Princess Diana's Most Iconic Outfits Included the Color Red

Gowns, sweaters, suits — you name it, she had it in this bright, bold shade.

Composite of Princess Diana wearing three different red outfits
Photo: Getty Images

We often wonder how certain celebrities and royals manage to find a winning look every time they step out. On one hand, they definitely have help: they're pals with designers, work with talented stylists, and have picked up plenty of tricks. But on the other, they've also developed specific aesthetics, and tend to stick to outfit formulas. For example, Princess Diana was a big fan of the color red.

Looking through some of her best and most memorable outfits, this color pops up over and again. Princess Diana frequently wore red gowns to big events, accessorized with red bags and hats, and was occasionally captured out and about in casual red items, such as sweaters and loose pants.

To be quite honest, we hadn't realized just how much Diana loved this bright, bold hue — which is also a known power color — until we looked back. Check out 19 times she convinced us that it deserves a spot in any and all wardrobes.

The Princess Accessorized A Red Gown With Diamonds

Princess Diana wearing a red gown
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

Gowns, suits, sweaters — you name it, she had it in this vibrant shade.

She Was a Fan Before She Was Royalty

Princess Diana wearing a sparkly red spaghetti strap dress
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

This sparkly red dress made an appearance in June 1981 (one month before she said "I do") at the premiere of the Bond film For Your Eyes Only.

She Had Multiple Red Suits in Her Closet

Princess Diana wearing a red skirt suit
Terry Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images

This stunning set was by Catherine Walker, which is also a designer that Kate Middleton often wears.

Princess Diana Also Loved a Red Coat

Princess Diana wearing a double-breasted red coat
David Levenson/Getty Images

Why go with basic black when you can choose something that really pops?

She Made a Case for Replacing the LBD

Princess Diana wearing a tailored red dress
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

Despite being sleek, simple, and modest, this tailored red dress was sexy, too.

And She Wasn't Afraid to Throw Volume Into the Mix

Princess Diana wearing a red tophat and a striped red and white top with a red vest and skirt
Anwar Hussein/Getty Images

Hey, it was the '80s, and this striped, puff-sleeved top was totally "in" (and definitely back on-trend today).

Sequined Designs? She Wore ‘Em

Princess Diana wearing a sparkly red gown by Bruce Oldfield
Jayne Fincher/Getty Images

Including this breathtaking gown by Bruce Oldfield, which popped up at a 1989 banquet held by the ruler of the United Arab Emirates.

Diana Enjoyed Red Plaid Prints

Princess Diana wearing a red plaid skirt suit
Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images

BRB, adding this to our fall fashion mood board.

She Also Didn't Stick to Just One Shade

Princess Diana wearing a burgundy velvet dress
Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images

We love this elegant burgundy color, which is still very popular today.

But Oftentimes, Brighter was Better

Princess Diana wearing a red and white polka dot shirt and a red suit jacket, skirt, tights, and heels.
Anwar Hussein/WireImage

She really went for it, wearing fiery red from head to toe. A pretty daring move, but we love a monochromatic outfit. And yes, those are red tights.

Sometimes, Diana Worked Red Accessories Into Her Look

Princess Diana wearing a white turtleneck, plaid suit jacket and skirt, and red clutch
Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images

That red clutch was the right move during a visit to Portsmouth in 1989.

Check Out That Red Hat

Princess Diana wearing a red and white polka dot dress with a pearl necklace and red sunhat
Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images

Emily in Paris wishes she thought of this pairing.

Now We're Convinced We Need Red Pants

Princess Diana wearing red pants and a koala-patterned sweater
M. Roberts/Mirrorpix/Getty Images

To style with a cozy fall sweater.

...And Possibly a Red Snowsuit

Princess Diana wearing a red ski suit
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

It really stands out against the white snow.

Red Is Also the Perfect Choice For Special Occasions

Princess Diana wearing a long red peacoat while holding Prince Harry as a baby
Anwar Hussein/Getty Images

We'll never forget what she wore when Prince Harry made his debut. Iconic.

It Looks Great With Pink, Too

Princess Diana wearing a red skirt and a pink top
Anwar Hussein/Getty Images

Pink, green, orange, purple, black — they somehow look even better when styled with something red (and yes, Diana wore it all).

And Can Pull Off a Preppy Style

Princess Diana wearing a floral skirt and a red sweater over her shoulders
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

Although, her outfits definitely taught us plenty of fashion tricks we still use today, including how to style a sweater over our shoulders.

Red Is a Known Power Color

Princess Diana wearing a bright red sleeveless gown
Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images

These days, it's not uncommon to spot celebs or even television characters, like "Lovecraft Country's" star, wearing red.

Princess Diana Clearly Wore It Well

Princess Diana wearing a white dress shirt underneath a ribbed red sweater
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

And we'll forever remember her in an eye-catching red outfit.

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