How To Recreate Princess Diana's Most Iconic '90s Looks On A Budget
Princess Diana is undoubtedly one of the biggest style icons of both the 1980s and 1990s. Before her passing in 1997, Diana was the most beloved members of the British royal family for her kindness, poise, and as we'll discuss, dynamic fashion sense. The icon was infamously a target for the paparazzi, who followed her relentlessly to snap off-duty photos of Diana going about her day-to-day life. Many of these pictures led to new trends, some of which are still being followed over four decades later. Not only did Princess Diana use her street style to send a message to the royal family, but she influenced a generation with her intentional looks.
However, given Diana's status as a royal, recreating her iconic looks at home can seem a little daunting. After all, for the average person, purchasing the exact pieces worn by the rich and famous simply isn't possible. But don't fret — there are plenty of ways to tap into The People's Princess' style. We're breaking down four of Diana's most wearable outfits, providing reasonably priced dupes for each piece. One important tip to keep in mind is that many of these looks can also be thrifted. If there's something we recommend that's still too pricey for you (or if you just want to reduce your carbon footprint), try visiting your local thrift stores or shop for vintage online to search for unique pieces that fit Diana's vibe.
Princess Diana's casual equestrian look can easily be recreated for fall
One of Princess Diana's most beloved outfits is also one of her most casual. Diana stepped out at the Guards Polo Club alongside then-husband Prince Charles and their sons William and Harry in a perfect outdoorsy, off-duty look. Diana's outfit became instantly iconic; she wore an oversized blazer from Turnbull & Asser, slim-cut blue jeans, brown cowboy boots, a baseball cap, and a white sweatshirt featuring the British Lung Foundation's graphic logo.
Instead of a menswear blazer from Turnbull & Asher, which now range between £1,195 and £1,850, one solid option is the Oversized Twill Blazer from H&M. It may not be Turnbull & Asher quality, but the H&M blazer is highly rated and provides a similar look to Diana's for under $60. If you're willing to spend a little more, the Double-Breasted Wool Twill Blazer from COS retails for $249 and acts as a slightly elevated version of the H&M coat. However, both blazers will work perfectly to recreate Diana's outfit.
Slim-fit "cigarette" jeans like the ones Diana rocked for this look are back in style, and easier to find than ever at a low price. Light wash denim like Old Navy's $50 High-Waisted OG Straight Ankle Jeans and the $128 Perfect Vintage Jeans from Madewell have a '90s vibe that channels classic Di in the best way. As far as the royal's well-worn cowboy boots, you can either match her vibe with the $240 Dolce Vita Vigla Boots in Chestnut Leather or Blowfish Malibu's Nomads Boots, which are a bit more cost-effective at $110 regular price. Add a $20 dad hat from Carhartt and a logo sweatshirt advertising your favorite charity, and the Princess Diana 'fit is complete.
Princess Diana's revenge dress has many perfect (and affordable) dupes
Princess Diana's revenge dress became one of the most iconic looks in fashion history, as it was worn at a pivotal moment in the royal icon's life. On the same night that Prince Charles publicly admitted to being unfaithful in their marriage, Diana wore an off-the-shoulder LBD to Vanity Fair's gala at the Serpentine Gallery in 1994. The "revenge dress" was considered racy by royal standards, making a definitive statement that undermined Charles' attempt to control the narrative on their relationship. Diana's dress is still just as stylish today as it was over three decades ago, but cost the royal £900 (around 1,000 USD).
There are plenty of other perfect LBD types that resemble the revenge dress, but come at a more modest cost. Reformation's $218 Devon Knit Dress is one excellent example. While it is a bit longer than the revenge dress, it features a chic off-the-shoulder cut that maintains the subtly sultry vibe of the OG. For an even more affordable option, H&M's Fitted Off-The-Shoulder Dress retails for just under $60. The best cost-effective match we've found for the revenge dress is the $185 Walter Ruched Off-The-Shoulder Sheath Dress from Norma Kamali. The dress may be pricier than its ultra-affordable H&M counterpart, but the ruching and sweetheart neckline channel Lady Di in the best way.
Like Diana did for her revenge look, you can upgrade your LBD style with a pair of black tights. Snag's Semi-Opaque 50 Den Tights were ranked among the best black tights on the market by The New York Times' Wirecutter in 2025, and they're only $17. Diana's pearl and sapphire choker may be a royal heirloom, but you can achieve a similar effect with the $41 multi-strand Pearl Choker from Revolve.
Princess Diana's early take on athleisure won't hurt your wallet
Princess Diana's effortlessly cool energy made even her gym clothes seem stylish. One of her most well-known fashion moments came from an outing in November 1995, when cameras captured her after a workout at the Chelsea Harbour Club. Diana rocked a navy blue sweatshirt with a Virgin Atlantic Airways graphic, orange spandex shorts, and high-top sneakers. Princess Diana's wardrobe changed after leaving the royal family, and ultra-casual looks like these prove it. Recreating one of her most iconic athleisure looks is simpler than you'd think (and cheap, too).
High-quality spandex shorts are easy to come by these days. The OFFLINE By Aerie Real Me XTRA High Waisted 7" Bike Short retail for $40, and have incredibly high customer reviews. For an ultra-affordable option, Old Navy's High-Waisted Jersey Biker Shorts are only $13, and feature a wide range of sizes as well as multiple color and pattern options (for an extra '90s vibe). The High-Waisted Above The Knee Short from Skims are a little more expensive at $44, but offer additional sculpting and support that the other affordable options don't.
To achieve the comfortable, well-worn look of Diana's sweatshirt, reach for a pullover from the men's department instead. UNIQLO is a great brand for basics, and their $40 unisex Sweatshirt goes up to a 3XL. Accessorizing is the key to bringing your athleisure 'fits to the next level, and the Lady Di method involves a less-is-more philosophy. The Puffer Hobo Shoulder Bag from Wild Fable is $25, and resembles the stylish gym bag Diana was spotted toting after her workouts. For footwear, high-top sneakers like the Nike Blazer Mid '77s ($90 regular price on ASOS) or Reebok's $80 Women's Freestyle Hi Shoes are best.
Princess Diana's high-class outfit can be recreated with low-cost pieces
As much as we love Princess Diana's casual looks, there's something about her classy (yet still wearable) outfits that just works. During a 1994 shopping trip in Knightsbridge, an upscale district in London, Diana was spotted in a simple yet chic ensemble consisting of a white turtleneck, white tailored trousers, an olive green blazer, and a brown statement belt. As for her shoes, the royal opted for for sensible brown and white loafers — Princess Diana's timeless style had one big exception: no open-toed shoes. This look screams quiet luxury, one of the trends that seems to be enduring, and can be easily replicated today.
A high-quality blazer is one of the most important things for a modern woman to have in her closet. The ASOS DESIGN tailored oversized blazer in khaki is $85, and captures the '90s vibe of Diana's shopping look. While they don't offer it in a muted green, Old Navy's Classic Double Weave Blazer is only $50, highly rated, and goes up to a size 4X — a rarity for blazers. As we've mentioned, UNIQLO is one of the best brands for affordable basics; their HEATTECH Cashmere Blend Turtleneck T-Shirt in natural is a solid pick to recreate Diana's ensemble.
White trousers are another closet staple, and we have a few affordable options that we love. The High-Waisted Wow Super-Skinny Jeans from Old Navy are $35, and closely resemble Diana's slim-fit pants. The off-white High Rise '90s Slim Straight Jeans from Gap ($90 full-price) are a little higher in cost, but provide a vintage vibe that just works with this look. Dr. Scholl's Hello Penny Loafer in honey brown/white ($70) is almost a one-to-one match for Diana's timeless flats, adding one final luxurious touch.