Of Course, Princess Diana Has Inspired All of 2018's Top Party Trends
Countless exhibitions, a plethora of books, and many, many a Who What Wear article prove that the world has an infatuation with Princess Diana's style. From the moment she stepped out into the royal spotlight right up to this very day, all of her looks have been put under the sartorial microscope, and we can't find fault with any. In fact, looking back, it's clear she was one of the most progressive dressers of her time.
While we're obsessed with just about every aspect of her wardrobe. Be it off-duty or fabulously fancy, it's Princess Diana's party outfits that truly set our fashion pulses racing. And seeing as the '80s influence on dressing this season is palpable, all of her ensembles still look the 2018 part. Which is why we decided to archive our favorite Princess Diana party outfits in one place to serve as inspiration.

Photo:
Shutterstock
Style Notes: We'll be dreaming of sapphire sequins and spaghetti straps tonight. What a way to kick things off, Di.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: What's the use in being a princess if you can't dress like one? This icy white creation looks dreamy set against her skin tone.

Photo:
Shutterstock
Style Notes: As if the one-shoulder trend wasn't enough, Diana embraced '80s fashion in all its glory with a ruffled neckline to boot.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: Red can be a bold hue to pull off, but it's no match for Diana. See how she's pulled out the gold accent in her dress a coordinating clutch? Masterful.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: We don't know what we're more impressed by—her glittering tiara or her wide metallic belt. Yes to the accessories.

Photo:
Shutterstock
Style Notes: Attending the Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom premiere in a blue satin wrap dress. This look is so 2018 we'd gladly wear it to our office Christmas party.

Photo:
Shutterstock
Style Notes: Diana debunks the myth that yellow doesn't suit blondes.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: Looking glam in silver lamé, we could swear we saw this exact dress available for purchase online last week. Diana was indeed a woman ahead of her time.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: This drop-hem dress couldn't be more '80s if it tried—and that's precisely why we love it.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: The diamond headband is grossly overlooked.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: The plunging neckline, the bright satin fabric, the crystal closure… This fabulous two-piece has Alessandra Rich written all over it.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: Dancing with John Travolta at the White House calls for something suitably fabulous—something we know all too well.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: One of Diana's chicest looks to date, this embellished one-shoulder dress is a prime example of timeless style.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: This crushed-velvet dress needs to be viewed from the back to be fully appreciated. Just look at that string of pearls.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: This dress is nothing short of fabulous—as are the mismatched gloves.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: Diana proves that matching your bag to your dress is far from passé.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: No '80s style album would be complete without a nautical dress, but Diana's is easily the most impressive we've seen.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: Proving royals needn't adhere to the nude tights rule, Diana receives top marks for her excellent use of colored hosiery. Also, must track down taffeta opera gloves.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: This dress wouldn't look out of place on the Oscar de la Renta runway. Divine.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: Proving she wears suits just as well as dresses in an elegant ivory two-piece.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: Back at it again in floor-length sequins, Diana kept coming back to the trumpet dress silhouette.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: See? Trumpet silhouettes look beautiful on her.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: Easily one of her strongest party looks. Diana never looks more stylish than when she wears cream embellishment.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: The gold buttons give this could-be Emilia Wickstead dress a jaunty feel.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: This would arguably become Diana's most iconic look of all time. Designed by Christina Stambolian, the dress was created for Diana three years before it received this outing in 1994. It's been said Diana was concerned it would be too daring. However, it would mark a new age in Diana's illustrious style history.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: One-shoulder, off-the-shoulder, halter… Diana knew the power of a sultry neckline.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: Wearing a dress, shoes, and a bag in the same hue is the simplest way to make it look like you've spent hours working out to wear when, in actual fact, it only took two minutes.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: We rarely saw Diana wear purple, but this look proves it pays to change up your color palette.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: That's right—Princess Diana was wearing slip dresses before anyone else. We bow down.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: Giving good suit in this double-breasted checked style. Simply switch the top-handle bag for a beaded pouch bag.

Photo:
Getty Images
Style Notes: Continuing her penchant for embellished minidresses, Diana knows sometimes less is more when it comes to accessories.

Style Notes: Wearing a beautifully bejewelled minidress, matching accessories and diamonds… Princess Diana's party outfits don't get better than this.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.
- Explore More:
- royal style
- Royals
- princess diana
- dresses
- 1980s
- 1990s
- Party Dressing
- Dinner Party
- Party