Best Princess Diana’s 80s Fashion | The Iconic Styles

Fashion in 1980 remained iconic, with all bold, fearless, and simply exceptional styles. This era’s fashion was heavily influenced by courageous women like Princess Diana. If you are also a die-hard devotee of hers, then this is your right destination. 

Princess Diana took 80s Fashion differently with all her bold and self-expressed dressing scenes. In honour of her exceptional beauty, I have shared some of her most iconic styles from the wildest 80s here. 

So, let’s get started with the fashion dive to find out how you can recreate Diana’s legendary dresses by following the pro tips. 

The economic growth in the 1980s encouraged the styling approach with “more is more”. Fashion icons set trends in styling as a cultural statement. From heavy shoulder pads to power suits, puff sleeves, and leather jackets, iconic women injected this classic fashion with personality

Standing Colour: Neons, acid-washed denims, black & white 

Popular Fits: High-waisted bottoms, bodycon clothes, double denims, oversized silhouettes 

Accessories: Big sunglasses, chunky jewellery, belts, scrunchies, shoulder pads

Even today, the 80s Fashion is still celebrated in different fashion shows, which clearly shows its lasting impact on modern fashion. 

Princess Diana: 1980s Fashion Queen 

Princess Diana’s 80s Fashion sense was off the hook and at the forefront of a lot of trends. After joining the royal daily in 1981, she grew more comfortable with the limelight and started experimenting with her clothing styles

By the end of the 80s, she was the most iconic and stylish woman, who gained millions of devotees. From her gorgeous white ball gown wedding dress to her princess off-duty look and revenge dress, she was a total fashion muse. 

Now, let’s find Lady Di’s topmost iconic styles that have captivated her followers and fashionistas worldwide. 

10 Most Iconic Princess Diana Styles

Diana’s styling choices and creative fashion picks became a viral sensation during the 1980s and even afterwards. Her unique looks have inspired many fashion designers, and they still take her as an icon. Though each of her looks is complement-worthy, I have selected her most recognised fashions from the 1980s. 

Let’s explore and get some inspiration together: 

1. Iconic Red Weather Look 

This red sheep sweater and jeans are one of the most recognisable looks of the princess. The no-fade slim-fit denim clearly reflects her contemporary styling scenes. She looks super comfortable and confident in those casual fits. 

2. A Dress for Diana

The super-talented design team of David and Elizabeth Emanuel created a masterpiece. The fusion of a satin skirt, bouffant petticoats, and boned bodices is truly giving a dramatic vibe. The 25-foot-long trail made the dress a statement piece. 

3. Silver Bruce Oldfield

The Dynasty Di silver lamé gown created by Bruce Oldfield is another iconic look. The wild-shouldered and the pleated flare look amazing on her. You can clearly see how the backless effect is giving a diva glimpse. Probably this is where the pleated flared skirt trend started to peak. 

4. The Single-Shoulder Blue Gown

Another of Diana’s most remarkable 80s Fashion is this one-shoulder blue satin gown. The big bow on the shoulder is not what makes this look iconic. It’s the necklaces on the forehead! Yes, you heard it right. She wore the emerald and diamond choker necklace as a headband. It is one of her most famous and admired looks.

5. Navy Velvet Column Gown

This navy blue column gown from 1987 is a creaming elegance. Lady Di famously wore this dress with her crown for a spin on the White House dance floor. The matching necklace and bracelet are the perfect example of clean minimalism. 

6. Famous Polo Club Jeans & Blazer 

She had proven that she needed little more than her royal fame through her casual Western styles. This slim-fitted denim with a baggy sweatshirt and crisp blazer is proof of her state-of-the-art 80s Fashion scenes. She styled the outstanding fit with a sports cap and cowgirl boots to make an impression on the sports field. 

7. Beaded Pink Ball Gown

Another complement-worthy fashion is Diana’s pink beaded ball gown with Spencer tiara. She started the trend in the 1980s to alter her dress for future wearings. She replaced this narrow-waist ball skirt with a body con purple skirt. This iconic 80’s fashion was sold for $51,750 at an auction after her tragic death. 

8. Gen Z Vibe Yellow Overalls

These yellow overalls are giving a complete Gen Z vibe. It is a clear sign that the princess not only took 80s Fashion to another level but also predicted how women’s fashion would be after 20 years. She is probably the first princess who wore overalls in the 1980s. 

Though the royal attire in the 80s typically included gowns, suits, dresses, and other traditional clothing, Diana dared to take a step ahead and set some new trends for her followers. 

9. Shoulder-padded Teak Plaid Coat

This mid-length, heavily shoulder-padded plaid coat is a total 80s fashion vibe. Seriously, look at her shoulders! They are even wider than her hat. The colour, checked pattern, and every detail of the fashion reflect the 80s ramp walk model. Nothing’s too much yet, elegance. 

10. Iconic White Elvish Dress

Lastly, we can not miss this iconic white elvish dress with a cropped overcoat. The minimalist elegance with statement accessories from the 80s fashion is clearly visible through her style. The queen of 1980s fashion is truly ruling the fashion endeavour here. 

Lady Di’s Revenge Dress

The Revenge Dress by Lady Diana! Bold, empowerment, independence. We can clearly state that Diana’s most iconic 80s dress should be this black off-shoulder mini dress. This dress itself is a daring and bold choice, which she wore as a revenge against Prince Charles’ public confession (having an affair with Camilla Parker). 

This demure style soon became an iconic fashion style of the 80s. It is the symbol of the post-breakup fashion and empowerment in the 1980s and has continued to refer to pop culture afterwards. 

Tips on How to Recreate Princess Diana’s 80s Fashion 

No one can wear Diana’s dress like her today, but you can surely recreate her style for an 80s fashion look. Here are some tips to recreate 1980s fashion styles to look elegant yet not too boring: 

  • High-waisted and acid-wash jeans are a common fashion from the 80s. You can pair it with shirts or t-shirts and layer with a coat. 
  • 80s outfit recreation is incomplete without neons and bold colours. Think of some bright hues for that electric 80s lady vibe. 
  • Another tip to recreate 80s Diana is by including oversized silhouettes. You can layer it with trending blazers or long coats. 
  • You can find a lot of 80s celebrities and popular personalities wearing off-the-shoulder tops. For that iconic 80s Diana look, go for straight-legged jeans or body-hugging miniskirts. 
  • Lastly, you can find that all of Diana’s 80s fashion includes minimal accessories. Do not overwhelm the look with heavy jewellery. Try to go with statement earrings, simple bracelets, and a necklace if required. 

Wrapping Up

80s fashion is still in style even today. As Diana was the height of fashion from 1981 to 1995, most of us still follow her styling choices as the 80s style era. Even today, if there is a cosmic play, women follow Lady Di’s bold, big blouses, backless, elegant dresses, and fun off-duty style. 

The 80s style is timeless and still followed by modern pop culture. Take the runch waist for example; it is back in style again. Oversized, one shoulder, and high-low design, everything is still followed by fashionistas to this day. 

So, what do you think of these iconic 80s styles? Do you think you can confidently pull them off? Try and let me know. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What type of fashion was mostly popular in the 80s?

Vibrant neon colours, oversized coats or blazers, heavily padded power suits, and acid-washed jeans were mostly popular in 80s fashion. 

What are the popular accessories from the 1980s?

Some of the popular accessories from the 1980s include statement earrings, scrunchies, big sunglasses, beads on dresses, belts, and leg warmers.

About Sarah Jay

Hello! I’m Sarah Jay. I am passionate about exploring, trying and researching new products and share my personal opinion with my dearest readers. I guide you to find your best suit, choose perfect gifts for your beloved and make the most out of each purchase.

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