This Is What Princess Diana Wore to Ascot in the '80s

Princess Diana’s most iconic outfits may have been styled back in the ’80s and ’90s, but as you may have noticed from her impeccable wedding guest looks to her style signatures, a lot of her best looks are still super relevant. We’ve even spotted the likes of Zara tapping into some of Diana’s most beloved trends.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

So it makes perfect sense that since Diana’s style has made an everlasting impression on us all—her go-to outfits for a day at Royal Ascot are totally worth taking inspiration from in 2019. What to wear to the races can be a tricky outfit dilemma, especially when dress codes and formal traditions come into play. But follow Diana’s lead, and you’ll be styling up endless looks from polka dots and pencil skirts to statement hats in no time.

Keep scrolling to see our pick of Princess Diana’s best Royal Ascot outfits, with all the shopping you need down below.

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Royal Ascot, 1988
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Polka dots head to toe.

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Royal Ascot, 1997
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It was a big year for accessories in ’97—just check out the floral trimmings on that straw boater.

Related: These 35 Wedding Guest Dresses Are Next-Level Beautiful

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Royal Ascot, 1989
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This bold turban hat is giving us life.

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Royal Ascot, 1987
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When in doubt, go all pink. We’ve got a lot of love for the strong polka dots on Sarah Ferguson here.

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Royal Ascot, 1990
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Chic separates don’t always need to be colour co-ordinated. Here’s the proof.

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Royal Ascot, 1986
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Never underestimate a good hat.

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Royal Ascot, 1987
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Going for a bold print? Take a tip from Diana and accessorise in just one colour.

Related: 36 Iconic 1980s Fashion Moments We Never Want to Forget

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Royal Ascot, 1986
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Simple yet super sleek.

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Royal Ascot, 1987
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Navy and white always looks classy.

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Royal Ascot, 1987
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The full look in all its glory.

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Royal Ascot, 1988
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You can't go wrong with a nautical nod.

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Royal Ascot, 1985
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This is giving us Pretty Woman vibes.

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Royal Ascot, 1990
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Take away the purple accent, and this is a full 2018 look.

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Royal Ascot, 1987
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Pencil skirts and power shoulders.

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Royal Ascot, 1986
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So chic.

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Royal Ascot, 1981
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White tights were a royal favourite back in the '80s.

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Royal Ascot, 1985
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This soft peachy shade is all over the high street at the moment.

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Royal Ascot, 1988
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Keeping things classy in grey, white and a timeless string of pearls.

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Royal Ascot, 1981
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Candyman stripes and bright red may not be for everyone in 2019, but there's no denying this is Instagrammable.

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Royal Ascot, 1987
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From the car-bonnet post to the puff-shouldered skirt suit, this is everything.

Next up, the summer shoes royals always wear.

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Amy Lewis