Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (2024)

Away from the red carpet and royal engagements, Princess Diana's off-duty outfits show off her innate sense of style to a T. In fact - forget the glamorous ballgowns and sleek skirt suits - the looks the mother-of-two wore in her downtime are some of her most memorable.

From gym workouts to the school run and polo days to the ski slopes, the Princess of Wales ensured her attire was always on point - and her looks were some of the best royal off-duty outfits. While she loved to make a fashion statement - with her 'black sheep' jumper, Philadelphia Eagles varsity jacket and pink gingham trousers being three of her most iconic wardrobe items - she was also a fan of the classics. Her go-to items included blue Levi jeans, black oversized blazers and chunky white trainers.

Prince William and Prince Harry's mother may have been a princess, but she sure knew how to mix things up - and the outfits she wore away from royal engagements enshrined her as the queen of cool. What's more, many of the looks we've rounded up for you here, are so good they'll simply never fall out of style...

32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits

1. Virgin Atlantic sweater

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (1)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

One of Princess Diana's best fashion moments was rather unexpected. The royal mother-of-two was snapped wearing a navy sweater - branded with her friend Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic company - while departing the Chelsea Harbour Club gym in London in 1995. She paired it with orange cycling shorts and white trainers in a look that has become iconic.

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (2)

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2. 'Black sheep' jumper

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (3)

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Many speculated that the then-Princess of Wales was trying to make a point when she wore a 'black sheep' jumper to the Guards Polo Club in Windsor in 1983 - two years after her royal wedding. She paired the Muir and Osborne piece with a pair of white trousers and tan-brown ballet flats.

3. Philadelphia Eagles jacket

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (4)

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Princess Diana brought serious style to the school run. In 1991, she dropped off Prince Harry at Wetherby School in London in a green Philadelphia Eagles varsity jacket, which she dressed up with a black pencil skirt and gold belt.

4. Leopard print swimsuit and sarong

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (5)

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Princess Diana looked chic holidaying on Sir Richard Branson's island of Necker in the British Virgin Islands in 1990. She was seen playing barefoot on the sand with her sons in a leopard print swimsuit and matching sarong.

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5. Blazer-over-sweater combo

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As the years passed, Princess Diana became more confident with her sense of style. She swapped floral tea dresses for a cooler look at Guards Polo Club in Windsor in 1988 - wearing a black blazer over a white British Heart Foundation sweater with a navy baseball cap, blue jeans and brown boots.

6. Tie-dye strappy mini-dress

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (7)

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Just weeks before she was tragically killed in a Paris car crash in 1997, Princess Diana was seen on holiday in St Tropez, France. The royal mother-of-two looked stunning in a green and purple tie-dye effect mini-dress that was perfect for the hot weather.

7. Pleated blue midi-dress

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (8)

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Princess Diana may have been off-duty, but she was the epitome of elegance in a pale blue midi-dress - featuring large gold buttons and pleating - at the Cartier International Polo match in Windsor in 1989. She paired the Catherine Walker design with white heels.

8. Sweatpants and boots combo

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (9)

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For the school drop-off in London in 1989, the Princess of Wales opted for a particularly head-turning ensemble. She wore a white sweater beneath a black blazer, which she paired with white sweatpants tucked into brown boots - sweeping up her blonde hair into a baseball cap.

9. Red varsity jacket

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (10)

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Princess Diana looked sharp as she dropped off her youngest son Prince Harry at Wetherby School in London in 1992 - the year she separated from Prince Charles. She paired a red and black varsity jacket with a pair of blue jeans, and added gold hooped earrings and brown boots.

10. Belted pink midi-dress

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (11)

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For a summer's day in London in 1989, the Princess of Wales kept cool in a pale pink button-through midi-dress - cinched in with a tan-brown belt. She accessorised the look, for collecting Prince Harry from nursery, with a pair of gold ballet flats.

11. Suede brown skirt

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (12)

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In a seriously stylish autumnal look, Princess Diana did the school drop-off in 1988 in a slouchy cream turtleneck tucked into a brown suede A-line skirt - a look that is the essence of quiet luxury. She accompanied Prince Charles to Prince William's London school, and the then-couple departed with Prince Harry.

12. Cobalt blue scarf

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (13)

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Princess Diana knows the power of a carefully chosen accessory. In 1986, she was spotted dropping Prince William off at nursery in London in a black jacket with polka dot-print trousers and knee-high black boots. However, she added a dash of colour in the form of a cobalt blue scarf.

13. White pleated skirt

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (14)

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We love the elegant but relaxed ensemble that Princess Diana wore to the polo in 1987. She was seen guiding her youngest son across the grass in a white and navy printed sweater over a long pleated white skirt, which she dressed up with gold ballet flats.

14. Straight-leg floral trousers

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (15)

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While it may not have been the most practical attire for hanging out with horses, Princess Diana looked stunning while leading a Shetland pony on the grounds of Highgrove House in 1986. She paired a pale pink ruffled-neck blouse with a pair of floral trousers and wore a cream jumper tied around her waist.

15. Knitted v-neck jumper

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (16)

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Princess Diana first introduced the world to her wardrobe of quirky jumpers shortly before her 1981 wedding to Prince Charles. She participated in a photocall with her fiancé near Balmoral wearing a bright pink printed number with green corduroy trousers, red socks and Wellington boots.

16. Polka dot-print skirt

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (17)

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We loved Princess Diana's stylish look for a polo match at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor in 1986. She pushed fashion boundaries in a white sweater, complete with red detailing, along with a white and red polka dot-print A-line skirt by Mondi.

17. Denim shirt and florals

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (18)

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If you're after a fresh way to wear a denim shirt, then take inspiration from Princess Diana's 1990 trip to Cirencester Hospital where her husband Prince Charles was being treated for an arm injury. She wore the wardrobe essential over a white T-shirt and tucked it into a floral midi-skirt which she cinched in with a tan brown belt.

18. Stars and stripes sweater

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (19)

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Princess Diana headed to the Chelsea Harbour Club gym in London in 1994 in a stylish workout look. She paired a sweater that seemed to be inspired by the US flag - printed with blue and white stars as well as red stripes - with navy cycling shorts and finished off the relaxed look with white trainers and ankle socks.

19. All-red jumper and skirt

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (20)

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For Prince Harry's first day at Wetherby School in London - where he was joining his brother Prince William as a pupil - Princess Diana opted for an eye-catching all-red look. She paired a sweater, featuring gold detailing, over a long red skirt and finished off the smart ensemble with matching ballet flats.

20. Chanel striped cardigan

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (21)

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Princess Diana invested in good-quality classics for her off-duty wardrobe. To visit Prince William's school in 1989 with then-husband Prince Charles, she wore a striped black Chanel cardigan - which she paired with a cream pleated skirt and white heels.

21. 'Polo player' jumper

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (22)

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Given the numerous occasions Princess Diana watched polo, it is perhaps unsurprising that she nodded to the sport in a navy jumper she wore for a 1986 flight. She paired it with a cream pleated skirt and black heels for the journey up to Scotland where the family were heading to Balmoral.

22. Dusky pink accessories

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (23)

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Accessories can make or break an outfit, as Princess Diana proved time and again. The royal made an appearance at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor in 1983 in a printed jacket and pleated white skirt. However, she elevated the ensemble with a dusky pink handbag and a pair of matching kitten heels.

23. 'Koala' print sweater

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (24)

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Princess Diana did maternitywear in style. The expectant mother was seen in 1982 - while seven months pregnant with Prince William - watching the polo at Windsor in a comfortable but eye-catching ensemble. Her koala-print jumper and red trousers were quite the combo.

24. Double-denim skiwear

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (25)

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Few loved denim quite like Princess Diana - who even wore it on the slopes. The royal mother-of-two wowed in a denim shirt and matching jeans combo while on a skiing holiday with her sons in Lech, Austria in 1993. She kept cosy in a black jacket and white snow boots.

25. Cream puss*-bow blouse

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (26)

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Princess Diana had a particular knack for smart-casual, a dress code she nailed with aplomb at the polo over the years. She visited Cowdray Park Polo Club in West Sussex in 1983 in a cream puss*-bow blouse tucked into a pair of striped blue and white trousers.

26. Coral bicycle shorts

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (27)

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We loved the gym look that Princess Diana wore to exercise in at the Chelsea Harbour Club in London in 1994. She looked effortlessly cool in a place blue sweater and coral cycling shorts, which she paired with white ankle socks and white trainers - finishing off the ensemble with tortoiseshell sunglasses.

27. Yellow denim dungarees

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (28)

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Princess Diana looked colourful in lemon-yellow dungarees and a floral top the year she married Prince Charles in 1981. She was seen enjoying the action at Cowdray Park Polo Club in Gloucestershire with her friend Sarah Ferguson, who would go on to marry Prince Andrew.

28. Monochrome puff-sleeved blouse

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (29)

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It was the era of power dressing, and Princess Diana put on a strong look while watching a polo match in Cirencester in 1983. She wore a white and black puffed-sleeved blouse with a white pencil skirt, which she cinched in at the waist with a black belt.

29. High-waisted Levi jeans

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (30)

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You can't go wrong with a pair of classic blue Levis, as Princess Diana proved on the school run in 1992. She twinned in denim with Prince William, while pairing her jeans with a white T-shirt emblazoned with blue stars and a dark brown belt.

30. White sailor blouse

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (31)

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Princess Diana looked elegant in a white sailor-style blouse tucked into a blue floral midi-skirt at the polo in 1985. She accessorised the ensemble, for the sporting event in Cirencester, with a large brown belt.

31. Red puffer jacket

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (32)

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Whatever the climate, Princess Diana was always dressed to impress. Her wardrobe of skiwear was particularly chic, as can be seen from a day on the slopes in Lech, Austria in 1994. She paired a red puffer jacket with black slim-fit salopettes and finished off the chic look with black sunglasses.

32. Pink gingham trousers

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (33)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

One of Princess Diana's most iconic looks was an all-pink ensemble for a photocall at Highgrove with her sons in 1986. The royal mother-of-two paired a fuchsia pink cardigan over a white blouse, which she tucked into a pair of pink and white gingham trousers - adding a pair of white loafers to finish.

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Princess Diana

Here are 32 of Princess Diana's off-duty outfits that never went out of style, from varsity jackets to cycling shorts (2024)

FAQs

Did Meghan Markle really dress like Diana? ›

She added pearls and of course, her Lady Dior bag, designed in her honour by Christian Dior. Meghan visited Australia in 2018, wearing a dress that almost mirrors Diana's; it has the same neckline, form-fitting cut and was sleeveless. The only real difference is the hem - Diana went shorter!

What was Princess Diana's fashion and style statement? ›

Diana wore hats that featured texture as well as "feathers, veils, and bows". Her early fashion choices were described as "demure and romantic", featuring pastels and ruffles. Vogue noted that during this time her dressing was on par with the "ideal of a princess", using statement evening gowns as her "calling card".

What is the revenge dress that Diana wore? ›

Her dress wasn't the only thing that made jaws drop that night! In June 1994, Princess Diana wore a dress not-so-fit for a princess. Soon called Princess Diana's “revenge dress,” it was an off-the-shoulder, form-fitting, black silk dress.

What was the last outfit Princess Diana wore? ›

The costume that all of part one leads up to is the white jeans and black blazer Diana wore on the final night of her life, captured on film by the same paparazzi who'd spur the high speed chase that ultimately ended in her death, in a car accident alongside Dodi al-Fayed and driver Henri Paul.

Why was Diana's dress so creased? ›

It was a lot more than we thought. ' This happened despite many dress rehearsals in the run-up to the big day, and the wrinkles were apparently due to the carriage ride, according to the designer.

Did the Queen like Meghan's wedding dress? ›

The Suits actor ultimately wore an elegant, off-the-shoulder dress designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy as she walked down the aisle. However, according to royal biographer Ingrid Seward, the late Queen Elizabeth II thought that Meghan's wedding dress was “too white” for a divorcée.

Did Princess Diana wear jeans? ›

Jeans are always a good idea. Even Lady Di thought so. She was the first member of the royal family to be photographed in denim.

Why did Princess Diana wear a black dress? ›

In wearing the revenge dress, Diana not only acknowledged the pain she must have felt while Charles' infidelity played out in public, but also kept an eye toward reclaiming her power and her future. It was a moment of claiming agency for herself by way of a little black dress.

Who styled Princess Diana's hair? ›

Speaking in a recent episode of haircare expert and social media personality Jonathan Van Ness' podcast Pretty Curious, Sam McKnight, who styled the former Princess of Wales' hair for seven years before her death in 1997, said it was difficult to watch fictional dramatizations of her onscreen because of "all the ...

What did Diana refuse to wear? ›

For those that don't know, the Chanel logo is of two interlocking Cs, and Diana reportedly said the logo reminded her of Charles and Camilla's names. In fact, designer Jayson Brundson once told Harper's Bazaar that when he tried to give her Chanel shoes for an outfit, she refused them.

What nail polish did Princess Diana wear? ›

In particular, Princess Di preferred a a squared-off, short white French tip with a sheer pink base. She wore this look to exclusive family events, royal visits, public appearances, and community service projects time and time again.

What color eyes did Princess Diana have? ›

Princess Diana had deep blue eyes that were much less pigmented with melanin than the royal family. Despite the event, lighting, and other factors, her blue eyes always stood out. Like the royal family, the Spencer family also has several members with blue eyes, such as her brother Charles, Earl of Spencer.

Did Dodi and Diana go for ice cream? ›

The scene: In the third episode, Dis-Moi Oui, Diana and Dodi stop for ice cream in Monte Carlo one evening where they're spotted by onlookers. The pair end up running away and taking refuge in a jewellery store.

Did Dodi propose to Diana? ›

He then proposes to her, but she says no. "It is said he bought a ring," Vickers says, but "she was not going to marry him." A 1998 book by Time magazine correspondents Tom Sancton and Scott MacLeod about Diana's death suggests that Dodi planned to propose.

What were Diana's last words? ›

What were Princess Diana's last words? The firefighter on the scene of Princess Diana's accident revealed the last words she spoke before her death in an interview with The Independent. According to the firefighter, Xavier Gourmelon, the Princess of Wales asked: “My God, what has happened?”

Did Freddie Mercury dress up Princess Diana? ›

In the 1980s, Freddie Mercury dressed Princess Diana up as an “eccentrically dressed gay male model”, in order to sneak her into the Vauxhall Tavern, according to widely-corroborated reports.

What kind of wedding dress did Meghan Markle wear? ›

Meghan Markle's Givenchy Wedding Dress

But it was British designer Clare Waight Keller who ultimately took home the prize, designing Markle's gown under the Givenchy label.

Who chose Princess Diana's wedding dress? ›

Diana herself selected the Emanuels to design her wedding gown, which, per Elizabeth, “had to be something that was going to go down in history, but also something that Diana loved” and which would be “suitably dramatic in order to make an impression.”

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