These were Princess Diana's most iconic revenge looks after her breakup with Prince Charles
Remember the quote, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned"? Well, they were right, and where better to turn than your wardrobe to express the rage or the powerful sentiment of ‘look what you’re missing?’
The term ‘revenge dressing’ was arguably made most famous by Princess Diana in the mid-1990s. It refers to amping up your dressing technique post breakup, something Diana mastered after her relationship with Prince Charles was on the rocks. The couple separated in 1992, though they didn't officially divorce until 1996.
In a televised interview on the evening of June 29, 1994, Prince Charles publicly confessed his affair with Camilla Parker Bowles for the first time. That was the same evening as the annual London society calendar fixture, the Serpentine summer party. According to reports, Diana wasn’t set to attend the event but when the news that Charles’ interview was airing hit the press, she made a last minute decision to do so, knowing too well she’d be photographed. It gave her a chance to be seen by the world on her own terms - and she was going to own it.
And how they matched up to the real thing.
Diana was originally meant to wear a new gown to the event but the brand who were dressing her released a statement earlier that day to press which made the royal change her mind. Instead, she picked out an LBD from her wardrobe by Greek designer Christina Stambolian. Reports have suggested she had previously purchased the dress during a shopping trip with her brother but hadn’t yet worn it for fear it was too revealing. However, the Serpentine party was the occasion to wear a dress that gave the assertion of confidence and power.
Princess Diana continued to use fashion as a way of reclaiming the narrative, often turning to shorter hemlines and more figure-hugging fits than ever before. Out with the twee styles, the world suddenly got a glimpse of her long, lean legs that had spent so long hidden under royal-appropriate gowns. Some of the looks that appeared in the 90s, up until her death in 1997, truly encapsulated this image of a woman celebrating her newfound independence.
While we might have to wait until The Crown Season 5 to get a glimpse of an on-screen depiction of Princess Diana’s best revenge looks (since Season 4 concluded in 1990) we’ve rounded up some of our favourite killer styles until then.
Getty ImagesThe dress that launched a thousand ships. This was the Serpentine party dress by Christina Stambolian and the beginning of Diana's revenge dressing saga.
Getty ImagesThese hotpants? Oh, I've had them for ages.
Getty ImagesPower suits? They can be sexy AF too, as Diana proved in this one by Catherine Walker.
Getty ImagesThis white mini Versace dress caused SO many headlines.
Getty ImagesBaywatch eat your heart out!
Getty ImagesFigure-hugging, low-cut dress, new slicked-back hair. Diana was owning it.
Getty ImagesLady in red in Jacques Azagury.
Getty ImagesRevenge dressing wasn't all about low necklines and figure-hugging dresses, this more tailored look screamed confidence.
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Getty ImagesPeak Diana revenge dressing, this ice blue, beaded Catherine Walker halterneck cocktail dress was another ode to 'look what you're missing.'
Getty ImagesProving she can do demure in an utterly sexy way too, wearing this one-shouldered, royal blue Versace dress.
Getty ImagesLook at that square neckline! Another stunning cocktail number by Catherine Walker that showed off her best assets - those endlessly long legs.
Getty ImagesDiana used her long, model-like frame to her advantage, wearing this Catherine Walker gown which was undeniably flattering on her.
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Getty ImagesDiana showed she had androgynous dressing down to a T in this Escada suit and tie. There was no messing around with this look, it was a bold statement.
Getty ImagesLooking hot while skiing like a pro in tight leggings. Cor.
Getty ImagesAnother figure-hugging favourite from Jacques Azagury. And why the hell not?
Diana's love for strappy, fitted dresses showed no signs of slowing down in the 90s. This champagne Catherine Walker dress was teamed with some gold Jimmy Choos.
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It was her 36th Birthday so she threw on this sexy, busty Jacques Azagury sequined black gown, teamed with a dazzling emerald choker.
This pink frock coat gave the world a peek at those long, lean legs.
