Princess Diana’s #1 fashion tip that helped her become a style icon was her practice of recycling old clothes. This not only contributed to her effort to be more sustainable but also ensured a consistent and inspiring style profile. Princess Diana was known for her iconic outfits, such as the black “revenge dress” and the adorable sheep sweater. These outfits continue to live on in infamy, and Daily Mail writer Eliza Scarborough has a theory as to why.
As one of the most photographed women of her time, Princess Diana left behind a vast collection of photographs that allow us to appreciate her best looks over the years. Eliza Scarborough noted that Diana was also known for the creative ways she recycled fashion. Instead of simply returning to the same old look, she mixed things up by deconstructing and redesigning many items in her wardrobe to suit her changing style.
Princess Diana often reconstructed and restyled items like blouses and suits to help them suit other outfits. For example, Eliza recalled a time when Diana wore a skirt suit in two different ways, and both styles gave off totally different vibes. In June 1981, a month before her royal wedding, Diana chose a purple and yellow striped suit by David Neil for a day at the polo in Windsor. She draped the blouse over a coordinating top and skirt, paired with matching lilac accessories. Then, a few years later in 1983, she wore the same skirt suit in a much more formal style during an Australia tour. This time, she added a John Boyd fascinator and buttoned up the shirt with a pussybow for a far more demure take on the original suit.
Another example of Diana’s creativity with recycling clothes was her transformation of a grey Dior suit in the ’90s. She completely transformed a pair of pants into a skirt, completely modifying the look. These are just two of many examples of Princess Diana breathing new life into her old clothes. This practice not only made her more sustainable but also allowed her to keep beloved pieces in her wardrobe without sacrificing her ever-changing personal aesthetic.
Princess Diana’s fashion recycling efforts have even influenced modern-day fashion icons like Kate Middleton. Kate Middleton is constantly re-wearing old wardrobe pieces, following suit in these sustainability efforts. By recycling and restyling clothes, both Princess Diana and Kate Middleton show that sustainable fashion can be chic and timeless.
In conclusion, Princess Diana’s #1 fashion tip that helped her become a style icon was her practice of recycling old clothes. She mixed things up by deconstructing and redesigning items in her wardrobe to suit her changing style. This not only contributed to her effort to be more sustainable but also ensured a consistent and inspiring style profile. Princess Diana’s fashion recycling efforts continue to inspire fashion icons today, such as Kate Middleton, who also prioritize sustainability in their fashion choices.
