In the world of royalty, tradition reigns supreme, but Princess Diana was never one to shy away from bending the rules.
Her bold fashion choices often raised eyebrows and sparked conversations, as she navigated the strict royal dress code with her own unique flair.
From knee-length skirts to the appropriate color palette, royal protocol dictated how members of the family should present themselves.
Yet, Diana’s style journey was anything but conventional.
Royal women are expected to adhere to a set of style guidelines, which include wearing dresses that fall at least to the knee, donning tights instead of going bare-legged, and avoiding bright nail polish.
Hats are a must for royal weddings, while black clothing is strictly reserved for mourning.
But when Diana entered the royal fold, she seemed to carry an unspoken understanding of these fashion restrictions—one that she was determined to challenge.
According to fashion designer Dame Xandra Rhodes, Diana had a particular fondness for little black dresses (LBDs).
However, she was initially discouraged from wearing black unless it was for a somber occasion.
Rhodes reminisced about how Diana would visit her shop in Mayfair, often asking for designs in other colors due to her reserved nature.
Yet, every now and then, Diana would gravitate toward black, a color deemed inappropriate for royal engagements.
Her defiance became apparent during her engagement to Prince Charles in 1981.
At a fundraising concert, she stunned onlookers in a striking off-the-shoulder black taffeta gown designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, who also crafted her iconic wedding dress.
The choice took many, including Charles, by surprise.
In a reflective moment years later, Diana recalled Charles’s reaction, stating that he remarked, “black is worn by mourners only.”
Despite the initial shock, Diana continued to embrace the color black, donning it for various glamorous events and even casual outings.
One particularly memorable appearance was when she visited Charles during his recovery from surgery, dressed in a chic black Chanel sailor dress, accompanied by their sons, Prince William and Harry.
Her ability to mix elegance with rebellion made her a fashion icon.
Perhaps her most famous LBD moment came at the Serpentine Ball in 1994, where she wore what would later be dubbed her “revenge dress.”
This stunning gown served as a powerful statement following Charles’s admission of infidelity with Camilla Parker Bowles.
The dress not only turned heads but also symbolized Diana’s strength and independence.
In contrast, Kate Middleton, who now occupies the royal spotlight, seems to adhere more closely to traditional fashion norms.