Princess Diana's Iconic 80s Style: A Fashion Retrospective

Princess Diana, a name synonymous with grace, elegance, and undeniable style, remains a fashion icon decades after her untimely passing. The 1980s were a particularly formative period for her sartorial evolution, as she transitioned from a shy young bride into a confident and influential figure. This article delves into the iconic 80s fashion moments of Princess Diana, exploring the trends she embraced, the designers she championed, and the lasting impact she had on the world of style.

From Fairytale Bride to Fashion Trailblazer

The early years of Diana's marriage to Prince Charles were marked by a certain naivete in her fashion choices. She favored romantic, often frilly dresses that reflected the fairytale image of a princess. However, as she grew into her role, Diana began to experiment with bolder styles, asserting her individuality and using fashion as a means of self-expression. This transformation was particularly evident in the mid-80s, as she embraced power dressing, statement jewelry, and more daring silhouettes.

The Rise of the 'Diana Look'

What exactly constituted the 'Diana Look' in the 80s? It was a blend of classic British tailoring, high-end designer pieces, and playful experimentation. Think tailored skirt suits with padded shoulders, often in vibrant colors like red and blue. Picture her in elegant evening gowns adorned with sequins and ruffles, a nod to the decade's penchant for embellishment. And of course, no discussion of Diana's 80s style would be complete without mentioning her love for statement knitwear, often featuring quirky patterns and bold colors.

Key Trends Princess Diana Pioneered

• Power Dressing: Diana embraced the power dressing trend of the 80s, sporting sharp-shouldered blazers, tailored suits, and bold accessories that projected confidence and authority. She frequently wore skirt suits from designers like Catherine Walker, often paired with high heels and a structured handbag.
• Statement Knitwear: From sheep-printed sweaters to colorful geometric designs, Diana's knitwear choices were anything but ordinary. These playful pieces added a touch of personality to her often formal wardrobe and demonstrated her willingness to embrace more casual styles.
• Asymmetric Necklines: Diana was a fan of asymmetric necklines, which added a modern and sophisticated touch to her dresses and blouses. This detail became a signature element of her style and helped to elevate her look.
• Bold Colors: While she often wore classic neutrals like navy and cream, Diana wasn't afraid to embrace bold colors. She frequently wore vibrant shades of red, blue, green, and pink, which made her stand out from the crowd and added a sense of energy to her outfits.
• The 'Revenge Dress': Perhaps one of the most iconic fashion moments of the 80s (though technically worn in 1994), the 'Revenge Dress' perfectly encapsulates Diana's evolving style. This off-the-shoulder, figure-hugging black dress was a bold departure from her usual demure choices and signaled a newfound sense of freedom and independence.

Designers Who Defined Diana's 80s Wardrobe

Diana's collaboration with several key designers played a crucial role in shaping her 80s style. These designers understood her evolving tastes and helped her to create a wardrobe that was both timeless and on-trend.

• Catherine Walker: Often referred to as Diana's favorite designer, Catherine Walker created many of her most iconic looks, including tailored skirt suits, elegant evening gowns, and sophisticated day dresses. Walker's designs were known for their impeccable tailoring, classic silhouettes, and luxurious fabrics.
• Bruce Oldfield: Another favorite of Diana's, Bruce Oldfield was known for his glamorous evening wear. He created many of her most memorable red carpet looks, including sequined gowns, dramatic dresses, and statement jewelry.
• Victor Edelstein: Victor Edelstein was the designer behind the famous 'Travolta Dress,' a midnight blue velvet gown that Diana wore to a White House dinner in 1985. This dress became an instant classic and solidified Diana's status as a fashion icon.
• Jasper Conran: Diana frequently wore Jasper Conran's designs, particularly his simple and elegant day dresses. Conran's clothes were known for their clean lines, understated sophistication, and versatility.
• David Sassoon: In the early 80s, before Catherine Walker became her go-to designer, David Sassoon of Bellville Sassoon, designed many of Diana's outfits. These were often romantic and feminine, reflecting her early style.

Key Looks of Princess Diana in 80s

Let's dive into some specific examples of Princess Diana's most memorable 80s outfits:

1. The Wedding Dress (1981): While technically the start of the decade, Diana's wedding dress by David and Elizabeth Emanuel was a defining moment. The fairytale gown, with its voluminous skirt, puffed sleeves, and dramatic train, captured the world's imagination and set the tone for her early, romantic style.
2. The 'Travolta Dress' (1985): This midnight blue velvet gown by Victor Edelstein, worn to a White House dinner where she famously danced with John Travolta, is arguably one of her most iconic looks. The dress perfectly showcased her elegance and sophistication, solidifying her status as a global fashion icon.
3. The Sheep Sweater (1980s): This quirky red sweater featuring a pattern of white sheep (with one black sheep) was a playful and unexpected choice that demonstrated Diana's willingness to experiment with her style. It remains a beloved and recognizable piece of her wardrobe.
4. The Pink Bellville Sassoon Dress (1981): This flowing pink chiffon dress, worn during her honeymoon, epitomized Diana's early romantic style. The dress featured delicate ruffles, a sweetheart neckline, and a soft, ethereal quality.
5. The Blue Catherine Walker Suit (1980s): A prime example of Diana's power dressing phase, this tailored blue suit by Catherine Walker featured padded shoulders, a fitted silhouette, and a bold color that commanded attention. She often paired suits like this with high heels and a structured handbag.
6. The 'Revenge Dress' (1994): Although right at the end of our focused time period, it deserves to be mentioned. This off-the-shoulder, little black dress by Christina Stambolian was a bold statement of independence and self-confidence. It was worn on the same night that Prince Charles admitted to adultery on national television, hence the name.

The Enduring Legacy of Princess Diana's 80s Fashion

Princess Diana's impact on fashion extends far beyond the 1980s. She remains a source of inspiration for designers, stylists, and fashion enthusiasts around the world. Her ability to effortlessly blend classic elegance with modern trends, her willingness to take risks, and her genuine sense of style continue to resonate with people of all ages.

How Diana's Style Still Influences Fashion Today

• The Resurgence of Power Dressing: The strong-shouldered silhouettes and tailored pieces that Diana championed in the 80s have made a comeback in recent years, reflecting a renewed interest in empowering and confident dressing.
• The Popularity of Statement Knitwear: Diana's playful knitwear choices have inspired a new generation of designers to create bold and colorful sweaters and cardigans that add a touch of personality to any outfit.
• The Enduring Appeal of Classic Elegance: Diana's ability to effortlessly blend classic elegance with modern trends has made her a timeless style icon. Her looks continue to be referenced and reinterpreted by designers and stylists around the world.
• The Focus on Individuality and Self-Expression: Diana used fashion as a means of self-expression, and her willingness to take risks and break the rules has inspired others to embrace their individuality and express themselves through their clothing.

In conclusion, Princess Diana's fashion in the 80s was a fascinating evolution, a journey from fairytale princess to confident style icon. She embraced the trends of the decade while always maintaining her own unique sense of elegance and grace. Her impact on fashion is undeniable, and her style continues to inspire and influence designers and fashion enthusiasts today. Guys, her 80s looks are a testament to the power of fashion as a form of self-expression and a reflection of the changing times.