Princess Diana's style icon status has never wavered. Her illustrious yet modern fashion choices have always stood the test of time - from her cycling shorts to her 'revenge' dress. But there's one fashion genre the mother of Prince William and Prince Harry always nailed, and that's the art of casual dressing, particularly denim.
The former wife of King Charles was never seen in anything less than polished, even when she was snapped running errands, but her off-duty uniform of jeans, a simple classic white shirt, and a belt was revolutionary.
Diana often donned the trio, expertly tucking her shirt into the waistband of her jeans, and topping the look off with a sleek belt. This is what one may call the ultimate canvas - simple, elegant, timeless, and forever polished, no matter the occasion.
© Getty ImagesAlthough it may seem simple, it hits many points. White shirts always lighten the face and create a healthy, youthful stance, while a belt breaks up a look and prevents it from looking like a uniform. It's why, over thirty years later, this look is still embraced and adored by so many.
The Princess of Wales
Princess Kate may be known for her everlasting love of skinny jeans, but she has adhered to Diana's denim styling hack on more than one occasion.
© GettyNotably, in 2011, the then-Duchess of Cambridge had not long been married to the future King, Prince William, when the pair embarked on a series of engagements overseas. As she watched the Calgary Stampede Parade in Canada, the royal was the epitome of cowgirl chic, rocking a white shirt, slim-fit bootcut jeans and a chunky buckle belt.
The Duchess of Sussex
Prince Harry's wife, Meghan Markle, has been a longtime lover of Diana's winning denim formula and illustrated it perfectly in 2017. At the Invictus Games that year, Meghan and Harry's relationship hadn't long been made public, and the royal dazzled in her simple, slightly oversized white shirt and stonewash jeans. Although the belt was absent, the ensemble nodded to '90s Diana.
© GettyTwo years later, in 2019, the former Suits star launched her capsule collection with the Smart Works charity, called The Smart Set, on the rooftop of John Lewis in London.
© WireImageMeghan championed the British high street and beyond as she collaborated with leading fashion brands and designers – John Lewis & Partners, Marks & Spencer, Jigsaw, and Misha Nonoo, donning a white shirt, black tailored Jigsaw trousers, and the all-important belt. Although Meghan admittedly wore trousers, not jeans, it further proved that Diana's casual formula can easily be elevated for the boardroom.
