FASHION

Princess Diana’s Most Iconic Sweaters And Their Modern Counterparts

Taking notes from the royal winter wardrobe

Princess Diana’s fashion influence knows no bounds. Each year, season after season, people turn to the late Princess of Wales’ style to dictate their own sartorial choices – whether it be pulling inspiration from her polka-dotted dresses or in this case, her collection of statement knits and cardigans. The royals style impact will seemingly never wane. 

There’s good reason, with her fashion choices remaining as on-trend as ever. As the chillier months loom, we’ve decided to take yet another note out of Princess Diana’s stylebook, turning to her love of jumpers. From classic cashmere in a pop of colour to a sheep motif knit that was even stolen by the likes of modern-day style icon Harry Styles. Diana’s approach to winter should be admired. 

RELATED: This Instagram Account Documents Princess Diana’s Post-Divorce Style

Below, a look back at the royals most iconic jumpers. We’ve even matched them with their modern-day counterparts that are available now. 

Graphic Sweat

Even today, this Diana look is tried out by even the most influential of the style set (Hailey Bieber did a fashion shoot solely dedicated to it). Is it the perfect mixture of casual and business via a blazer and sweat? Is it the classic blue jeans and boot combo? Perhaps the simple gold hoops and navy cap? Every element of this off-duty look is pure perfection, right down to the white statement sweatshirt – which as it happens, is ideal for the colder months. 

graphic sweat

Shop the look:

paco

Paco Rabanne Printed cotton-jersey hoodie, $567; net-a-porter.com

pe nation

P.E Nation Short Corner Sweat, $159; pe-nation.com

vetements

VETEMENTS Cotton sweatshirt, $626; mytheresa.com

Statement Knit

Princess Diana was an avid fan of a statement knit, and her choices are still highly regarded today with brands still reinventing her iconic sheep jumper. You don’t have to stick to animals though, the ‘ugly sweater’ as the trend has since been dubbed is where your fashion creativity can run wild.  

statement knit

Shop the look:

gucci

Gucci Heart wool jumper with lamb intarsia, $2,150; gucci.com

lanvin

LANVIN sheep jumper, $2,622; 24s.com

loewe

LOEWE Striped cable-knitted wool sweater, $1,112; matchesfashion.com

Colour Pop

Even with her less adventurous looks, Diana managed to take a daring risk. This time, pairing a pretty pink cashmere knit with matching gingham trousers. While you don’t have to go all out like the royal did, adding a pop of colour through your winter wardrobe is the easy way to make it not feel so drab. Instead of picking the classic black and navy’s we inevitably reach for as soon as the temperature begins to drop, why not opt for some colour. 

princess diana

Shop the look:

off white

Off-White knitted logo tape top, $594; farfetch.com

off white

Witchery High Lo Crew Knit, $99.95; witchery.com.au

marant

ISABEL MARANT, ÉTOILE Kleely cotton and wool sweater, $380; mytheresa.com

Grandma Cardigan

Dad sneakers and mum jeans have stuck around as millennial staples, and it seems your grandmother’s cardigan is also a must-have item. Seen on runways over the past few seasons, cardigans are finally getting the love they so deserve in the real world, popping up on the street everywhere from London to New York with It girls putting their own spin on the cosy knit. Pair over a midi dress for the ultimate in casual chic. 

princess diana

Shop the look:

fendi

Fendi cardigan, $2,190; fendi.com

chloe knit

SEE BY CHLOÉ Jacquard-knit cardigan, $505; net-a-porter.com

miu miu

Miu Miu Mohair Cardigan, $2,350; miumiu.com

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