Fashion
Princess Diana's Baby Photos Prove The Royal Was Always A Fashion Icon In The Making
Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are no doubt modern fashion icons, their outfits often reference another chic royal: Princess Diana. Between her contemporary takes on formal attire and her casual, cool spins on what has now been coined athleisure, the late princess was a fashion force to be reckoned with — and one who stole the spotlight everywhere she went. However, if you look at Princess Diana’s baby photos — shots from her childhood before she was officially Diana, Princess of Wales — you’ll quickly discover that she was a timeless fashion icon in the making.
Before royal duties were a natural part of her schedule, Princess Diana was known as Lady Diana Frances Spencer. The princess-to-be was born in Sandringham, England into a family of nobility, which resulted in a particularly posh upbringing — which makes her fashionable looks not altogether surprising. Growing up in the '60s and '70s, Diana was dressed up in outfits that reflect the trends of the time, though many are timelessly cute today.
From easy T-shirts and jeans to miniskirts and knee-high socks, it’s clear to see that Princess Diana has always had a penchant for style — even in her childhood. Click through to see the looks from Princess Diana’s early days.
Tim Graham/Tim Graham Photo Library/Getty Images
Born in 1961, Lady Diana Frances Spencer — who would later become Diana, Princess of Wales — was dressed in classic pieces like this ruffled eyelet dress during her early years.
For a simple ride in her stroller, the future princess wears a printed shirt with dungarees — proving that overalls are a casual staple to transcend trends of the time.
Baby Diana's two-piece ensemble is cute on it's own, but thanks to the leather brogue shoes and checked socks, it's one you might consider recreating yourself.
Here, the young fashion icon wears a terry T-shirt for a textured take on the classic staple.
As this look proves, a babydoll dress with ankle socks and Mary Jane shoes will never go out of style when it comes to dressing up little ones.
Young Diana wears a casual ensemble featuring a T-shirt, comfortable shorts, and easy thong sandals for a playful moment on the swing with her brother, Charles Edward Maurice.
In her youth, Diana sports a polished peacoat to layer over all of her ensembles.
Taking on the style associated with the mod '60s, the young Lady dons a bright red shift dress with a cardigan and accessorizes with a coordinating headband to pull the look together.
In another photo with he brother, Diana opts for a simple black turtleneck for a timeless look.
Even those in aristocracy turn to effortless ensembles, like a T-shirt and jeans, for casual activities like croquet.
Diana provides a simple look that's perfect for transitional weather: A lightweight ribbed sweater and relaxed jeans.
For the sunnier days, she keeps herself protected from the sun with a wide brim hat paired with a simple white top.
