Princess Diana's influence was strongly felt on Tory Burch's Spring 2020 runway [1], and it seems like the rest of the royals made an appearance at New York Fashion Week [2], too. Though the style connection may be more subtle, we thought of Princess Di as soon as we spotted the '80s-inspired polka-dots at Carolina Herrera. Some thorough researched confirmed that Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York [3], was also a fan of the print in the early '90s.
Kate Middleton, who still reaches for Michael Kors Collection separates [4] and regularly repeats some of her trusted pieces from the label, owns an A-line coatdress that can easily be compared to the skirt suit Kaia Gerber debuted. Finally, Tom Ford's tailoring always gets a touch of glamour, and this season it came from a slinky cami underneath a blazer. Let me guess: you're getting flashbacks to Meghan Markle's Altuzarra suit [5], too?
While we still have designer collections to explore in London, Milan, and Paris, it seems like it's not just the Meghan Markle effect [6] that's real. The entire British Royal Family continues to inspire mood boards from year to year, even as trends come and go. Behold, the four looks we're calling out that fit the bill so far.
Tweed and Polka-Dot Suit at Tory Burch Spring 2020
This Tory Burch look on the runway [8] instantly reminded us of some of Princess Diana's most iconic polka-dot moments. She broke up the pattern with a touch of white at a ceremony at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London in June 1990.
Polka-Dot Shorts at Carolina Herrera Spring 2020
Carolina Herrera's Spring runway also got the royal touch. This black-and-white cropped shorts set with strong sleeves pays homage to the '80s, and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, belted a similar look at the Royal Berkshire Polo Club in the early '90s.
Plaid Skirt Suit at Michael Kors Collection Spring 2020
Kaia Gerber strolled down the Michael Kors Collection runway in blue plaid. Her own skirt, though paired with a belted blazer, flared out at the bottom in the same way Kate Middleton's favourite Michael Kors coatdress does. The duchess has worn this piece on three different occasions, having worn it with simple pumps in May 2016 at the Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace.