Princess Diana-inspired looks to have in your repertoire

Happy birthday Di, you would've loved Bode.

Jul 01, 2025

∙ Paid

One of my earliest core memories involves waking up for school one dark (literally and figuratively), September morning in 1997 and watching Princess Diana’s funeral in my parents’ bedroom. I can still vividly recall seeing her carriage careen toward the Palace as thousands of onlookers wept, a scene that is burned into my subconscious. I will never forget it. (And I’d say I’ll be wearing black forever in mourning, but we know I’ll be wearing black forever regardless.)

I’ll never forget her, either. Today would have been Diana’s 64th birthday. She, with her heart of gold, mischievous sense of humor, and profile seemingly lifted straight from the face of a Greek goddess, would’ve done so much (more) good in this world. And I lament the fact she never got to see the 1997 live performance of “Silver Springs” in which Stevie Nicks cast a whole spell on Lindsey Buckingham. I think that would’ve set her soul alight, given everything.

Anywho. Over 25 years later, I still think of her often, especially when I address the topic of eating disorders and anytime an online character makes a snide remark about my nose. I leave flowers for her at Ponte de l’Alma every time I’m in Paris, and I must resist the overwhelming urge to throw a tomato at Buckingham Palace (or cover it in TP) when I visit London. I’ve always felt a certain appreciation for and emotional connection with her and her enduring style, which, all these years later, feels both timeless and fresh. (I suspect this is also because my mom has always dressed similarly, and even bought–and still has!–the OG red sheep sweater in the 80s.) Diana’s everyday looks exuded polish and ease and continue to influence my own gaze on style, often subliminally, and I know I am in good company. She was always elegant without looking stuffy or uptight; graceful as ever, yet still very playful. The expression of personal style should be enjoyable, and Diana seemed to really have fun with it. And no one–neither before nor since–has made a tube sock look so cool.

Twinning with my Mom in our sheep sweaters

I’ve thought a lot about what she’d wear now and by whom, frozen in time, if she were still alive. I think she would still opt for a lot of the classics and her signature pieces (Ralph Lauren, Tod’s, Dior, etc.), which I’ve further outlined at the bottom. And I also believe, not that this is a hot take whatsoever, that she would be heavily invested in British and London-based designers, both as a means to support her home base, and because they’re the ones who tend to be most creative and tongue-in-cheek. I can see her in a lot of Emilia Wickstead, Harris Reed, Erdem, JW Anderson, Bella Freud, and The Vampire’s Wife. To indulge her more playful side, I think she would’ve loved Alessandro Michele for Valentino and Alessandra Rich, especially given her penchant for exaggerated collars and polka dots. Maybe a touch of Bora Aksu for good measure. And I can see her enjoying Bode, particularly their knit sweaters. I think she would’ve also gravitated toward Thom Browne, Kallmeyer, The Row, and High Sport, perhaps with a smattering of Brunello Cucinelli. We know she was a Cartier girl, but I think she’d be smitten with Sophie Bille Brahe’s beautiful assortment of pearl offerings, and maybe the 18K gold nose brooch from Sophie Buhai.

Of course, we’ll never know, which is, to say the very least, a pity. But I had a palatial amount of fun reimagining her wardrobe for occasions such as watering the tomato plants, toilet paper shopping, taking a (solo) trip to the countryside, observing the disappearance of husband under mysterious circumstances, etc. etc., below. Enjoy! I’ll be wearing biker shorts and doing some random acts of kindness in her honor today (and maybe throwing a few tomatoes). Happy birthday, Di!

Some of Diana’s Favorite Pieces Still Available

Gucci Diana Bag

Diana started carrying her beloved bamboo-handle Gucci tote in the early 1990s, and it quickly became a staple in her wardrobe. When Gucci’s former creative director, the illustrious Alessandro Michele, dove into the archive and reissued the bag in 2021, it was named the “Diana.” Though I’m not certain if it’s actively being produced any longer given his departure from the brand, the bag is currently available in a couple different sizes and colorways, and the original can still be acquired through various resale sites.

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