How To Nail The Early 1980s Diana Look

The Crown has reignited our love affair with Princess Diana’s iconic 1980s style.

Hands up who else is glued to their screens for Netflix’s retelling of the Charles and Diana story in this season of Peter Morgan’s The Crown. While sources in the know – not least Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer – have been at pains to stress how far the TV show is, in fact, fiction, one thing at least is very much faithful to the reality: the clothes. As worn to perfection by Emma Corrin in her role, these are the outfits we’re coveting and how and where to get the look.

All images: DES WILLIE/NETFLIX

Look One: Diana Rollerskates in Kensington Palace

According to The Crown’s producer, Oona O’Beirn, Princess Diana really did rollerskate down the corridors of Kensington Palace. And, as she told Vogue, ‘she rode her bicycle around [inside the palace] the night before she got married, but we didn’t manage to get that in [the episode].’ We love the checked trousers she apparently did it in. Here’s how to get the look.

Ganni

Checked Trousers, NOW £126

Marks & Spencer

Pure Cashmere V Neck Relaxed Jumper, £89

With Nothing Underneath

Poplin, White Shirt, £85

Decathlon

White Skates, £39.99

Look Two: Announcing Engagement in Pussybow Blouse

Strongly reminiscent of Mrs Thatcher (who also features heavily in this season of The Crown, as played by Gillian Anderson), the pussybow blouse was a 1980s staple. Diana wore it with panache as she debuted her ring and the couple announced their engagement. We’d style it like this.

Rixo

Moss Rose Bud Ivory Blouse, £185

Alex Gore Browne

Scallop Collar Sweater, £295

Matches Fashion

Rochas Pleated Silk Gazar Skirt, NOW £624

Loewe

T Pouch In Calfskin, £450

Look Three: Yellow Dunagrees at a Polo Match

Not, in fact, a million miles away from the ubiquitous dungarees as seen on every high street today, there’s no doubting that Diana wore them a) first and b) best. The genius touch of pairing this pastel hued pair with a Liberty print shirt explains why we’re still so taken with her style. This is exactly how to attend a Polo match at Cowdray Park, in case you were wondering.

NA-KD

Embroidered Knitted Cardigan, £40.95

Wyse

Scallop Corduroy Dungarees, £185

Net A Porter

Rixo Lila Embroidered Poplin Blouse, £155

Emma-Corrin-as-Princess-Diana-in-as-scene-from-The-Crown-Season-4-

Look 4: Dazzling at the Royal Opera House

Oh how we long for the theatre. And perhaps when we’re next allowed to go, we’ll dress to the nines like Diana did in 1982 at the Royal Opera House. This is how to roundly upstage every single performer when attending a show.

Revolve Alice + Olivia Harmony Slip Dress, £405