Princess Diana’s 1991 pastel Easter Sunday outfit was ahead of its time

The late Princess Diana was the world’s first fashion influencer, long before Instagram was invented. Her way of choosing timeless designs continues to inspire the fashion world, over two decades after her death.

The former wife of King Charles appeared to have a solid grasp on what suited her, and her iconic ensembles are nothing short of legendary – and still widely admired today.

Princess Diana dressed to impress and was always mindful of her surroundings when selecting her looks. Her Easter Sunday outfit from 1991 illustrates this notion perfectly.

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Arriving at St. George’s Chapel, the mother of Prince William and Prince Harry embraced pastel perfection in this glorious Catherine Walker coat dress. The dazzling design featured a muted pink and white gingham print, which packed a powerful punch. The style boasted statement gold buttons at the torso, and she expertly accessorised with a beautiful hat in the same print, adorned with a ribbon and net detail.

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Diana added simple ivory pumps and a matching clutch and looked as resplendent as always.

This outfit may have been worn 35 years ago, but the smart, tailored cut means it wouldn’t look out of place today. What’s more, Diana’s choice to embrace pastels, the unofficial shading of spring, was a directional, modern, and fresh take on formal dressing at the time.

Diana’s butter yellow moment

Choosing to continue the pastel theme a year later, Diana once again decided to opt for a muted yet fun colourway in 1992, choosing a delightful lemon creation for the Easter service that year.

© Princess Diana Archive

The royal chose a tailored jacket with sharp shoulders, a clean neckline, and statement buttons along the cuffs, paired with a pleated skirt trimmed in contrasting navy. Opting to go a little darker, Diana added black sheer tights, navy court heels, a structured black clutch, and a wide-brimmed navy hat with bold yellow ribbon detailing.

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With the backdrop of the cherry blossom tree and her winning smile, Diana looked in great spirits as she arrived at the church, and this look will forever be a blueprint for dressing with spring in mind.