Iconic ‘80s British Royal Fashion Statements That Should Make a Comeback

Fashion trends come and go, but some styles from the past can inspire us even decades later. While the 1980s may be remembered for its bold and sometimes eccentric fashion choices, there are several looks from that era that deserve a comeback.

Princess Diana’s iconic pearl choker was the predecessor to the grunge and emo chokers of the ‘90s and ‘00s. While this style of necklace has existed in mainstream fashion throughout the decades, this pearl choker was unique. Rather than an alt-fashion statement piece, it gave Lady Diana an elegant sophistication.

Oversized overcoats aren’t just useful to keep warm during long cold British winters, they’re also adorable! They’re a classically ‘80s fashion statement that makes the wearer stand out in a crowd. The bigger, the boxier, and the bolder, the better.

At the heart of all ‘80s fashion trends was maximalism. Pattern mixing. Gigantic hair. Clashing textures. Outrageously bold color schemes. It was loud and it was unique. “Too many sequins” was a concept that didn’t exist.

Can you really have maximalism without dripping in jewelry? I mean, Taylor Swift said it best. Whether it be sequined hats, glittery gowns, or jeweled accessories, best believe the Royals were going to be bejeweled.

The ’80s were synonymous with shoulder pads, and even the royals embraced this trend. Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, were often seen wearing blouses and dresses with pronounced shoulder pads.

Hats have always been a prominent feature of royal fashion, but the 1980s saw the emergence of some truly iconic headwear. Princess Anne, in particular, was known for her extravagant hats, often featuring oversized brims, feathers, and embellishments.

Polka dots are a classic pattern that never goes out of style, and the British Royal Family knew how to wear them. Princess Diana often donned polka-dot dresses that added a playful touch to her elegant wardrobe.

Here at TrendyMatter, we’ve fallen head over heels in love with these pants. They’re fun. They’re unique. They’re exactly what I would’ve worn to the Barbie premiere if I had access to Princess Diana’s wardrobe.

The 1980s power-dressing phenomenon was incomplete without the iconic blazers that conveyed confidence and sophistication. Pairing a blazer with a casual top and denim jeans is a way to give a subtle nod to the ‘80s while maintaining a modern edge.

Pussy bows were a favorite among the royal ladies in the ’80s. The name comes from the early 20th century when it was fashionable to tie a bow around a kitten’s neck. While dressing your cat may come with some scratches, they’re an adorable accessory for any human to try.

If there is one thing about ‘80s fashion that has my undying respect, it’s the ability to “commit to the bit”. They didn’t do subtlety or muted tones. The royal family was (and still is) known for picking one color and sticking to it.

While many of the makeup looks from the royal family at the time were subdued, natural tones, the exception to this rule was Princess Diana’s iconic blue eyeliner.

One way that 80’s maximalism expressed itself was through whimsical sweaters. Princess Diana was particularly known for her statement sweaters, often sporting sweaters adorned with farm animals, koalas, or catchphrases.

Matching sets, featuring coordinated tops and bottoms, were a staple of ’80s fashion. The royals, including Princess Anne and Sarah Ferguson, embodied this trend with matching hats, shoes, and even umbrellas that had to be coordinated to achieve the uniform look.

Teardrop earrings were a staple accessory for the royal women in the 1980s, contributing to their timeless elegance. These classic earrings, often adorned with pearls or gemstones, can elevate any outfit from casual to formal.

What did I say about committing to the bit? The royal family has an affinity for color-coordinating outfits, and this extends to their hats as well. Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, and Princess Anne had some of the most dazzling statement hats.

Ruffles were a hallmark of ’80s fashion, adding a romantic and feminine touch to clothing. Princess Diana frequently incorporated ruffles into her outfits, tying the ruffles into the ‘80s fashion mantra of being bold and taking up space.

We all have designer Catherine Walker to thank for creating the royal “power suit” that became one of Princess Diana’s signature looks in the ‘80s. Her skirt suits, often paired with oversized bows and bold colors, exuded confidence and sophistication.

Princess Diana was known for pushing fashion boundaries, and her iconic yellow overalls from the 1980s were a prime example of her bold and playful style.

Puffy sleeves were a hallmark of the ‘80s, adding structure and a dramatic flair to outfits. Perhaps the best use of puffy sleeves was Princess Diana’s stunning wedding dress that was so emblematic of the ‘80s trends.

Plaid patterns made a big comeback in the 1980s, and the British royals were not shy about incorporating these designs into their outfits. Princess Diana in particular had a special love for plaid and tartan outfits.

The Pilgrim collar, a style reminiscent of early American settlers, made a stylish appearance in ’80s fashion. Princess Diana and Princess Anne occasionally wore dresses with this distinctive collar, adding a vintage and chic flair to their outfits.

One of Queen Elizabeth II’s signature style moves was matching her umbrella to her outfit. This meticulous coordination showcased her attention to detail and added a luxurious touch to her ensembles.

Technically this was the 90s, but what do you want me to do? Write about royal fashion and not mention the revenge dress? Absolutely not.

Straight-leg jeans are a versatile wardrobe staple – and are the obvious answer to the skinny jeans vs. wide-leg jeans online debate.

According to Mary Greenwell, Princess Diana’s former makeup artist, Diana would often coordinate her lipstick color to her mood. She usually opted for neutral shades of beige and brown, but sometimes chose a bolder pink for fancier occasions.

A pearl necklace is a timeless accessory that never goes out of style. It was especially popular with the British Royal Family in the ‘80s: for nearly every public appearance, Queen Elizabeth II wore a three-strand pearl necklace. It’s a simple accessory that can elevate any outfit from casual to regal in less than 10 seconds.

While men’s fashion typically isn’t as discussed as women’s, this outfit Prince Charles wore in the late ‘80s needs to be talked about. This is a versatile outfit that will be equally stylish on Oxford Street or at an estate dinner. The linen pants especially are the perfect intersection between casual and formalwear. Prince Charles often wore similar ‘vacation wear’ at informal public events in the 1980s, and he looked comfortable and put-together each time.

The 1980s were a decade of bold fashion choices, and the British Royal Family was not immune to the era’s trends. By drawing inspiration from these royal fashion moments, we can pay tribute to a stylish era while adding a touch of regal elegance to our own wardrobes. So, why not consider bringing a little bit of British Royal Family fashion from the 1980s back into your style rotation?