Princess Diana’s Winter Fashion Is Still the Style Blueprint We Follow — Even 40+ Years Later

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty

Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty

Princess Diana’s style is still inspiring generations. Case in point: Well, me.

She passed away 27 years ago, and even now, in my mid-20s, I’m still looking to her for tricks of the fashion trade. I’ve already established thather off-duty stylepractically altered my brain chemistry (I think about it a lot),but I also mentally return to hersweater weatherand winter fashion whenever I can’t think of what to wear at this time of year.

Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty; Pascal Le Segretain/Sygma via Getty; Pascal Le Segretain/Sygma via Getty; Pascal Le Segretain/Sygma via Getty

Princess Diana’s Outfit Blueprint

Gap CashSoft Cropped High V-Neck Sweater

GAP

$70$34 at Gap

I don’t hate colorful clothing, but I have (notice the use of past tense) been afraid of it. That said, the moment I started writing this story, I realized something: Not counting her “revenge dress,” it’s Princess Diana’s colorful outfits, patterned pieces, and eye-catching choices that have left a lasting impression — one of which was her pink sweater.

This one from Gap is a good starter sweater if, like me, you’re not used to wearing color. It has a similar neckline and it’s “very thick and soft,” according to one shopper. Princess Diana also wore graphic pullovers — I’m thinking of her“I’m a luxury” sweater, in particular — so I pulled one of those, too.

Trendy Queen Turtleneck Shirt

Amazon

$26$24 at Amazon

Even though I don’t ski, I do get cold, so turtlenecks still work in my wardrobe. They’re also still a big thing today:Jennifer Lopez,Jennifer Lawrence, and even Princess Diana’s future daughter-in-lawKate Middletonkeep warm with the neck-covering style. ThisAmazon best-selleris a thermal shirt and not a sweater, so it can slide under the latter without creating more bulk. It comes in sizes S to XL and 20 colors, so you can match it for a monochrome look or add another pop of color with it.

Evaless Elastic-Waist Corduroy Pants

$33$30 at Amazon

While Princess Diana may have had to adhere to a Royal dress code, I, for one, do not. I like the idea of corduroy pants, which my colleaguespotted on Joanna Gainesearlier this fall, but I wanted to pick a pair that looked even comfier than the soft fabric itself. I landed on these, which have a stretchy waistband for more flexibility and a straight-leg design to put an end to chafing.

Hunter Original Tall Rain Boot

$175$123 at Amazon

Rainboots are, for the most part, pointless where I live in the desert, but they’re just so cute to look at. A girl can dream. Since the princess’ boots were from Hunter, I’d want another pair from there — I used to have a few when I lived in wetter climates. And stars likeJennifer GarnerandHilary Duffalso wear the brand.

This is also one of the best times to get these rain boots: “I’ve worn these in rain, snow, and on muddy slushy mountains, and they clean up perfectly,”wrote one Amazon shopper.

Amazon Essentials Crewneck Sweater

$34 at Amazon

Beach Riot Callie Sweater

Anthropologie

$138 at Anthropologie

Gap Modern Rib Cropped Mock Neck Shirt

$40$31 at Gap

Siliteelon High-Waisted Corduroy Pants, $30 with Prime

$37$30 at Amazon

Free People Jayde Seamed Corduroy Flare Pants

Nordstrom

$98$74 at Nordstrom

Hisea Wide-Calf Rubber Boots, $31 with Prime

$40$31 at Amazon

Bogs Amanda II Tall Rain Boots

REI

$90 at REI

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source: people.com