry-red shoes with small heels and playful bows on the toes.

Princess Diana, 1983

Blue was one of Princess Diana’s favorite colors. Her wardrobe included many elegant and very feminine dresses in this soft pastel hue.

In 1983, Princess Diana preferred to appear at official events in feminine outfits that highlighted her figure’s assets. For example, this striped outfit, with its voluminous sleeves and combination of horizontal and vertical stripes, visually created the ideal hourglass silhouette.

Princess Diana, 1986

In her everyday life, Princess Diana preferred loose cuts, simplicity of lines, and intentional casualness. In this rare family photo, Diana is seen in a green maxi skirt, a beige sweater with ethnic-style embroidery, and flat ballerina shoes.

For official photos with her children, Diana chose more striking and neatly put-together outfits in a country club style. White loafers, cropped checkered trousers, a classic white blouse, and a jacket matching the trousers — such an outfit would still look relevant today.

Evening gowns worn by Princess Diana are particularly noteworthy. After her death, many of these gowns were sold at auction for significant sums, demonstrating the continued fascination with Lady Di’s wardrobe even a decade after her passing. This particular long blue dress is considered one of the most stylish pieces in her collection.

Princess Diana often favored outfits with voluminous shoulders. She shaped her silhouette with a belt, highlighting her waist and giving her figure an «hourglass» shape.

The color blue is iconic in Princess Diana’s wardrobe. She even chose accessories to match her outfits, with her favorite pieces often featuring bright sapphires.

This outfit of Princess Diana is one of the most stylish in her career. A narrow skirt just below the knee, a blouse with a subtle geometric pattern, a wide green belt, and fashionable white-frame sunglasses. In this ensemble, Lady Di appears less like a princess and more like a businesswoman.

Simple silhouettes and bright colors were techniques that Princess Diana frequently used during official visits and business meetings. This approach allowed her to adhere to dress codes while showcasing her personal style.

During her visit to Dubai, Princess Diana had to adhere to Muslim standards of female beauty. She chose a unique turban-style hat and an entirely covered suit in her favorite color, blue.

For a visit to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, Cataratas, in 1991, Princess Diana chose a simple yet elegant outfit: a beige jacket and a flowing floor-length skirt. This ensemble reflected the popular safari style of the time.

Well-chosen clothing made Princess Diana look equally great in both tailored suits and evening gowns with unique details.

At a ballet evening at Spencer House in 1992, Diana wore a luxurious pale blue gown adorned with pearls on the bodice. She paired it with sparkling silver pumps to match the decor.

In May 1992, Princess Diana went on a charity mission to Egypt. To connect with the people, she opted for a very simple outfit: a yellow blouse with wide sleeves and a beige midi skirt.

The classic little black dress was a staple in Diana’s wardrobe. She complemented it with her favorite sapphire and pearl necklace, a black scarf, and simple stiletto pumps.

In addition to evening gowns and casual outfits, Princess Diana had many formal suits in her wardrobe. For example, this black-and-white ensemble by Tomasz Starzewski was worn during a meeting with veterans in 1994. Diana completed the look with a Philip Somerville hat and a strand of large pearls.

In the mid-90s, Princess Diana’s style became more minimalist. She increasingly opted for outfits with simple cuts in vibrant, noble colors, like this narrow blue floor-length dress she wore to the CFDA fashion awards in 1995.

Each year, Princess Diana allowed herself a bit more freedom. After separating from Prince Charles in 1992, she increasingly appeared in fashionable bright mini-dresses, although the length remained appropriate.

In the year of her death—1997—Princess Diana traveled extensively. In January, she visited Luanda with the Red Cross, where this photo was taken. Diana looks nothing like a noble royal in khaki pants, a blue top, and worn loafers. Fashion was a secondary concern for her, but she still managed to look stunning!

In the last two months of her life, Princess Diana wore many sensual and romantic outfits, such as this mini dress adorned with delicate flowers. This period of her life was marked by love and romance, which was directly reflected in her wardrobe.