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

    It's everywhere for party season

    Penny Goldstone's avatar
    By Penny Goldstone
    Published 8 November 2017 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    diana dynasty trend
    (Image credit: Rex)
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    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.

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    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.

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    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

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

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    diana dynasty

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    diana dynasty

    Well it is party season after all.

    What better time to embrace the trend?

    Penny Goldstone
    Penny Goldstone
    Social Links Navigation
    Contributing Fashion Editor

    Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.

    She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.

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