This Princess Diana Signature Look Inspired Spring's Hottest Trend

The demure style of Diana, Princess of Wales remains relevant today, 20 years after her tragic death. As members of the royal family welcome a new princess into their clan, this one Diana signature look is as relevant as ever, proving that true grace and style never fall out of fashion.

Known as the People’s Princess, Diana is just as famous for her accessible and feminine style as she is for her philanthropy. Earlier this year, Virgil Abloh of Off-White, one of fashion’s hottest labels, honored Princess Di with his “Natural Woman” collection, inspired by Princess Diana’s signature looks. But Abloh isn’t the only one drawing inspiration from the late Princess of Wales’ sartorial statements.

A stamp printed in Burkina Faso shows Diana of Wales

This spring is all about the décolletage, a part of the body which can be both modest and sensual at the same time. Derived from the French verb décolleter, which means “to expose the neck,” the word itself is fraught with delicate tension. One would be hard-pressed to find a better way to describe Princess Diana’s style. Indeed, her décolletage is one of the most well-known in fashion history. Lady Di’s penchant for off-the-shoulder gowns and tops, as well as asymmetric jumpsuits, showcased her décolletage, which remains one of the Princess’ fashion legacies.

This spring, everyone from Marc Jacobs to Rachel Zoe is offering dresses that expose the neck and (modest) cleavage. Lela Rose and Galvan are touting Princess Di-inspired jumpsuits, and J.Crew has an affordable strapless spring number that the People’s Princess would approve of.

To draw further inspiration from Lady Diana’s signature style, choose from a palette of pastels. The juxtaposition of the modest hues and the exposure of skin amplifies the tension that makes the décolletage so alluring.

Shop the look

Canary Island

Marc Jacobs belted one-shoulder crepe dress

The asymmetric neckline helps you flaunt your décolletage.

Garden party

Rachel Zoe Jillian one-shoulder midi-dress

Play up your décolletage with a cold-shoulder neckline accentuated with cascading ruffles.

Baby blue

Lela Rose off-the-shoulder wool-blend crepe jumpsuit

This playsuit could be straight from Lady Di’s closet.

Candy-striper

J. Crew Jackaroo strapless striped cotton-seersucker dress

Your décolletage will look delectable in this strapless candy-striped-inspired number.

White hot

Galvan asymmetric satin halterneck jumpsuit

This asymmetric look offers a twist on the décolletage-baring jumpsuit.

About the author

Jill Di Donato

Fashion Editor

Jill is a New York native who holds a BA in Literature from Barnard College, and an MFA in writing from Columbia University. She is the author of the novel Beautiful Garbage (She Writes Press, 2013) about the downtown Manhattan art and fashion scene in the 1980s. A former staff writer for The Huffington Post and Bustle, Jill comes to Culture Trip after working with Refinery 29, Vice, Salon, Paste Style, Los Angeles Times, Nylon, Shopify, Autre, and producing content for emerging fashion labels. She teaches classes about fashion and culture at Barnard College and The Fashion Institute of Technology. Her prized possessions are her Gucci fanny pack, vintage rocker t-shirts, and her grandmother's collection of costume jewelry. She's always on the lookout for a gem-encrusted turban.