Princess Diana's 50 most iconic fashion moments
In honor of what would be her 56th birthday, a look back at her best outfits.
1981
In her engagement photos, a fresh-faced Lady Diana Spencer wore sapphire blue to match her engagement ring, and the photos were an instant hit.
RELATED: Charles and Diana Only Met 12 Times Before Getting Married
1981
No one wears wellies like Princess Di wore wellies. Although not one of her most famous looks, this outfit from before her wedding inspired women across the world to haul out their rainboots.
1981
Diana's wedding gown, in all its 1980s glory, was instantly iconic after her nuptials aired to an estimated TV audience of 750 million.
RELATED: Rare Photos From Princess Diana and Prince Charles' Wedding Released
1981
In phase one of the Diana and Charles honeymoon, this dress made waves. Who says florals have to be boring?
1981
When your honeymoon includes hunting and fishing at a Scottish estate, it's best to try to do it in style, like in this two-piece tweed set.
RELATED: Princess Diana "Caught Up On Sleep" During Her Honeymoon
1982
If this dress that Diana wore during her first pregnancy looks familiar, it may be because Kate Middleton wore a very similar outfit when she left the hospital with Prince George.
1983
A princess wearing pink doesn't seem like anything revolutionary, but this outfit just further solidified Diana's reputation as an icon. Many royals wear gloves at formal events, but Diana never did because she felt it made her closer to the people.
RELATED: Elton John Thinks Prince Harry Is Just Like Princess Diana
1985
This Victorian-inspired gown became almost as famous as Diana's dance partner in this photo, a young John Travolta.
1985
For the royal family, wearing a bathing suit this skimpy is downright scandalous. For fashion fans around the world? Just right.
1985
It's hard to stand next to Nancy Reagan, one of the chicest first ladies in US history, and look this great. Diana pulls it off with ease in a white jacket and skirt.
1985
Leave it to Princess Diana to take what was supposed to a choker and wear it as a headband.
RELATED: 34 Times The Duchess of Cambridge Dressed Like Princess Diana
1985
In an outfit that was a little more on the conservative side, Diana seemed to be giving a nod to Jackie Kennedy.
1986
Princess Diana had her daring style moments, but she knew how to be regal when the situation demanded.
RELATED: Kate Middleton Wears Princess Diana's Favorite Tiara In a New Royal Family Photo
1986
Not one of her most memorable red carpet moments or anything, but who looks this good while skiing? Seriously.
1987
This dress may seem simple, but it's a classic formula: Cinderella style, baby blue. Princess Di wore it in Cannes. This dress sold at auction in 2011 for £80k.
RELATED: 22 Photos That Show What Kate Middleton Used to Wear Before She Became a Duchess
1987
Some say Princess Diana overdid it in this tartan Escada coat and Philip Somerville hat. In her defense, it was the '80s!
1988
Princess Diana attended the Remembrance Day ceremonies in a more somber look — but the birdcage veil still makes it stand out.
RELATED: Exactly Where to Buy 21 of Kate Middleton's Favorite Products
1988
Only Princess Diana could wear cowboy boots, a sweatshirt, and a blazer in a totally unconventional but effortlessly cool ensemble.
1988
Diana channels military-chic in this white and gold set.
RELATED: 17 Gorgeous Photos of Princess Diana You've Never Seen Before
1988
Polka dots can often look overwhelming, but Princess Diana pulled them off in a stylish way.
1988
Most people recognize this photo because of the always adorable Prince Harry, but Diana's matching outfit was eye-catching, too.
RELATED: All Prince Harry Wants to Do Is Make His Mother "Incredibly Proud"
1988
Bring on the shoulder pads! Even wearing a trend that now feels so outdated, Diana manages to still seem timeless.
1989
This photo could have been taken in 2017. Diana's dress, hair, and makeup are totally classic. Is that millennial pink I see?
RELATED: Why The Queen "Didn't Know How to Handle" Princess Diana
1989
This sparkly column gown is another timeless Princess Di look. If you saw this on the red carpet in 2017, you wouldn't bat an eye.
1989
Diana had a knack for making casual look effortless and modern, which this tunic definitely does.
1989
What's the most luxurious thing in this picture, Diana's dress, the Rolls Royce she's climbing out of, or her tiara? The answer: all of the above.
1989
The combo of this tiara, the high-collared jacket, and her signature blue eyeshadow had the press calling this Diana's "Elvis" look (in a good way).
RELATED: Kate Middleton Looks Stunning in Princess Diana's Favorite Tiara
1989
Compared to some of Diana's other red carpet looks, this floral dress is almost tame, but still stunning nonetheless.
1989
Note to self: Wear more hats. Diana's matchy look was just bold enough to catch the world's attention.
1989
Another baby blue gown that instantly captured hearts when Diana wore it in Cameroon.
1989
Color blocking at its finest, this suit and hat certainly left an impression.
RELATED: 20 Royals Who Have Married Commoners
1990
As she entered the nineties, Diana set the trend for the decade's minimalistic style.
1990
Most people today wouldn't dare wear a dress, shoes, and clutch all in the same bright red color, but Diana pulled it off impressively. She apparently rewore this dress eight separate times.
RELATED: 9 Things You Didn't Know About Marrying a British Royal
(1992)
This dress was actually a repurposed version of another gown Diana worn before, showing the world that even a Princess can recycle her clothes.
1992
OK, in all fairness, this outfit isn't nearly as legendary as the famous photo it produced, but the red jacket and purple skirt combo still deserves a mention.
RELATED: Kate Middleton and Prince William Honor Princess Diana By Recreating Her Iconic Taj Mahal Photo
1994
Ah, yes, the "revenge" dress. Diana famously wore this LBD the day Prince Charles publicly admitted to having an affair. Needless to say, she knocked him off the front page the next day.
1995
Post-separation from Prince Charles, Princess Diana didn't shy away from showing a little leg, like in this white Versace number.
RELATED: What You Never Knew About Princess Diana's Famous "Cleavage Bags"
1995
Sometimes simple is better, as Diana proved with this statement blue coat worn over a plain black dress.
1995
Before crop tops and two-piece sets were cool, Diana wore a dress that gave the illusion of both.
RELATED: 18 Times Kate Middleton Recycled Outfits — And Looked Awesome
1995
That neckline! This Catherine Walker dress was daring but still totally tasteful.
1995
What do you wear to present at the CFDA Awards? A navy blue dress with a new slicked-back hairstyle.
RELATED: A Look At All The Times Kate Middleton Has Worn a Tiara
1996
For Princess Diana's one and only visit to Chicago, she wowed by accidentally wearing "Northwestern Purple."
1996
This Versace dress that Diana wore on her tour of Australia fit her like a glove, and cemented this blue as a trending color.
RELATED: 24 Times Kate Middleton Acted Just Like Your Best Friend
1996
Wait, is that lace I see? Diana wore a hint of the lingerie-esque trend that took over the '90s (and has made a resurgence in the past few years).
1997
While visiting patients in a hospital in Angola, Diana sported a classic chambray shirt and chinos.
RELATED: Prince William Opens Up About Losing His Mother to a Little Girl Grieving the Death of Her Father
(1997)
Yes, the front of this dress is beautiful, but what really made it stand out was the lace insert in the back, which you can see in this video.
1997
This Catherine Walker dress screamed "legs for days."
1997
It takes a special type of person to wear a red this vibrant, and this gown was fitting for the American Red Cross Gala Diana was attending.
1997
When you meet Mother Teresa, wearing white seems like the appropriate choice.
RELATED: 5 Things You Might Not Know About Princess Diana, According to a New Documentary
1997
Princess Diana wore this blue dress to the ballet Swan Lake. It's hard to stand out amongst a sea of beautiful ballerinas, but she obviously did. And, FYI, her necklace was just put on sale for $12 million.
1981
In her engagement photos, a fresh-faced Lady Diana Spencer wore sapphire blue to match her engagement ring, and the photos were an instant hit.
RELATED: Charles and Diana Only Met 12 Times Before Getting Married
1981
No one wears wellies like Princess Di wore wellies. Although not one of her most famous looks, this outfit from before her wedding inspired women across the world to haul out their rainboots.
1981
Diana's wedding gown, in all its 1980s glory, was instantly iconic after her nuptials aired to an estimated TV audience of 750 million.
RELATED: Rare Photos From Princess Diana and Prince Charles' Wedding Released
1981
In phase one of the Diana and Charles honeymoon, this dress made waves. Who says florals have to be boring?
1981
When your honeymoon includes hunting and fishing at a Scottish estate, it's best to try to do it in style, like in this two-piece tweed set.
RELATED: Princess Diana "Caught Up On Sleep" During Her Honeymoon
1982
If this dress that Diana wore during her first pregnancy looks familiar, it may be because Kate Middleton wore a very similar outfit when she left the hospital with Prince George.
1983
A princess wearing pink doesn't seem like anything revolutionary, but this outfit just further solidified Diana's reputation as an icon. Many royals wear gloves at formal events, but Diana never did because she felt it made her closer to the people.
RELATED: Elton John Thinks Prince Harry Is Just Like Princess Diana
1985
This Victorian-inspired gown became almost as famous as Diana's dance partner in this photo, a young John Travolta.
1985
For the royal family, wearing a bathing suit this skimpy is downright scandalous. For fashion fans around the world? Just right.
1985
It's hard to stand next to Nancy Reagan, one of the chicest first ladies in US history, and look this great. Diana pulls it off with ease in a white jacket and skirt.
1985
Leave it to Princess Diana to take what was supposed to a choker and wear it as a headband.
RELATED: 34 Times The Duchess of Cambridge Dressed Like Princess Diana
1985
In an outfit that was a little more on the conservative side, Diana seemed to be giving a nod to Jackie Kennedy.
1986
Princess Diana had her daring style moments, but she knew how to be regal when the situation demanded.
RELATED: Kate Middleton Wears Princess Diana's Favorite Tiara In a New Royal Family Photo
1986
Not one of her most memorable red carpet moments or anything, but who looks this good while skiing? Seriously.
1987
This dress may seem simple, but it's a classic formula: Cinderella style, baby blue. Princess Di wore it in Cannes. This dress sold at auction in 2011 for £80k.
RELATED: 22 Photos That Show What Kate Middleton Used to Wear Before She Became a Duchess
1987
Some say Princess Diana overdid it in this tartan Escada coat and Philip Somerville hat. In her defense, it was the '80s!
1988
Princess Diana attended the Remembrance Day ceremonies in a more somber look — but the birdcage veil still makes it stand out.
RELATED: Exactly Where to Buy 21 of Kate Middleton's Favorite Products
1988
Only Princess Diana could wear cowboy boots, a sweatshirt, and a blazer in a totally unconventional but effortlessly cool ensemble.
1988
Diana channels military-chic in this white and gold set.
RELATED: 17 Gorgeous Photos of Princess Diana You've Never Seen Before
1988
Polka dots can often look overwhelming, but Princess Diana pulled them off in a stylish way.
1988
Most people recognize this photo because of the always adorable Prince Harry, but Diana's matching outfit was eye-catching, too.
RELATED: All Prince Harry Wants to Do Is Make His Mother "Incredibly Proud"
1988
Bring on the shoulder pads! Even wearing a trend that now feels so outdated, Diana manages to still seem timeless.
1989
This photo could have been taken in 2017. Diana's dress, hair, and makeup are totally classic. Is that millennial pink I see?
RELATED: Why The Queen "Didn't Know How to Handle" Princess Diana
1989
This sparkly column gown is another timeless Princess Di look. If you saw this on the red carpet in 2017, you wouldn't bat an eye.
1989
Diana had a knack for making casual look effortless and modern, which this tunic definitely does.
1989
What's the most luxurious thing in this picture, Diana's dress, the Rolls Royce she's climbing out of, or her tiara? The answer: all of the above.
1989
The combo of this tiara, the high-collared jacket, and her signature blue eyeshadow had the press calling this Diana's "Elvis" look (in a good way).
RELATED: Kate Middleton Looks Stunning in Princess Diana's Favorite Tiara
1989
Compared to some of Diana's other red carpet looks, this floral dress is almost tame, but still stunning nonetheless.
1989
Note to self: Wear more hats. Diana's matchy look was just bold enough to catch the world's attention.
1989
Another baby blue gown that instantly captured hearts when Diana wore it in Cameroon.
1989
Color blocking at its finest, this suit and hat certainly left an impression.
RELATED: 20 Royals Who Have Married Commoners
1990
As she entered the nineties, Diana set the trend for the decade's minimalistic style.
1990
Most people today wouldn't dare wear a dress, shoes, and clutch all in the same bright red color, but Diana pulled it off impressively. She apparently rewore this dress eight separate times.
RELATED: 9 Things You Didn't Know About Marrying a British Royal
(1992)
This dress was actually a repurposed version of another gown Diana worn before, showing the world that even a Princess can recycle her clothes.
1992
OK, in all fairness, this outfit isn't nearly as legendary as the famous photo it produced, but the red jacket and purple skirt combo still deserves a mention.
RELATED: Kate Middleton and Prince William Honor Princess Diana By Recreating Her Iconic Taj Mahal Photo
1994
Ah, yes, the "revenge" dress. Diana famously wore this LBD the day Prince Charles publicly admitted to having an affair. Needless to say, she knocked him off the front page the next day.
1995
Post-separation from Prince Charles, Princess Diana didn't shy away from showing a little leg, like in this white Versace number.
RELATED: What You Never Knew About Princess Diana's Famous "Cleavage Bags"
1995
Sometimes simple is better, as Diana proved with this statement blue coat worn over a plain black dress.
1995
Before crop tops and two-piece sets were cool, Diana wore a dress that gave the illusion of both.
RELATED: 18 Times Kate Middleton Recycled Outfits — And Looked Awesome
1995
That neckline! This Catherine Walker dress was daring but still totally tasteful.
1995
What do you wear to present at the CFDA Awards? A navy blue dress with a new slicked-back hairstyle.
RELATED: A Look At All The Times Kate Middleton Has Worn a Tiara
1996
For Princess Diana's one and only visit to Chicago, she wowed by accidentally wearing "Northwestern Purple."
1996
This Versace dress that Diana wore on her tour of Australia fit her like a glove, and cemented this blue as a trending color.
RELATED: 24 Times Kate Middleton Acted Just Like Your Best Friend
1996
Wait, is that lace I see? Diana wore a hint of the lingerie-esque trend that took over the '90s (and has made a resurgence in the past few years).
1997
While visiting patients in a hospital in Angola, Diana sported a classic chambray shirt and chinos.
RELATED: Prince William Opens Up About Losing His Mother to a Little Girl Grieving the Death of Her Father
(1997)
Yes, the front of this dress is beautiful, but what really made it stand out was the lace insert in the back, which you can see in this video.
1997
This Catherine Walker dress screamed "legs for days."
1997
It takes a special type of person to wear a red this vibrant, and this gown was fitting for the American Red Cross Gala Diana was attending.
1997
When you meet Mother Teresa, wearing white seems like the appropriate choice.
RELATED: 5 Things You Might Not Know About Princess Diana, According to a New Documentary
1997
Princess Diana wore this blue dress to the ballet Swan Lake. It's hard to stand out amongst a sea of beautiful ballerinas, but she obviously did. And, FYI, her necklace was just put on sale for $12 million.
1981
In her engagement photos, a fresh-faced Lady Diana Spencer wore sapphire blue to match her engagement ring, and the photos were an instant hit.
RELATED: Charles and Diana Only Met 12 Times Before Getting Married
1981
No one wears wellies like Princess Di wore wellies. Although not one of her most famous looks, this outfit from before her wedding inspired women across the world to haul out their rainboots.
1981
Diana's wedding gown, in all its 1980s glory, was instantly iconic after her nuptials aired to an estimated TV audience of 750 million.
RELATED: Rare Photos From Princess Diana and Prince Charles' Wedding Released
1981
In phase one of the Diana and Charles honeymoon, this dress made waves. Who says florals have to be boring?
1981
When your honeymoon includes hunting and fishing at a Scottish estate, it's best to try to do it in style, like in this two-piece tweed set.
RELATED: Princess Diana "Caught Up On Sleep" During Her Honeymoon
1982
If this dress that Diana wore during her first pregnancy looks familiar, it may be because Kate Middleton wore a very similar outfit when she left the hospital with Prince George.
1983
A princess wearing pink doesn't seem like anything revolutionary, but this outfit just further solidified Diana's reputation as an icon. Many royals wear gloves at formal events, but Diana never did because she felt it made her closer to the people.
RELATED: Elton John Thinks Prince Harry Is Just Like Princess Diana
1985
This Victorian-inspired gown became almost as famous as Diana's dance partner in this photo, a young John Travolta.
1985
For the royal family, wearing a bathing suit this skimpy is downright scandalous. For fashion fans around the world? Just right.
1985
It's hard to stand next to Nancy Reagan, one of the chicest first ladies in US history, and look this great. Diana pulls it off with ease in a white jacket and skirt.
1985
Leave it to Princess Diana to take what was supposed to a choker and wear it as a headband.
RELATED: 34 Times The Duchess of Cambridge Dressed Like Princess Diana
1985
In an outfit that was a little more on the conservative side, Diana seemed to be giving a nod to Jackie Kennedy.
1986
Princess Diana had her daring style moments, but she knew how to be regal when the situation demanded.
RELATED: Kate Middleton Wears Princess Diana's Favorite Tiara In a New Royal Family Photo
1986
Not one of her most memorable red carpet moments or anything, but who looks this good while skiing? Seriously.
1987
This dress may seem simple, but it's a classic formula: Cinderella style, baby blue. Princess Di wore it in Cannes. This dress sold at auction in 2011 for £80k.
RELATED: 22 Photos That Show What Kate Middleton Used to Wear Before She Became a Duchess
1987
Some say Princess Diana overdid it in this tartan Escada coat and Philip Somerville hat. In her defense, it was the '80s!
1988
Princess Diana attended the Remembrance Day ceremonies in a more somber look — but the birdcage veil still makes it stand out.
RELATED: Exactly Where to Buy 21 of Kate Middleton's Favorite Products
1988
Only Princess Diana could wear cowboy boots, a sweatshirt, and a blazer in a totally unconventional but effortlessly cool ensemble.
1988
Diana channels military-chic in this white and gold set.
RELATED: 17 Gorgeous Photos of Princess Diana You've Never Seen Before
1988
Polka dots can often look overwhelming, but Princess Diana pulled them off in a stylish way.
1988
Most people recognize this photo because of the always adorable Prince Harry, but Diana's matching outfit was eye-catching, too.
RELATED: All Prince Harry Wants to Do Is Make His Mother "Incredibly Proud"
1988
Bring on the shoulder pads! Even wearing a trend that now feels so outdated, Diana manages to still seem timeless.
1989
This photo could have been taken in 2017. Diana's dress, hair, and makeup are totally classic. Is that millennial pink I see?
RELATED: Why The Queen "Didn't Know How to Handle" Princess Diana
1989
This sparkly column gown is another timeless Princess Di look. If you saw this on the red carpet in 2017, you wouldn't bat an eye.
1989
Diana had a knack for making casual look effortless and modern, which this tunic definitely does.
1989
What's the most luxurious thing in this picture, Diana's dress, the Rolls Royce she's climbing out of, or her tiara? The answer: all of the above.
1989
The combo of this tiara, the high-collared jacket, and her signature blue eyeshadow had the press calling this Diana's "Elvis" look (in a good way).
RELATED: Kate Middleton Looks Stunning in Princess Diana's Favorite Tiara
1989
Compared to some of Diana's other red carpet looks, this floral dress is almost tame, but still stunning nonetheless.
1989
Note to self: Wear more hats. Diana's matchy look was just bold enough to catch the world's attention.
1989
Another baby blue gown that instantly captured hearts when Diana wore it in Cameroon.
1989
Color blocking at its finest, this suit and hat certainly left an impression.
RELATED: 20 Royals Who Have Married Commoners
1990
As she entered the nineties, Diana set the trend for the decade's minimalistic style.
1990
Most people today wouldn't dare wear a dress, shoes, and clutch all in the same bright red color, but Diana pulled it off impressively. She apparently rewore this dress eight separate times.
RELATED: 9 Things You Didn't Know About Marrying a British Royal
(1992)
This dress was actually a repurposed version of another gown Diana worn before, showing the world that even a Princess can recycle her clothes.
1992
OK, in all fairness, this outfit isn't nearly as legendary as the famous photo it produced, but the red jacket and purple skirt combo still deserves a mention.
RELATED: Kate Middleton and Prince William Honor Princess Diana By Recreating Her Iconic Taj Mahal Photo
1994
Ah, yes, the "revenge" dress. Diana famously wore this LBD the day Prince Charles publicly admitted to having an affair. Needless to say, she knocked him off the front page the next day.
1995
Post-separation from Prince Charles, Princess Diana didn't shy away from showing a little leg, like in this white Versace number.
RELATED: What You Never Knew About Princess Diana's Famous "Cleavage Bags"
1995
Sometimes simple is better, as Diana proved with this statement blue coat worn over a plain black dress.
1995
Before crop tops and two-piece sets were cool, Diana wore a dress that gave the illusion of both.
RELATED: 18 Times Kate Middleton Recycled Outfits — And Looked Awesome
1995
That neckline! This Catherine Walker dress was daring but still totally tasteful.
1995
What do you wear to present at the CFDA Awards? A navy blue dress with a new slicked-back hairstyle.
RELATED: A Look At All The Times Kate Middleton Has Worn a Tiara
1996
For Princess Diana's one and only visit to Chicago, she wowed by accidentally wearing "Northwestern Purple."
1996
This Versace dress that Diana wore on her tour of Australia fit her like a glove, and cemented this blue as a trending color.
RELATED: 24 Times Kate Middleton Acted Just Like Your Best Friend
1996
Wait, is that lace I see? Diana wore a hint of the lingerie-esque trend that took over the '90s (and has made a resurgence in the past few years).
1997
While visiting patients in a hospital in Angola, Diana sported a classic chambray shirt and chinos.
RELATED: Prince William Opens Up About Losing His Mother to a Little Girl Grieving the Death of Her Father
(1997)
Yes, the front of this dress is beautiful, but what really made it stand out was the lace insert in the back, which you can see in this video.
1997
This Catherine Walker dress screamed "legs for days."
1997
It takes a special type of person to wear a red this vibrant, and this gown was fitting for the American Red Cross Gala Diana was attending.
1997
When you meet Mother Teresa, wearing white seems like the appropriate choice.
RELATED: 5 Things You Might Not Know About Princess Diana, According to a New Documentary
1997
Princess Diana wore this blue dress to the ballet Swan Lake. It's hard to stand out amongst a sea of beautiful ballerinas, but she obviously did. And, FYI, her necklace was just put on sale for $12 million.
In honor of what would be her 56th birthday, a look back at her best outfits.
In honor of what would be her 56th birthday, a look back at her best outfits.