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Princess Diana's 50 Most Iconic Fashion Moments

Grab a snack and settle in to look at these gorgeous photos.

By Emma Baty
Bride, Ceremony, Veil, Wedding dress, Wedding, Headpiece, Event, Bridal clothing, Dress, Marriage,
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In honor of what would be her 56th birthday, a look back at her best outfits.

1

1981

<p>In her engagement photos, a fresh-faced&nbsp;Lady Diana Spencer wore sapphire blue to match her engagement ring, and the photos were an instant hit.&nbsp;</p><p><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">RELATED: </strong><a href="http://www.redbookmag.com/love-sex/relationships/a50421/princess-diana-cbs-documentary/" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link" target="_blank"><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">Charles and Diana&nbsp;Only Met 12 Times Before Getting Married</strong></a> </p>

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

2

1981

<p>No one wears wellies like Princess Di&nbsp;wore&nbsp;wellies. Although not one of her most famous&nbsp;looks, this outfit from before her wedding&nbsp;inspired women across the world to haul out their rainboots.&nbsp;</p>

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. 

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3

1981

<p>Diana's wedding gown, in all its 1980s glory, was instantly iconic after her nuptials aired to an estimated TV audience of 750 million.&nbsp;</p><p><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">RELATED: </strong><a href="http://www.redbookmag.com/love-sex/relationships/news/g4459/princess-diana-prince-charles-rare-wedding-photos/" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link"><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">Rare Photos From Princess Diana and Prince Charles' Wedding Released</strong></a></p>

Diana's wedding gown, in all its 1980s glory, was instantly iconic after her nuptials aired to an estimated TV audience of 750 million. 

4

1981

<p>In phase one of the Diana and Charles honeymoon, this dress made waves. Who says florals have to be boring?&nbsp;</p>

In phase one of the Diana and Charles honeymoon, this dress made waves. Who says florals have to be boring? 

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5

1981

<p>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&nbsp;set.&nbsp;</p><p><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">RELATED: </strong><a href="http://www.redbookmag.com/love-sex/relationships/a49355/prince-charles-princess-diana-honeymoon-details/" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link"><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">Princess Diana "Caught Up On Sleep" During Her Honeymoon</strong></a> </p>

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

6

1982

<p>If this dress that Diana wore during her first pregnancy&nbsp;looks familiar, it may be because Kate Middleton wore a very similar outfit when she left the hospital with Prince George.&nbsp;</p>

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. 

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7

1983

<p>A princess wearing pink doesn't seem like anything revolutionary, but this outfit&nbsp;just further solidified&nbsp;Diana's reputation as an icon. Many royals wear gloves at formal events, but Diana never did because she felt it made her&nbsp;<a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/fashion/g4362/princess-diana-dresses/?slide=3&amp;thumbnails=" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">closer to the people</a>.&nbsp;</p><p><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">RELATED: </strong><a href="http://www.redbookmag.com/life/a46898/prince-harry-elton-john-princess-diana/" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link"><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">Elton John Thinks Prince Harry Is Just Like Princess Diana</strong></a></p>

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

8

1985

<p>This Victorian-inspired gown became almost as famous as Diana's dance partner in this photo, a young John Travolta.&nbsp;</p>

This Victorian-inspired gown became almost as famous as Diana's dance partner in this photo, a young John Travolta. 

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9

1985

<p>For the royal family, wearing a bathing suit this skimpy is downright scandalous. For fashion fans around the world? Just right.&nbsp;</p><p><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">RELATED:</strong><a href="http://www.redbookmag.com/life/charity/news/g2926/princess-diana-facts/" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link"><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">17 Things You Didn't Know About Princess Diana</strong></a></p>

For the royal family, wearing a bathing suit this skimpy is downright scandalous. For fashion fans around the world? Just right. 

RELATED:17 Things You Didn't Know About Princess Diana

10

1985

<p>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.&nbsp;</p>

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. 

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11

1985

<p>Leave it to Princess Diana to take what was supposed to a choker and wear it as a headband.&nbsp;</p><p><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">RELATED: </strong><a href="http://www.redbookmag.com/fashion/features/g3884/kate-middleton-princess-diana-photos/" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link"><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">34 Times The Duchess of Cambridge Dressed Like Princess Diana</strong></a></p>

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

12

1985

<p>In an outfit that was a little more on the conservative side, Diana seemed to be giving a nod to Jackie Kennedy.&nbsp;</p>

In an outfit that was a little more on the conservative side, Diana seemed to be giving a nod to Jackie Kennedy. 

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13

1986

<p>Princess Diana had her daring style moments, but she knew how to be regal when the situation demanded.&nbsp;</p><p><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">RELATED: </strong><a href="http://www.redbookmag.com/life/a47488/kate-middleton-princess-dianas-favorite-tiara/" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link"><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">Kate Middleton Wears Princess Diana's Favorite Tiara In a New Royal Family Photo</strong></a> </p>

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

14

1986

<p>Not one of her most memorable red carpet moments or anything, but who looks this good while skiing? Seriously.&nbsp;</p>

Not one of her most memorable red carpet moments or anything, but who looks this good while skiing? Seriously. 

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15

1987

<p>This dress may seem simple, but it's a classic formula:&nbsp;Cinderella style,&nbsp;baby blue. Princess Di wore it in Cannes. This dress sold at auction in 2011 <a href="http://www.instyle.co.uk/celebrity/news/princess-diana-s-1987-cannes-film-festival-dress-auctions-for-81k" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">for&nbsp;£80k</a><span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-verified="redactor" data-redactor-tag="span" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space">.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-verified="redactor" data-redactor-tag="span" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space"><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">RELATED: </strong><a href="http://www.redbookmag.com/fashion/g4388/kate-middleton-outfits-before-duchess/" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link"><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">22 Photos That Show What Kate Middleton Used to Wear Before She Became a Duchess</strong></a> </span></p>

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

16

1987

<p>Some say Princess Diana overdid it in this tartan&nbsp;Escada coat and Philip Somerville hat. In her defense, it was the '80s!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Some say Princess Diana overdid it in this tartan Escada coat and Philip Somerville hat. In her defense, it was the '80s!  

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17

1988

<p>Princess Diana attended the&nbsp;Remembrance Day ceremonies in a more somber look — but the birdcage veil&nbsp;still makes it stand out.&nbsp;<br></p><p><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">RELATED: </strong><a href="http://www.redbookmag.com/fashion/g4449/kate-middleton-style-makeup-hair-products/" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link"><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">Exactly Where to Buy 21 of Kate Middleton's Favorite Products</strong></a></p>

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

18

1988

<p>Only Princess Diana could&nbsp;wear&nbsp;cowboy boots, a sweatshirt, and a blazer in a totally unconventional but effortlessly cool&nbsp;ensemble.&nbsp;</p>

Only Princess Diana could wear cowboy boots, a sweatshirt, and a blazer in a totally unconventional but effortlessly cool ensemble. 

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19

1988

<p>Diana channels military-chic in this white and gold set.&nbsp;</p><p><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">RELATED: </strong><a href="http://www.redbookmag.com/life/g2805/princess-diana-rare-photos/" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link"><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">17 Gorgeous Photos of Princess Diana You've Never Seen Before</strong></a></p>

Diana channels military-chic in this white and gold set. 

RELATED: 17 Gorgeous Photos of Princess Diana You've Never Seen Before

20

1988

<p>Polka dots can often look overwhelming, but Princess Diana pulled them off in stylish way.&nbsp;</p>

Polka dots can often look overwhelming, but Princess Diana pulled them off in stylish way. 

From: Redbook
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