How Princess Diana’s outfit choices keep inspiring Royal fashion today – from Queen Letizia to Princess Beatrice, claims AMANDA WAKELEY

Princess Diana was known for breaking royal fashion norms, and one of her most iconic sartorial statements was her embrace of tuxedo-style tailoring.

Long before masculine chic became a staple of modern red carpets, Diana dared to ditch ball gowns for androgynous elegance, redefining royal glamour. “The tuxedo is a perfect choice for the red carpet as it combines sophistication with a touch of the unexpected,” explains British designer and host of the Style DNA podcast, Amanda Wakeley OBE.

‘Although a dress is classic, a tuxedo exudes contemporary elegance, standing out for its clean lines and tailored fit with a subtle nod to androgyny.’

Decades later, Diana’s influence continues to seep through royal wardrobes, with Meghan Markle, Queen Letizia of Spain and Princess Beatrice all borrowing from the boys and donning tuxedos, proving that Diana’s bold sartorial choices continue to inspire today’s royals.

Now considered a timeless piece in both men’s and women’s wardrobes, it wasn’t until 1966 that the tuxedo jacket became more popular in women’s fashion when Yves Saint Laurent put the tailoring piece in the spotlight.

It then became synonymous with feminine power, immortalized in 1975 by Helmut Newton in a photo that has become iconic. “The timelessness of the tuxedo lies in its versatility and impeccable tailoring,” says Wakeley.

Appearing in a midnight blue two-piece for a Phil Collins concert at the Royal Albert Hall in 1990, Diana was a vision in this monochrome ensemble by Irish designer Paul Costelloe. Over the next four years it was recycled, along with matching tuxedo pants or a lace skirt

Princess Diana attended a Genesis concert in Birmingham in 1984 wearing a Margaret Howell tuxedo. Her white tuxedo jacket contrasted with her satin pants and bow tie

‘The sleek silhouette effortlessly combines masculine structure with feminine elegance, evolving decades after decades with subtle modern touches while retaining its core of sophistication.’

In the 1980s and early 1990s, Diana famously opted for sharply tailored tuxedos that combined femininity and strength.

An unforgettable look was Diana in a sleek black double-breasted tuxedo, paired with a satin lapel shirt and an oversized bow tie.

It was daring, revolutionary and it was unmistakably Diana. At a time when the royal family was largely synonymous with traditional femininity, Diana’s embrace of menswear-inspired fashion sent the message: women can wear the pants and still be royal.

Fast forward to the modern era, and Diana’s tuxedo legacy represents more than just a fashion choice, it is a powerful symbol of female empowerment and individuality.

Meghan Markle joined Prince Harry for the WellChild Awards in 2018 and swapped her girlish dresses for a custom tuxedo suit from Altuzarra with a silk blouse from Deitas and a Stella McCartney clutch

Designer Amanda Wakeley attended the launch of her podcast Amanda Wakeley: Style DNA at Abar Lounge in September

Queen Letizia of Spain’s chic co-ord set proves that sequins and velvet aren’t the only way to dress as the Christmas party season approaches. She chose a tuxedo at the 41st Francisco Cerecedo Journalism Awards and took to the High Street in her blazer and trousers from Mango

Princess Beatrice recently cut a stylish figure at a Ralph Lauren event in London, stepping out in an all-black ensemble with a tuxedo jacket. The expectant mother of two proved how stylish maternity wear can be when she paired a tuxedo blazer over a simple black midi dress

Princess Charlene of Monaco attended the 2024 World Rugby Awards in this long Alexander McQueen dress, a feminine take on the tuxedo trend, with the same satin lapels and pockets, but swapping the trousers for a full skirt

Designer Amanda Wakeley believes Princess Diana’s approach to the tuxedo was daring and experimental and reflected her willingness to push fashion boundaries, but today that look would be a little too literal with the bow tie and contrasting colored waistcoat.

“Today, royal women like Queen Letizia are embracing the tuxedo with a more streamlined and minimalist approach, showcasing a modern elegance that feels fresh and chic.”

However, Wakeley would like to see Kate Middleton try out this trend as it strikes a perfect balance between tradition and a progressive approach to fashion. “Catherine’s height and statuesque figure would make a tuxedo an incredible choice for her,” she says.

‘She has a natural elegance that allows her to carry the structured tailoring beautifully, and it would make a modern, slightly unexpected statement.’