Princess Diana has been recognised as the greatest female style icon in history, outranking notable figures such as Marilyn Monroe, Kate Middleton, and Beyoncé. According to recent research, nearly one-third of respondents consider Diana the ultimate symbol of timeless fashion.
Marilyn Monroe secured second place in the style icon rankings, followed closely by Audrey Hepburn and Catherine, Princess of Wales. Beyoncé was ranked fifth, ahead of Rihanna, Madonna, Grace Kelly, Jennifer Aniston, and Jennifer Lopez.
The study, conducted by British heritage clothing brand Cotton Traders, revealed that Diana’s style influence transcends generations. In the male category, former England football captain David Beckham was named the greatest male style icon, chosen by one in five participants. Elvis Presley ranked second, followed by David Bowie, Sean Connery, Freddie Mercury, and Brad Pitt.
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Marilyn Monroe’s iconic white halter neck dress from “The Seven-Year Itch” was voted the most unforgettable dress in history, narrowly beating Diana’s famed “revenge dress.” Additionally, the little black dress was deemed the most iconic fashion item by nearly a third of Brits, with jeans coming second, followed by the miniskirt, denim jacket, Doc Martens, and the classic white T-shirt.
Jools Dickson, stylist at Cotton Traders, commented: “Many women dream of being a princess for a day. Diana made that a reality through her effortless style. Unlike today’s royals, she did not have a dedicated stylist or the relaxed protocols that allow for greater freedom, yet she managed to captivate audiences everywhere she went. Her impact on fashion remains as strong today as it was during her lifetime.
“From stunning ballgowns to tailored suits, and from casual sweats to country tweeds, Diana made every look uniquely her own. Her signature approach involved adding unexpected elements-frill collars paired with dungarees or jeans, or layering a tailored blazer over a sweatshirt and cycling shorts.
“Such styling techniques are commonplace now, but fashion in the 1980s was not as individualistic or free-spirited. Diana was a true style pioneer long before the advent of Instagram and online shopping, crafting a distinct look that was entirely her own.
“The continued admiration for iconic stars illustrates the enduring power of genuine fashion icons. Timeless looks transcend eras, influencing what people wear for decades. This is why women from Generation Alpha to Baby Boomers continue to embrace these styles today.”
To celebrate Diana’s enduring influence, Jools has curated a guide demonstrating how to recreate three of her iconic, accessible looks for Cotton Traders.