This new trend is proof we still look to Diana for fashion inspiration

It's everywhere for party season

diana dynasty trend
(Image credit: Rex)

It's everywhere for party season

You really don't have to be a genius to know Princess Diana was a style icon way before the term 'influencer' was a thing. Remember those trainers she wore that Kate Middleton later brought back in fashion?

From power suits to Sloane ranger-esque checked jackets, I literally can't count how many fashion trends she championed which are coming back in force this season.

Case in point: Dynasty-style dresses that are everywhere for party season (and handily just in time for the reboot of the show on Netflix. You know the ones. Shoulder pads, a bit of ruching, perhaps some velvet, a healthy dose of sequins and pretty much anything that shimmers.

diana dynasty trend

At the Octopussy premiere in 1983, wearing Bruce Oldfield. Imag: Rex

Now obviously, this isn't a trend for the fainthearted, and more importantly, you don't want to look like you're an extra from Pretty in Pink. However, it is possible to nail the trend, the classy way, and obviously Diana knew how. Which is why she was dubbed Dynasty Di at the time.

diana dynasty trend

At the Shirley film premiere in 1989. Image: Rex

Fun fact for you: She got the nickname from the British press after she wore a white one-sleeved beaded Hachi dress to the James Bond Octopussy premiere in 1983. But it was really in the late 1980s that she went all out with the look, with a little help from designer Bruce Oldfield.

diana dynasty trend

Wearing Bruce Ordfield to his show in 1989. Image: Rex

The key, as you might have guessed by these pictures, is to avoid contrasting accessories. Note how Diana always had shoes and bags in the same colour-way, and avoided any embellishments? They also matched the dress most of the time. You also want to wear minimal jewellery. Because of course, you want to let the dress do all the talking.

diana dynasty trend

At the When Harry Met Sally in 1989. Image: Rex

Ready to tackle on the trend now? Perfect, because I've got just the dresses for you.

Shop now: PREEN BY THORNTON BREGAZZI Clarissa asymmetric sequined mesh midi dress for £930 from Net-a-Porter

diana dynasty

Shop now: JOHANNA ORTIZ Carmelilla silk taffeta-embellished sequined velvet midi dress for £1,605 from Net-A-Porter

diana dynasty

Shop now: Metallic Cut Out Bodycon Dress for £35 from Miss Selfridge

diana dynasty

Shop now: Mela London - Silver shimmer 'Alissia' v-neck maxi dress for £35 from Debenhams

diana dynasty

Shop now: Phase Eight Anthea Pleat Dress for £120 from House of Fraser

diana dynasty

Shop now: Phase Eight Nigella full length dress for £130 from John Lewis

diana dynasty

Well it is party season after all.

What better time to embrace the trend?

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, covering everything from catwalk trends to royal fashion and the latest high street and Instagram must-haves.

Penny grew up in France and studied languages and law at the Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris before moving to the UK for her MA in multimedia journalism at Bournemouth University. She moved to the UK permanently and has never looked back (though she does go back regularly to stock up on cheese and wine).

Although she's always loved fashion - she used to create scrapbooks of her favourite trends and looks, including Sienna Miller and Kate Moss' boho phase - her first job was at MoneySavingExpert.com, sourcing the best deals for everything from restaurants to designer sales.

However she quit after two years to follow her true passion, fashion journalism, and after many years of internships and freelance stints at magazines including Red, Cosmopolitan, Stylist and Good Housekeeping, landed her dream job as the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK.

Her favourite part of the job is discovering new brands and meeting designers, and travelling the world to attend events and fashion shows. Seeing her first Chanel runway IRL at Paris Fashion Week was a true pinch-me moment.