Princess Diana's Holiday Outfits Are What I'll Be Packing This Summer
Princess Diana's signature style influenced many parts of the fashion and beauty world. Some women instantly chopped their hair into bushy bowl cuts, while others snapped up her sheep-emblazoned jumper. Other people channelled her work looks with strong-shouldered skirt suits and some emulated her going-out outfits with lamé dresses and shiny, shiny jewellery. Because a royal's life is one that's heavily documented (in how many other professions would you find yourself being photographed playing netball, getting in a helicopter and attending a gala in the very same day?), we've been able to see how Diana would dress for any occasion.
Whether in casual or cocktail attire, Princess Diana's travelling wardrobe was just as inspiring as what she'd choose to wear on home turf. Some of the most iconic looks captured from her trips abroad aren't necessarily holiday style in their truest sense (she was often working in the below snaps rather than relaxing); however, they still offer up a surprisingly current take on what to pack for a summer getaway in 2019. So much so that I've realised my suitcase looks alarmingly similar to that of the late royal's (only I've probably crammed the contents into a carry-on rather than a luxe LV trunk). I may not share the same body shape, status, look or budget, but there's an undeniable Diana vibe going on right now in my vacay shopping list—keep scrolling to see.
Safari Beige
In 1992, the prince and princess of Wales visited Egypt, and were spotted on numerous occasions both wearing rather on-theme safari-style beige looks. This colour is trending in a big way for 2019. I like Di's take on it with glam silhouettes, gold buttons and shades.
I hadn't before seen this look until today, yet the dress is so incredibly of the moment in its puff shoulder, button-through silhouette.
Minimalistic Separates
If you haven't seen this shirt-and-trouser combo all over Instagram lately, where have you been? Diana did it first in Spain in 1987 (and that's Queen Sofia with a very cute dog).
When it came to being a sensible packer, Lady Di opted in for minimalistic, elegant separates in muted tones that could be easily mixed and matched together. I've started doing the same when I travel so that I've got some failsafe outfits and can pack less.
Related: 6 New Colour Trends the Royal Family Wore First
Demure Midi Dresses
Long of hemline and sleeves, high of neck, Diana's chosen dress styles when in foreign lands echo the kind of demure styles I also like to take on holiday. This pistachio-green number was part of the aforementioned Egypt trip.
Whether printed or plain, Diana's downtime dress collection adhered to a similar silhouette at all times.
White Accessories
Rather than the adoration the modern royals have for nude shoes, Diana was all about white accessories. They were popular in the '80s, yes, but they do also work very well in almost every holiday outfit situation.
Pictured in Australia in 1983, white bags and shoes went around the world with the late princess for many years after.
Next up, a flashback to Meghan's Moroccan tour outfits.
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.
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