
Snaps of a sun-kissed Princess Diana holidaying in the ’80s and ’90s are enough to invoke major wanderlust—diving off yachts and wafting around in breezy linen were the original envy-inducing holiday snaps. Remembered for her fashion-forward credentials, the late Princess’s summer wardrobe was no exception. Outside of revenge dresses and ice blue Catherine Walker gowns, Diana’s statement swimwear is enough to set us hunting for that perfect retro all-in-one, even if Mustique or Saint Tropez’s sandy coastlines are but a distant dream for most of us.
These days, when you think of summer style inspo, it’s probably the likes of Dakota Johnson or Dua Lipa who top the list. But Diana’s laid-back linen separates, vibrant swimwear, and throw-on dresses made up one of the most memorable elements of the royal’s always effortless, timeless wardrobe.
A lemon-yellow jumpsuit worn with gold shoes, a matching belt, and stacks of jewelry made for a sunny look on a trip to Mallorca in 1987; animal-print pieces accompanied her on several excursions; and her repertoire of swimwear—including an iconic floral bikini worn in the South of France back in 1985—was a joyful explosion of color. And there was, always, a jaunty look for the polo and Royal Ascot come summertime. In many ways, the Princess of Wales’s holiday wardrobe feels just as relevant now as it did back then. Below, 30 photos that prove nobody did warm weather dressing and summer style quite like Princess Diana.

A day at the polo
Photo: Getty Images
Cowdray Park, 1983
Honeymoon florals
Photo: Getty Images
Leaving Gibraltar for her honeymoon cruise on board the Royal Yacht Britannia, 1981.

Breezy mom-to-be
Photo: Getty Images
Windsor, 1982

A day at the polo
Photo: Getty Images
Cowdray Park, 1983

Setting sail in swimwear
Photo: Getty Images
South of France, 1985

Gingham checks
Photo: Getty Images
Windsor, 1986

A vision in lemon yellow
Photo: Getty Images
Mallorca, 1987

Deckchair stripes
Photo: Getty Images
Balmoral, 1987

Summer brights
Photo: Getty Images
Mallorca, 1988

Daytime chic
Photo: Getty Images
South Australia, 1988

Playful prints
Photo: Getty Images
New South Wales, 1988

Hot pink
Photo: Getty Images
Necker Island, 1989

Holiday casual
Photo: Getty Images
Mallorca, 1990

Cap sleeves and a smile
Photo: Getty Images
Nigeria, 1990

Mediterranean moments
Photo: Getty Images
On a yacht with Prince Charles and King Constantine II of Greece, 1990

A penchant for animal-print
Photo: Getty Images
Necker Island, 1990

Relaxed separates
Photo: Getty Images
Egypt, 1992

Neat neutrals
Photo: Getty Images
Egypt, 1992

Water sports
Photo: Getty Images
British Virgin Islands, 1993

Throw-on T-shirts
Photo: Getty Images
British Virgin Islands, 1993

Seafaring fun
Photo: Getty Images
South of France, 1996

Cropped trousers and flats
Photo: Getty Images
Angola, 1997

Pops of color
Photo: Getty Images
St Tropez, 1997

Beach strolls in monochrome
Photo: Getty Images
St Tropez, 1997
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Anna Cafolla is American Vogue’s news editor, working across fashion, beauty, culture and living from London. Previously, she has worked at Dazed, Cosmopolitan, and ELLE, and has written for The Guardian, The Face, AnOther, and Conde Nast Traveller. She will hold you hostage until you agree to her restaurant recommendations. ... Read More
Alice Cary is the senior shopping writer at British Vogue. Fashion trends articles, curated shopping edits, and commerce franchises all fall within Alice’s remit, though she occasionally writes for the Jewellery and Arts & Lifestyle sections. Alice graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2019 with a BA in fashion journalism ... Read More
























