Princess Diana’s Best Summer Fashion Moments

Princess Diana was and still is a true fashion icon and our fascination for her style knows no limits. Today we pay tribute to her timeless off-duty summer style, which is as inspiring - if not more inspiring - than her public appearances’ looks.

From leopard-print one-piece swimsuits to oversized t-shirts and pop-print cover ups, Princess Diana was always effortlessly stylish and fashion forward thanks to her iconic summer looks. A true trendsetter since her honeymoon with Prince Charles in July 1981, until her tragic death in August 1997.

Modest dresses and XXL t-shirts

July 1981. Prince Charles, heir to the throne of England, and the young and pretty Diana Spencer just got married. Now is the time to celebrate this union with the traditional and romantic honeymoon, which will be the Princess of Wales' very first vacation as a member of the royal family. The couple are aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia for a Mediterranean cruise. The young Lady Diana appears in an elegant and modest floral-printed dress, typical of her early days in the British monarchy.

Honeymooning chic in a gorgeous floral white silk dress by Donald Campbell.

A few years later, in 1990, the princess is on the Fortuna, a yacht owned by the King of Spain, sailing off the island of Majorca. On board, a host of crowned heads: her husband, the Prince of Wales, King Constantine II of Greece, his wife Anne-Marie, their daughter Princess Theodora and the owners of the boat, Juan Carlos and Sofia of Spain. The atmosphere is relaxed, Diana is seen in an oversized tee and colorful Bermuda shorts, a breezy and effortlessly chic ensemble.

We love the laid-back feel of this summer look.

A free spirit even in her clothing

“I like to be a free spirit,” she famously said. “Some don't like that, but that’s the way I am.” And, indeed, the princess’s nonconformist spirit was evident in her clothing. July 1997. Almost a year after her divorce from Prince Charles, Princess Diana went on vacation with her new companion, Egyptian producer Dodi Al-Fayed, son of billionaire Mohammed Al-Fayed, owner of Harrods stores in London and the prestigious Ritz hotel in Paris. In terms of style, her divorce with the Prince of Wales is accompanied by a stylistic renaissance. Lady Di unveils a new image that oozed self-confidence and freedom: sexy, breezy and flirty looks that reminded the world that although she lost her status as HRH, she was still the queen of style. A modern yet timeless icon.  

The ultimate summer muse.

We love the splashy bright print of this one-piece swimsuit.

Her last summer

It is in Saint-Tropez, accompanied by Princes William and Harry, that she will enjoy a short summer break off the coast of southern France. At her disposal, a luxury yacht, the Jonikal, and a private beach. On the program of this stay on the French Riviera? Water sports, jet skiing and diving with her two sons.

A summer that fascinated the press and media around the world: between swimming and languid poses on the yacht, Princess Diana offers the paparazzi a true fashion show. As only Diana could, she pulled off a summer wardrobe that was both polished and casual: animal print one-piece swimsuits, colorful bikinis with cover ups, and stylish shorts.

Taking a walk on the wild side.

Pop of colors.

Legs for days.

From Saint-Tropez to Monaco via Sardinia, the “Princess of Hearts” enjoyed a hot summer alongside her new companion. Little did she know it will be her last.