35 photos of what Diana used to wear before she became a Princess
- 1/36
35 photos of what Diana used to wear before she became a Princess
Before she was the incredibly stylish Diana, Princess of Wales, she was Lady Diana Spencer. Thrust into the spotlight in her late teens following her romantic connection with Princes Charles, it wasn't long before Diana became a fashion icon the world over. But it wasn't her newly-acquired princess status that made Di so on-trend - no sir, she always had a flair for the sartorial.
Here we trace Diana's earlier fashion moments, from her love of puffer jackets as a toddler and cardigan-clad work wardrobe from when she was a teacher, to her first royal engagements (which she attended as Prince Charles' fiancée), right up until the couple's wedding in August, 1981. Scroll through to see Lady Diana Spencer's best outfits...
- 2/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Well, ain't this the cutest? Showing her love of red from an early age, we might never get over how adorable this puffer coat is.
- 3/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Here's a sweet primary school pic of Diana, wearing a (very patriotic) red white and blue look with a matching headband.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Stay in the know at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 4/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
This snap of Diana sporting a wide-brimmed hat, taken on a family holiday to West Sussex, is a testament to the future royal's enduring love of fashion.
- 5/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Growing up on her family's Althorp Estate, Diana had low-key, country attire down from an early age. Look here at her powder blue sweater paired with indigo wash jeans, worn by the youngster as she was photographed with her pet pony, Soufflé.
- 6/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Layering a vibrant shirt underneath a buttoned-up cardigan feels like the kind of thing that shouldn't really work, but it totally does. Especially when finished with a string of pearls around the neck, à la Diana.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Stay in the know at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 7/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Of course, no wrap-up of Diana's pre-royal style would be complete without a nod to her iconic sheep jumper, worn with a pair of jeans to watch Prince Charles at the polo. In fact, this jumper's become so famous, UK brand Rowing Blazers brought it back last year along with the Princess' famous 'I'm a luxury' knit.
- 8/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Leaving the Young England kindergarten in Pimlico, this pleated skirt and jumper look, with each of the sleeves pushed up, is what the future Princess wore when she worked as a teacher.
- 9/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Do our eyes deceive us, or is Diana wearing lime green tights to match her preppy V-neck jumper? It really looks like it tbh, and we're very here for such an edgy style move from the soon-to-be-royal, who completed the look with a woven basket and checked skirt.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Stay in the know at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 10/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Diana wore this polished ruby red blazer and black ensemble around Earl's Court prior to her engagement to Charles.
- 11/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Putting her own spin on the dungarees trend, Di wore this lemon yellow iteration over a technicolour collared blouse for a trip to the polo. Extra style points for the statement wedges (perfect for talking across the lawns) and the oversized shades perched atop of her head. If you think it looks familiar, it was one of the many Diana looks recreated in The Crown.
- 12/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Here's Diana leaving her flat at Earl's Court wearing a navy pinstripe skirt and an oxblood cardigan (with matching accessories) over a high-collar shirt, all tied together with a contrasting black bow.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Stay in the know at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 13/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Can anyone else imagine Diana as Miss Honey from Matilda in this midi dress, as she arrives for work at the Young England School kindergarten? The only thing missing is the iconic glasses, which would subsequently be pushed down her nose in astonishment.
- 14/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Diana was a big fan of cornflower blue, as demonstrated by this monotone look, and who can blame her? She wears it so well.
- 15/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
The way the future princess effortlessly drapes this jumper over her shoulders is just a whole retro mood.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Stay in the know at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 16/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
This snap of Diana was taken as she left the Ritz Hotel after attending Princess Margaret's 50th birthday party, when rumours first started circulating of her romance with Charles. You can see a blush pink ballgown with pinstripe details poking out from underneath her black overcoat and wow, do we wish we could see the whole thing!
- 17/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Di's royal blue skirt suit, worn for the announcement of her engagement to Prince Charles, famously matched her sapphire engagement ring. Our favourite detail, though? The polished pussybow blouse, tied to the side.
- 18/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Looking every bit the country lass, Diana wore a colourful knit, oversized trousers and forest green Wellies boots for a trip to Balmoral with Prince Charles prior to their wedding.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Stay in the know at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 19/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Anyone who's seen The Crown will remember this strapless black dress is what Diana wore for her first official public engagement with Charles. Notably, it was the gown's revealing neckline that caused a stir as a marked shift from the family's more conservative dress code.
- 20/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Spaghetti straps aren't something we tend to associate with royals but before she was officially Princess of Wales, Diana wore this stunning cherry red dress with a matching ruby necklace for the premiere of For Your Eyes Only in Leicester Square.
- 21/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Here's one of Di's first Royal Ascot outfits - a gloriously '80s peach number, with a frilly ivory collar, long gloves and an ornate hat.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Stay in the know at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 22/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
This naval-inspired look is everything. Diana wore the outfit for a trip to Cheltenham complete with a sailor collar, red bow and her signature pearls.
- 23/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Here's another one of Diana's polo outfits - a sleeveless floral dress layered over a relaxed, unbuttoned shirt.
- 24/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Diana once went straight from Royal Ascot to watch the polo in this lilac striped number, removing her statement feathered hat for the more laid back venue.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Stay in the know at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 25/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Honestly, what's not to love about this red and white ensemble? The colour! The collar! The matching tights! Heck, even the bouquets match.
- 26/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Another look recreated in The Crown is Di's floral midi dress and natural ballet flat combo, worn by the soon-to-be-royal at her wedding rehearsal with Charles.
- 27/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Diana sure loved a statement collar and this pleated look, worn for a trip to Hampshire, is a case in point.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Stay in the know at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 28/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
For her very first wedding rehearsal at St Paul's, Di went for a distinctly professional vibe consisting of a mustard pencil skirt, ivory blouse and minimalist blazer.
- 29/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Di wore this daring, semi-sheer ruffled polka dot number at a banquet given at Claridge's for King Khalid of Saudi Arabia in 1981.
- 30/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
The soon-to-be-royal sure knew how to stand out, wearing this statement, almost retro barbershop, look for a visit to Royal Ascot.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Stay in the know at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 31/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Can we take a second to talk about just how sparkly this evening gown is, with the shawl to match, worn for a function at London's Royal Academy?
- 32/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
This monochrome outfit, also worn to Royal Ascot, is peak '80s goodness, from the puffy sleeves and waist belt to the ivory court shoes and tulle fascinator, we're here for it.
- 33/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
For the 1981 Trooping the Colour parade, Di opted for this sky blue geometric co-ord, complete with one of her favourite ruffle collars which she expertly accessorised with an ornate pearl choker necklace.
Yahoo News is better in the app
Stay in the know at a glance with the Top 10 daily stories
- 34/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Days before her wedding to Charles, Diana attended the Cartier International polo match in Windsor wearing this printed sundress with a slightly cinched waist.
- 35/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
You know that fashion 'rule' 'never wear red to a wedding'? Well, ever the sartorial boundary-pusher, Diana wore this strawberry-coloured print for the wedding of Nicholas Soames and we think she looks absolutely brilliant.
- 36/36
Princess Diana outfits before she became a royal
Whoever says brown isn't chic clearly hasn't seen Diana's tailored getup for the Sandown Park races.
Di's polo wardrobe is such a mood 😍