17 Times Kate Has Channelled Princess Diana's Sense of Style

Lady Di was the “People’s Princess” and Kate Middleton is a princess from the people, and that is certainly reflected through fashion, a major communication tool for the Royal Family. Like Di, Kate spends very little time talking to the press, so much of her mood and state-of-mind is interpreted through her clothing. Diana also revolutionized the “royal look,” casting off boring florals and uptight and ultra-feminine pastels for attention-grabbing gowns and yes, even jeans.

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Turning heads in fuchsia

Princess Diana opted for a fun fuchsia hue on a trip to Rome back in 1985. She turned heads in this long-sleeved dress with a gorgeous puffed shoulder feature and paired it with a matching fuchsia handbag and heels.

Kate Middleton fuschia Dress to Princess Eugenie wedding

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Turning heads in fuchsia

Recently, Kate Middleton caught our eye in her bold colour choice at Princess Eugenie's wedding. We couldn't help but remember the fuchsia number Princess Di wore back in Rome, down to the puffed sleeve detail. The Duchess of Cambridge's Alexander McQueen fuchsia dress was a hit, but unlike Princess Di's matchy-matchy accessories, Kate chose a slightly darker velvety finish on both her clutch and pumps, which we adored.

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All red everything

Back in September 1995, Princess Di was a lady in red as she arrived in Paris in a sleek red dress. She chose red accessories to compliment her early fall look.

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All red everything

Having just touched down in Canada to kick off the royal tour, Kate took a page out of Diana's September travel book and paired this elegant red dress with red pumps and a red clutch, too.

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The little black dress

Diana caused a minor scandal when she stepped out in a short (for a royal) black dress by one of the style icon's all-time favourite designers, but by doing so, she paved the way for her future daughter-in-law...

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The little black dress

Today, Kate can show off her knees and not get into too much trouble with the Queen (which she does pretty often in mildly short skirts).

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The power shoulder

Diana often chose styles that highlighted her shoulders and long neck--a lesson she undoubtedly passed along to her daughter-in-law.

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The power shoulder

While Kate often chooses dresses that highlight her shoulder area, she's a little more conservative than her late mother-in-law, particularly when it comes to off-the-shoulder dresses.

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Serious style

When you're tackling serious issues, you need a serious outfit, and Diana knew exactly how to put one together.

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Serious style

From the white button-down shirt to the sunglasses to the khakis, this outfit is straight out of Diana's style book.

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Bringing home baby (in polka dots)

Diana wore a pale green polka-dot dress when she brought baby William home from the hospital.

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Bringing home baby (in polka dots)

When Kate and William introduced Prince George to the world, Kate was in a pale blue polka dot dress very similar to Diana's. It was one of the many times Kate Middleton reminded us of Princess Diana as a mother.

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White tie affair

Diana often wore formal white gowns to major events, including this strapless number she wore to the 1987 Cannes Film Festival.

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White tie affair

Kate has taken a cue from Diana and opted for a luxe white dress on more than one official occasion.

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Hats and fascinators

Hats and fascinators are a tradition in English culture, one every woman in the Royal Family dutifully adheres to for church, horse races and weddings.

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Hats and fascinators

While some (ahem, Beatrice and Eugenia) turn into mad hatters, both Diana and Kate go for simple, flattering toppers that don’t cause too much of a stir.

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Going strapless

When you have a formal (royal) event, sometimes nothing beats a floor-length strapless black gown.

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Going strapless

A cue Kate clearly took from Princess Di, as she wears an almost identical dress for a night out with her royal family.

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Princess gear

There are times in a princess's life when you just need to wear a crown.

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Princess gear

Though Kate hasn't earned princess status (yet), she wore Diana's crown with just as much elegance and grace.

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A royal (blue) engagement

This shade of blue is a go-to colour when you're part of the Royal Family, so it's no surprise Diana picked this outfit for her engagement announcement.

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A royal (blue) engagement

Just like her mother-in-law, Kate (before she was a duchess) chose a similar shade of blue for her engagement announcement almost 30 years later.

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Totally into tartan

In a nod to traditional Scottish clothing, both Diana and Kate have worn tartan-print dresses that are a little on the conservative side.

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Totally into tartan

While the hemline is a little shorter and the colours a little more modern, Kate's tartan dress is quite similar to Diana's.

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Purple reign

Some public events call for a pop of colour, which is when royal purple comes into play. Diana was regularly spotted in the hue, including one of her most iconic dresses (who can forget that Versace?).

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Purple reign

Kate is also a fan of the colour; this purple Issa was an instant sell-out for the designer.

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Going backless

The Princess of Wales was known for taking major fashion risks, which included showing a little more skin than most Royals.

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Going backless

While Kate is a little more conservative, she has shown her fair share of skin over the past few years, including several backless dresses (just like Di).

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Blue (or black) jean lady

In keeping with her approachable persona, Diana wasn’t afraid to be seen in casual wear (and jeans are about as casual as a royal gets in public).

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Blue (or black) jean lady

Kate Middleton’s skinnies are not just in fashion, but also seem much more practical than a skirt (particualarly for beach volleyball).

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Statement coat

Royal duties often mean hanging around outside, hoping it doesn’t rain. Instead of the typical tweed coat favoured by the Queen, Diana was a fan of the statement coat--sometimes colourful, sometimes belted, always fitted and stylish.

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Statement coat

Like Princess Di, Kate has followed suit with her own collection of colourful statement coats.

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The black pump

For formal attire, the black pump is the princess’s real life glass slipper, as Diana was often spotted in a pair.

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The black pump

For casual occasions, Kate goes for a wedge (whereas Diana wore loafers), but there’s no doubt that there's some crossover when it comes to footwear. They both love a good black pump.

Love the royals? Don't miss 15 times Meghan Markle has copied Princess Diana's style.