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Princess Diana was renowned for breaking royal fashion norms, and one of her most iconic sartorial statements was her embrace of tuxedo-style tailoring.
Long before mannish chic became a staple of modern red carpets, Diana dared to swap ballgowns for androgynous elegance, redefining royal glamour in the process. ‘The tuxedo is a perfect choice for the red carpet because it combines sophistication with a touch of the unexpected,’ explains British designer and host of podcast Style DNA, Amanda Wakeley OBE.
‘While a gown is classic, a tuxedo exudes contemporary elegance, standing out with its clean lines and tailored fit with a subtle nod to androgyny.’
Decades later, Diana’s influence continues to ripple through royal wardrobes, with the likes of Meghan Markle, Queen Letizia of Spain, and Princess Beatrice all borrowing from the boys and donning tuxedos, proving that Diana’s daring sartorial choices continue to inspire today’s royals.
Considered today as a timeless piece in both men’s dressing and women’s wardrobes, it was not until 1966 that the tuxedo jacket became more popular in female fashion when Yves Saint Laurent put the spotlight on the tailored piece.
It then became synonymous with feminine power, immortalised in 1975 by Helmut Newton in a photo that has become iconic. ‘The tuxedo’s timelessness lies in its versatility and impeccable tailoring,’ says Wakeley.
In 1988, when Princess Diana attended a charity greyhound racing event at Wembley Stadium, she donned a Catherine Walker suit paired with an unconventional green Hackett waistcoat. Naturally, Diana put her own twist on the ensemble finishing the three-piece suit with a bow tie
Stepping out in a midnight blue two-piece for a Phil Collins concert at the Royal Albert Hall in 1990, Diana was a vision in this monochrome ensemble by Irish designer Paul Costelloe. It was recycled over the next four years, either with the matching tuxedo trousers or a lace skirt
Princess Diana attended a Genesis concert in Birmingham in 1984 wearing a tuxedo by Margaret Howell. Her white dinner jacket contrasted against her satin trousers and bow tie
‘It’s sleek silhouette effortlessly blends masculine structure with feminine elegance, and decade after decade it evolves with subtle modern touches while maintaining its core sophistication.’
In the 1980s and early 1990s, Diana famously opted for sharply tailored tuxedos combining femininity and power.
One unforgettable look featured Diana in a sleek, black double-breasted tuxedo, paired with a satin lapel shirt and oversized bow tie.
It was bold, it was revolutionary, and it was undeniably Diana. At a time when the royal family was largely synonymous with traditional femininity, Diana’s embrace of menswear-inspired fashion sent a message, women can wear the trousers and still be regal.
Fast forward to the modern era, and Diana’s tuxedo legacy represents more than just a fashion choice, it is a powerful symbol of female empowerment and individuality.
Joining Prince Harry for the WellChild awards in 2018, Meghan Markle swapped her girlish frocks for a tailored tuxedo suit by Altuzarra with a silk blouse by Deitas and Stella McCartney clutch
Designer Amanda Wakeley attending the launch of her podcast Amanda Wakeley: Style DNA at Abar Lounge in September
Queen Letizia of Spain’s chic co-ord proves that sequins and velvet aren’t the only way to dress as the Christmas party season draws closer. Choosing a tuxedo at the 41st Francisco Cerecedo Journalism Awards, she championed the High Street in her blazer and trousers from Mango
Princess Beatrice cut a stylish figure at a Ralph Lauren event in London recently, stepping out in an all-black ensemble featuring a tuxedo jacket. The soon-to-be mother of two proved how stylish maternity wear can be as she layered a tuxedo blazer over a simple black midi dress
Princess Charlene of Monaco attended the 2024 World Rugby Awards wearing this full length Alexander McQueen gown which is a feminine take on the tuxedo trend featuring the same satin lapels and pockets but swapping the trousers for a floor-sweeping skirt
Designer Amanda Wakeley believes that Princess Diana’s approach to the tuxedo was bold and experimental, reflecting her willingness to push fashion boundaries, but nowadays that look would be a little too literal with the bow tie and the contrast-coloured waistcoat.
‘Today, royal women like Queen Letizia embrace the tuxedo with a more streamlined and minimalist approach, showcasing a modern elegance that feels fresh and chic.’
However, Wakeley would love to see Kate Middleton try the trend as it strikes a perfect balance between tradition and a progressive approach to fashion.’Catherine’s height and statuesque figure would make a tuxedo an incredible choice for her,’ she says.
‘She has a natural elegance that would allow her to carry the structured tailoring beautifully, and it would be a modern, slightly unexpected statement.’
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