All Hail Duchess Fergie, the Unsung Royal Fashion Hero

Eighties fashion is back, and we're plundering the archives on a daily basis for original outfit inspiration. Fortunately for our keyboard-weary fingers, Princess Eugenie just saved us a whole heap of work. The royal recently joined Instagram and has dedicated a collection of her first posts to throwback shots of her mother, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York.

Fergie has long been seen as a bit of a rebel in regal circles, and during the peak years of her public exposure, she was cast into the fashion shadow of Princess Diana, but a glance into the history books will show that the former wife of Prince Andrew had some cracking looks a few decades back—so cracking, in fact, that we have a feeling we're copying them without even realizing (just see all of the polka-dot action for starters). See what we mean by scrolling down.

duchess-sarah-ferguson-fergie-young-fashion-style-254380-1523361946319-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

And you thought only RiRi could pull off this amount of taffeta.

duchess-sarah-ferguson-fergie-young-fashion-style-254380-1523361950995-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Yes, hairclip, yes.

duchess-sarah-ferguson-fergie-young-fashion-style-254380-1523361993223-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Even off-duty and in a light aircraft, Fergie knew how to accessorize—enjoying the '80s waist belt with the genuine pilot's jumpsuit.

Related: 10 Street Style Signs That Prove the '80s Trend Is Really Happening

duchess-sarah-ferguson-fergie-young-fashion-style-254380-1523361961885-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

If the flamenco emoji lady existed in 1987, she would have been used all over Instagram for this look.

duchess-sarah-ferguson-fergie-young-fashion-style-254380-1523361966203-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

We imagine that casual royal cool had never before extended to printed jeans. Also: That is one excellent sweater knot.

duchess-sarah-ferguson-fergie-young-fashion-style-254380-1523361971026-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Fergie wholeheartedly took to the polka-dot trend of the eighties, and this little navy number wouldn't look out of place in your 2018 summer wardrobe either.

duchess-sarah-ferguson-fergie-young-fashion-style-254380-1523361976281-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The edged blazer, the ribbon neck tie… It's all very Milan Fashion Week street style, if you ask me.

duchess-sarah-ferguson-fergie-young-fashion-style-254380-1523361981146-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

While parting one's bangs is risky, you have to give props to the au courant hair bow and pearl jewelry combination here.

Related: 15 Trends These '80s Style Icons Predicted for 2018

duchess-sarah-ferguson-fergie-young-fashion-style-254380-1523361954054-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Gucci—is it Fergie you're looking for?

duchess-sarah-ferguson-fergie-young-fashion-style-254380-1523361986365-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Easy to get distracted by Diana's famous sheep sweater, but do please take a moment to enjoy Sarah's daisy-print sundress and retro shades.

duchess-sarah-ferguson-fergie-young-fashion-style-254380-1523361989335-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

You know how Balenciaga is doing the whole "business casual" thing? Well, this duchess did it first.

duchess-sarah-ferguson-fergie-young-fashion-style-254380-1523361958531-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Fergie in polka-dots part deux.

Enjoy the flashback? We did.

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

Explore More:
Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.