Fall Outfit Ideas Inspired by Princess Diana

Last updated on December 1st, 2023 at 10:37 am

Are you looking for fall outfit ideas inspired by the style icon Princess Diana?

She was known for her impeccable and elegant looks, often adoring the colour red, which happens to be one of my favourites, too. Coincidentally, it’s also the most fashionable hue of the season.

The Queen of People’s Hearts was fond of wearing tweed and plaid, which have made a fashionable comeback in recent years. However, from my perspective as a vintage maven, these classic country styles have always been in vogue, and tweed will forever hold a special place in any vintage fall wardrobe.


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Regal Autumn Fashion: Taking Cues from Princess Diana

Nothing Gold Can Stay

“Nature’s first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf’s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.”

Robert Frost

vintage blogger

Discover the beauty of vibrant seasonal colours and timeless pieces, inspired by Princess Diana’s legendary fashion sense. Embrace the endless mixing and matching possibilities, from a red sweater and plaid pants to a blue coat and white loafers. Allow fashion and nature to effortlessly blend, creating stunning outfits that will leave a lasting impression.


Best museums in Warsaw
The perfect weekend in Warsaw in the fall and beyond.

I’m fortunate to be in Warsaw this time of the year. The Golden Polish Autumn is a magnificent sight that lasts for a fleeting moment, merely a couple of weeks, a month if we’re fortunate, but the combination of vibrant colours that emerge during this period is truly breathtaking, leaving me in complete awe.

From the crimson reds to the golden yellows, every hue seems to come alive and create a picturesque landscape that is impossible to ignore. Fall is a time of year when nature is at its finest, and every moment spent taking in its splendour is a moment to treasure. It’s also the most exciting season to experiment with outfits.

Finally, when the weather cools down, I can dust off my vintage woollen plaid suits and skirts from the 1940s, wear my favourite sweaters paired with leather gloves, and create looks that blend in perfectly with the scenery.

vintage fashion blogger

MY OUTFIT FOR FALL INSPIRED BY PRINCESS DIANA

I’m wearing an original 1940s skirt suit made in Scotland, from one of my favourite vintage shops, Bride of the Fox, which I accessorised with a 1940s purse and Wolford tights.


You Can Never Go Wrong with Plaid and Tweed in the Fall

As the cool breeze of fall sets in, it’s the perfect moment to embrace the arrival of elegant fall fashion; think leather gloves in a variety of colours and vintage hats. Let’s draw inspiration from the ultimate fashion icon, Princess Diana, whose immaculate style still captivates fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

Let’s explore the timeless essence of Princess Diana’s fashion choices and some of her unforgettable ensembles, and how to effortlessly incorporate them into your wardrobe.

Diana: Her Fashion Story" at Kensington Palace in London.
“Diana: Her Fashion Story” at Kensington Palace in London.

DIANA, PRINCESS OF WALES IN THE BILL PASHLEY TWEED SUIT

In 1981, Diana wore a memorable brown tweed wool suit during an official photocall on her honeymoon at Balmoral.

This suit was commissioned by her and there were actually two identical suits made.

The tweed fabric used in the suit reflects the traditional English country dress.

Image source: Pinterest. Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976 permits ‘fair use’ for purposes such as comment, news reporting, and education.

Autumn outfit ideas inspired by Princess Diana.

The Princess often wore plaid and tweed, the staple of British fashion, in a variety of colours and always looked spectacular. I adore green and red, but if you don’t feel comfortable wearing hues that make you stand out from the crowds, I suggest you opt for tweed in classic brown. Here is an ad campaign featuring my all-time favourite Ralph Lauren collection from AW2012 (or 2013?), the perfect inspiration for how to master the sophisticated country chic look combined with dark academia.

Outfit ideas for fall inspired by Princess Diana.
Ralph Lauren AW 2013. Outfit ideas for fall inspired by Princess Diana.

MY FAVOURITE TWEED FOR FALL

The British Way



Can you tell I love plaid?

This is an original 1940s CC41 skirt suit, I bought a couple of years ago, and it’s one of my most cherished vintage pieces.

And again, I paired my fall outfit with the same Wolford tights and shoes seen in the previous pictures.

This is why it’s important to invest in shoes and accessories that will go with many outfits in your closet!

Brief History of CC41

The Fall Outwear Inspired by Princess Diana’s Style

When it comes to fall fashion, outerwear becomes the focal point. Princess Diana understood the power of a well-chosen coat or jacket to elevate any ensemble. Emulate her style by opting for classic outerwear silhouettes like tailored trench coats, belted wool coats, or quilted jackets.

Experiment with autumnal colours like brown, camel, burgundy, or forest green, and invest in a coat made of luxurious fabric such as wool or cashmere. Quality comes at a price but treat it as an investment piece that will serve you for many years to come.


how to wear vintage clothes and look modern

MY COAT FOR THE FALL INSPIRED BY LADY DI

In the picture, from the ‘How to Mix Vintage with Modern Fashion‘ article, I’m wearing a Ralph Lauren jacket, which I paired with a GUCCI purse and my favourite Wolford tights.

As you can see, I often wear the same pair of shoes and tights with many of my autumn outfits.

Gucci Padlock Purse



RELATED ARTICLE

The 1980s Burberry coat has served me well for the past 18 years, and it’s the perfect outwear in fall and winter.

Find out more in ‘The Best Coats for Autumn and Winter‘ article.

Vintage Burberry coat

vintage fashion influencer

The British Country Chic Look

Vintage Burberry jacket, 1980s slacks and riding crop from Harrods.


Fall/Winter Coats Inspired by Lady Di



I created a Pinterest board with Diana’s best fashion outfits.

Princess Diana Fall Fashion

Sweater for Fall Γ€ La Princess Diana

It’s a sweater weather and no one wore that particular piece of clothing better than Princess Diana.

In June of 1981, Lady Diana Spencer, who had recently gotten engaged, wore a charming red sweater with a black and white sheep design at a polo match. It was the creation of Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne, who started the knitwear brand Warm and Wonderful in 1979. And thanks to the press cover the sweater received in 1981, it became an overnight hit.

By choosing to wear unconventional designs, Princess Diana conveyed her desire to embrace her individuality and present herself as a relatable and contemporary figure within the royal family, unbound by traditional conventions.

And if you want proof of how significant the sweater is even today, well the original Sheep sweater that Lady Di wore in 1981 just sold at Sotheby’s for $ 1,143,000! Don’t get too excited, I’m not the one who bought it.

Princess Diana iconic Black Sheep sweater

Princess Diana wore the iconic Black Sheep sweater to another Polo match in 1983.

Her fashion sense was both sophisticated and relatable, combining high-end designer pieces with more affordable clothing. This blend of styles inspired countless women all over the world to emulate and appreciate her style.

You can still buy a copy of the original design at Warm and Wonderful.

Beautiful Sweaters & Cardigans for Fall





Princess Diana: Her Favourite Jewellery & Sunglasses


It was a very traditional engagement ring. The dark saphire bordered with a frame of diamonds. This suited Diana’s stature. You have to remember that she was the leader of the Sloan rengers of the time, the style tribe that she came to represent and the engagement ring was the epithamy of a Sloan piece of jewellery.

Jewellery historian, Viviene Becker


How to dress like Princess Diana in the fall.
Diana, Princess of Wales wearing a pearl necklace adorned with a sapphire that used to be a brooch. The ring was made by Garrard.

Lady Di expressed her individuality and personal style through jewellery and sunglasses. Diana’s trademark was a stunning sapphire brooch turned into a chocker necklace on pearls. And even though she owned an extraordinary collection of the most exquisite jewellery made of diamonds, pearls and sapphires, she was also very fond of costume jewellery and often wore pieces from Butler and Wilson.


Jewellery Inspired by Lady Di




Lady Di in the Iconic Oliver Goldsmith Sunglasses


Princess Diana Sunglasses.

Not everyone likes wearing jewellery and that’s when spectacular sunglasses take center stage! Princess Diana was a big fan of the Berwick style designed in 1979 by my beloved Oliver Goldsmith eyewear brand. There are at least a dozen images of Lady Di on Pinterest wearing the sought-after Berwicks.


Princess Diana sunglasses from Oliver Goldsmith.

This distinctive eyewear boasts an exaggerated keyhole bridge and one-of-a-kind cutaway laminations that make it truly noteworthy.

Over the years, the Berwick has graced the faces of movie stars and Royalty, including King Charles III and the adored Princess Diana, who wore it with unparalleled poise and self-assurance.


Princess Diana Berwick sunglasses

If you want to channel your inner Lady Di, a pair of Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses is a must! Be warned, however, that the Berwicks are the most exclusive sunglasses in the world, and the brand only releases them every blue moon in a limited edition of 10.

If you have waited for longer than five minutes and missed your chance to buy a pair of the iconic Berwicks, fear not, as the brand has some fabulous alternatives that, I’m sure, would have the Princess’ stamp of approval.


BUY A PAIR OF THE KENDAL BROWLINE SUNGLASSES!

Available in nine fashionable colours!


Kendal sunglasses are in a similar style to the ones Princess Diana wore so often.


If you prefer an oversized rectangular shape, how perfect are the Fuz sunglasses, designed in 1966 by no other than Oliver Goldsmith? It’s a match made in heaven for any fall ensemble.

OG, the sunglasses brand that I absolutely adore, offers an extensive collection of sunglasses in a plethora of shapes and colours to fit every style and preference. Whether you prefer the classic aviator frames or the trendy cat-eye shapes, OG has got you covered. And if you happen to love more than one pair, remember, you can never have too many pairs of sunglasses!



The Perfect Footwear for Fall Inspired by Princess Diana

From elegant heels to classic ballet flats, and let’s not forget about the Wellis, Lady Di wore a variety of styles depending on the occasion, but she definitely favoured comfortable footwear.

With effortless ease, she managed to pull off a chic and sophisticated look that was fit for running errands and attending charity events. Princess Diana always left an unforgettable impression with her preference for pumps, especially when it came to formal occasions or high-profile events.

Her footwear choices highlighted her ability to flawlessly blend elegance with comfort, proving that when it comes to fashion, practicality need never be sacrificed for style. Princess Diana truly walked in her own royal steps.


Fall outfit ideas inspired by Princess Diana.
Fall outfit ideas inspired by Princess Diana.

THE COUNTRY CHIC WELLIES

For my glamorous weekend in Kent in 2013, I chose a pair of Jimmy Choo Wellies, a Burberry trench coat and a Hermes scarf.

My dear friend, Lady Pierson, wore a Betsey Johnson coat and a faux fur hat.

Fall Outfit Ideas Inspired by Princess Diana

The Hunter Wellies & Cowboy Boots


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2 Comments
  • Kate
    November 23, 2023

    Princess Diana was the epitome of class. She is the only person I can think of who looked incredible even in a T-shirt and leggings or basic jeans. Thank you for this wonderful tribute to a real icon.

    • Dominique de Merteuil
      November 23, 2023

      Thank you for the wonderful comment! Yes, Princess Diana was a real style icon and looked beyond perfect in absolutely everything she wore.