Polka dots were one of the late Princess Diana’s most famous style hallmarks. The Princess of Wales wore the bold print—in every possible shape, color, and size, and even on her socks—on state visits, at receptions, and to polo matches. She also wore it to weddings, becoming one of the first to make this print a classic for such celebrations. One of her most memorable polka-dot dresses was the frock she wore to the wedding of then Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson on July 23, 1986. Although Princess Anne, in a stunning yellow lace ensemble, drew much of the attention on the day, Diana shone, as always, at the wedding of Charles of England’s brother, thanks to the unique style that led her to become a global icon.
The key to her look lay primarily in the color and size of the polka dots. In contrast to the mauve and powdery tones worn by both the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II, Lady Di stood out in a deep blue dress splashed with large black polka dots. The silhouette of this design, created by Victor Edelstein—one of her favorite designers—flattered her figure thanks to the black sash that accentuated her waist and the dress’s strong shoulders. She didn’t overlook the essential accessory for British women at any important event worth its salt, either: the headpiece. Diana opted for a hat with a black interior and an exterior in the same blue as her dress, created by the British designer Kirsten Woodward, who worked for Chanel during those years. The princess completed her look with blue shoes and a clutch, along with black gloves.
The royal family at Buckingham Palace after the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of York. Front row (children); The Earl of Ulster, Lady Davina Windsor, Lady Rose Windsor, Andrew Ferguson, Lady Rosanagh Innes-Ker, Zara Phillips, Prince William, Laura Fellowes, Seamus Makim, Alice Ferguson, Peter Phillips, Lady Gabriella Windsor and Lord Frederick Windsor. Second row; Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones, Princess Margaret, Princess Anne, Princess Diana holding Prince Harry, the Queen Mother, the Queen, Duke and Duchess of York, Major Ronald Ferguson, Prince Edward, Susan Barrantes, Lady Elmhurst (behind), the Rt Hon Doreen Wright, Major Bryan Wright (behind), Alexander Makim, and Jane Makim. Third row; Viscount Linley, Capt Mark Phillips, Marina Ogilvy, Prince of Wales, Princess Alexandra, Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Michael of Kent, Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, the Duchess of Kent, and Lady Helen Windsor. Back row, James Ogilvy, Prince Michael of Kent, the Hon Angus Ogilvy, the Duke of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent, and the Earl of St Andrews (Photo by PA Images via Getty Images)PA Images/Getty Images
