The Enduring Influence of Royal Fashion from Diana to Kate Middleton

As the final curtain falls on the binge-worthy spectacle that is “The Crown,” we find ourselves reflecting on seven years of a captivating royal soap opera. Beyond the Mustique glamour of Princess Margaret, it’s the wardrobe that has stolen the spotlight. The Princess Diana cosplay years, with their Instagram-worthy revenge dresses and Lady Dior bags, have left an indelible mark. Yet, as we bid adieu to the TV drama, we realize that our fascination with royal style has been supercharged. From Princess Diana to Kate Middleton, the sartorial journey of the Windsor dynasty continues to captivate, shaping our fashion obsessions.

Princess Diana’s Style: Beyond the Revenge Dress
Princess Diana’s fashion legacy is a timeless tale that transcends generations. The allure of her wardrobe, immortalized in Instagram catnip moments like the revenge dress, continues to echo. Recently, her iconic “black sheep” knitted sweater fetched a staggering $1.1 million at Sotheby’s. The cashing-in on Diana’s style persists, with brands like Rowing Blazers experiencing a resurgence by reissuing her famous sweaters. Even in the final series of “The Crown,” her style, portrayed by Elizabeth Debicki, maintains its magnetic pull.

Princess Anne: The Unsung Fashion Fox
While Diana rightfully claimed the spotlight, “The Crown” allowed Princess Anne, portrayed by Erin Doherty, to have her moment. Her Seventies prints and jaunty neck scarves challenged perceptions, prompting discussions about whether the King’s sister was an overlooked fashion fox. “Stop trying to make Princess Anne happen,” one commentator quipped, highlighting the cyclical nature of royal prominence. Anne’s fashion choices underlined the inevitable truth that as one royal’s star fades, another steps into the limelight.

Royal Style Successors: Kate and Meghan
As Princess Diana’s fashion narrative persists, the current style-fancies of the monarchy, Kate and Meghan, take center stage. However, their roles, like those before them, will diminish as the younger generation, represented by Charlotte and Lilibet, steps forward. The royal cycle continues, emphasizing that existing as a royal means being prepared to be replaced.

From the Bad Taste Era to Unexpected Sartorial Brilliance
As “The Crown” navigates the early Noughties, the stylistic inspiration might not be groundbreaking, but it does offer unexpected gems. Among the jeans and Ralph Lauren sweaters, a sartorial surprise emerges. Charles’s outfit, taking William to St Andrews for the first time, becomes a standout moment with a wild combination of a tweed brown suit jacket, white buff-colored trousers, slip-on brown shoes, and a green and brown diagonal stripe tie. The unexpected brilliance of royal fashion, as explained by costume department heads Amy Roberts and Sidonie Roberts, lies in bold and odd choices that somehow translate into sartorial genius.

From the couture charisma of Princess Diana to the understated elegance of Kate Middleton, “The Crown” has not just chronicled the history of the Windsor dynasty but also fueled our enduring fascination with royal fashion. As the final episodes air, the legacy of impeccable style, characterized by bold choices and unexpected brilliance, lives on. Our obsession with the regal wardrobe continues, echoing the cyclical nature of royal prominence. In the end, whether a royalist or not, there’s an undeniable appreciation for the extraordinary, bold, and brave fashion statements that have graced the screens, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of style.