"There were a lot of great style icons throughout the 20th century, but arguably the greatest was the people’s princess herself, Lady Diana Spencer (but if you’re asking us, it isn’t worth arguing; it’s a cold, hard fact).
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Princess Diana has a legacy that goes far beyond her sense of style, but today is a lesson in royal fashion done right (and way ahead of its time, no less). Just about everything Diana put on her body was something that could be worn now and be considered a style slam dunk. Cowboy boots, elevated workwear, denim on denim—it’s like she’d taken a glimpse at what the trends of 2023 would be and dressed so we could look back and see exactly how we should style each of them to pure perfection.
Fashion is full circle, and Diana’s best looks are ones that can (and damn it, should be) replicated now, especially for the cool days of fall. Before Meghan and Kate, there was Diana—and she walked so they could run.
Source: Tim Graham | Getty Images
Perhaps the most recognizable of Diana’s looks, this is one you take a glimpse at and wonder how on Earth someone could be that cool. The oversized blazer and sweatshirt combo is perfection in itself, but topped off with a baseball hat and cowboy boots? We’ll put it in the running for the most iconic moment of all time.
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Princess Diana might as well have invented bike shorts herself, and she nailed model-off-duty before model-off-duty was even a thing. There are only so many days of the year that the weather permits wearing a sweatshirt and bike shorts, so this is your reminder to throw yours on together before it gets too cold.
Source: Tim Graham / Getty Images
Diana had a knack for nailing a casual-but-elevated workwear moment, and this one is simple but made interesting with her use of accessories. Throw on a white button-up and a pair of trousers, then follow Diana’s lead with oval sunglasses, gold hoops, and a pair of loafers for the perfect fall office uniform.
Source: Tim Graham / Getty Images
If you were to combine all of 2023’s top trends in one look, it truly would be this. Denim on denim, a bomber jacket, and cowboy boots are three pieces you might not think to combine but Diana did it in a way that couldn’t possibly be cooler. It’s out-of-the-box, effortless, and dare we say, just about perfect. Imagine heading out of the house on an October day in this number. *Chef’s kiss*
Source: Tom Wargacki / WireImage
It’s hard to decide which was better: Diana’s casual, off-duty looks or her more workwear-centered ones, but this one gives a strong argument for the latter.
With all neutral shades and a monochrome moment, this look gives a feminine take on business casual. To perfect it, think about colors in pairs: the cream top and pants, the brown belt and loafers—they work with each other to make the look feel simple, sophisticated, and not too busy, despite all the layering.
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In a mom jean moment for the books, Diana wore a black pair with a light pink button-up to give a little more interest to the eye than a pair of blue jeans and white button-up would. As always, her accessories make the look, with a croc belt (something Diana turned to constantly), gold earrings, and an understated pair of loafers.
