Lady Di's style will forever be iconic.
Hello! My name is Alana, and I used to work in the fashion industry. I'm starting a series where I try dressing like different styles, trends, celebs, or places each month. Last month I tried dressing like a Pinterest Girl, a popular trend on TikTok, and this month, I'm retreating to more familiar territory: Princess Diana.
Princess Diana is the people's princess for a reason — not only did my grandma love her, but parents and today's youth love her, too (as evidenced by the many TikToks trying to emulate her style). Her legacy lives on in her charitable endeavors, as well as her impeccable taste.
I can only wish to embody even a hair of her charm and taste, but I wanted to try! The thing about Diana's style is it's so effortlessly and undeniably chic, but also quite approachable. Like, she's a radiant beam of light here, but her outfit is so casual, relaxed, and easy. In a sea of micro trends, seeing this is a breath of fresh air.
So, let's get into all the looks recreated! First, I grabbed the style inspo shot of Diana, then I made a little "recipe" cheat sheet for the look, and then I tried it myself. I only used what I had in my closet, so most of these are interpretations, rather than exact copies. But that's what makes it fun!
1. Alright — here we go! To recreate: Diana's casual chic look
The recipe: blazer + crewneck + jeans + boots + cap
The result in real life:
The side-by-side:
2. Onwards! The look to recreate: Diana's varsity jacket/school drop-off outfit
The recipe: varsity jacket + skirt + long sleeve + chunky belt + hoops + tights + loafers or flats
The result in real life:
The side-by-side:
3. Next! The look to recreate: Diana's Canadian ski tuxedo
The recipe: a Canadian tuxedo! (Jean shirt + jeans) + leather bomber + ski boots/boots + belt
The result in real life:
The side-by-side:
4. The look to recreate: Diana's effortlessly chic outfit
The recipe: white button-down + jeans + belt + loafers + optional matching accessories
The result in real life:
The side-by-side:
5. The look to recreate: Diana's iconic workout outfits
The recipe: Crewneck + bike shorts + dad sneaks + sunnies + tote/gym bag (optional)
Alana Valko / Via Etsy / New Balance / SSENSE / Girlfriend Collective / Amazon
Arguably the most famous of Princess Diana's looks, the crewneck + bike short combo completely took👏over👏 the👏streets👏 this fall. And even though we are entering a new season, I don't think this will go away! It's so versatile for everyday wear — sure, you can wear it to the gym, but I'd also throw this on to run errands, walk the dog, and maybe this one would be more practical to pick up the kiddos from school.
Clothing links:Crewneck; Bike shorts;Sunglasses; Sneakers; Bag; Slouch socks
The result in real life:
Alana Valko
Here's my try at it! Wearing the Rowing Blazers sweater again (I can't get enough...also, in case you couldn't already tell, Michigan is my alma mater so I naturally gravitate toward maize and blue). I love this one!!! There's only one issue with it... Is it possible to wear an outfit *too* much?
Personally, I say no! Rewearing outfits is sustainable and resourceful. What's also great is I can just keep swapping out the crewneck for a completely new outfit each time. Yes, I will be wearing this Diana recipe until it goes out of style. (But it won't!!! 😉)
The side-by-side:
Anwar Hussein / Getty Images / Alana Valko
6. And finally, the look to recreate: Diana's "quiet luxury" polo outfit
Princess Diana Archive / Getty Images
The recipe: sweater + layered button-down + trousers + optional matching shoes/accessories
Alana Valko / Via Frank & Oak / The Frankie Shop / Steve Madden / Mejuri
Ok, I finally understand the "quiet luxury" style everyone was obsessing over this year. Sorry,Sofia Richie (love ya), but Princess Di *is* the blueprint. Yes, Diana wore this to a polo match, and no, I definitely don't have any polo matches to attend, but I WILL play pretend by trying to recreate this look!
The result in real life:
Alana Valko
Ok so...here's my look, and I actually think it's a slay!?? 🤭🗡️ No, my crewneck is not backwards, and no, I didn't try to recreate this three different times — it's giving effortlessly chic, ok!!!
But in all seriousness, this is probably my favorite look because I followed the guidelines (sweater layered with a button-down + trousers), but I diverted a little in the styling. I didn't have any white straight leg pants that fit (I actually tried putting some on from high school, but they were waaaay too tight), so I decided to just wear these gray ones I had with my little pointed booties (love how they peep out of the pant leg!). Clementine the cat said it's a slay...and I kinda have to agree!
The side-by-side:
Princess Diana Archive / Getty Images / Alana Valko
Alright, that's a wrap! While I was a tad scared to try and emulate a style icon for the public, this was actually so much fun. And after trying out some of Diana's iconic looks, I truly think it's possible for anyone to put their styling magic to the test and try out these Princess Diana outfit "recipes"! This could be you:
Disney / Via giphy.com