Reminder: This Is What Princess Diana Wore to Ascot in the '80s

Princess Diana’s most iconic outfits might have been styled back in the ’80s and ’90s, but as you might have noticed from her impeccable wedding-guest looks and her style signatures, a lot of her best ensembles are still super relevant. We’ve even spotted the likes of Zara tapping into some of Diana’s most beloved trends.

So it makes perfect sense that Diana’s style has made an everlasting impression on us all—her go-to outfits for a day at Royal Ascot are totally worth taking inspiration from in 2018. What to wear to the races can be a tricky outfit dilemma, especially when dress codes and formal traditions come into play. But follow Diana’s lead, and you’ll be styling up endless looks, from polka dots and pencil skirts to statement hats, in no time.

Keep scrolling to see our pick of Princess Diana’s best Royal Ascot outfits, with all the shopping you need down below.

Royal Ascot, 1988
Princess Diana races outfits: polka-dot dress and hat

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Polka dots head to toe.

Royal Ascot, 1997
Princess Diana races outfits: white jacket and straw hat

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It was a big year for accessories in ’97—just check out the floral trimmings on that straw boater.

Royal Ascot, 1989
Princess Diana races outfits: Purple skirt, white jacket, turban hat

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This bold turban hat is giving us life.

Royal Ascot, 1987
Princess Diana races outfits: pink skirt suit and straw hat

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When in doubt, go all pink. We’ve got a lot of love for the strong polka dots on Sarah Ferguson here.

Royal Ascot, 1990
Princess Diana races outfits: purple skirt, red jacket, yellow top, purple hat

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Chic separates don’t always need to be color-coordinated. Here’s the proof.

Royal Ascot, 1986
Princess Diana races outfits: White hat

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Never underestimate a good hat.

Royal Ascot, 1987
Princess Diana races outfits: yellow printed dress and blue hat with blue shoes

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Going for a bold print? Take a tip from Diana and accessorize in just one color.

Royal Ascot, 1986
Princess Diana races outfits: white jacket and skirt

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Simple yet super sleek.

Royal Ascot, 1987
Princess Diana races outfits: nautical navy-and-white striped skirt and jacket

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Navy and white always looks classy.

Royal Ascot, 1987
Princess Diana races outfits: striped dress

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The full look in all its glory.

Royal Ascot, 1988
Princess Diana races outfits: striped hat

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You can’t go wrong with a nautical nod.

Royal Ascot, 1985
Princess Diana races outfits: pink dress

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This is giving us Pretty Woman vibes.

Royal Ascot, 1990
Princess Diana races outfits: purple skirt suit

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Take away the purple accent, and this is a full 2018 look.

Royal Ascot, 1987
Princess Diana races outfits: skirt suit

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Pencil skirts and power shoulders.

Royal Ascot, 1986
Princess Diana races outfits: all-white outfit

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So chic.

Shop the Look

We’ve never met a Topshop dress we didn’t like. 

Available in sizes 0 to 14.

The perfect base for getting creative. For a simple update, just add a silk scarf.