The Princess Diaries [1] is one of the few rom-coms I can watch on repeat without getting bored. It probably has something to do with Mia Thermopolis's relatable personality and style. It resonated with me, not because I also found out I'm a real-life princess — sadly, still waiting on that — but because I spent most of my adolescent years, like Mia, wearing a uniform to school. (I'll honestly never be able to look at beige pleated skirts and polo shirts the same.) The hit 2001 Garry Marshall movie, which was Anne Hathaway [2]'s breakout role, is filled with fun style moments that are worth another look.
Let's start with Mia's Dr. Martens, shall we? I particularly loved how she is able to pull them off with everything from a plaid skirt to a ballgown. Another early-2000s staple [3] she rocks? A chic backpack, which causes her best friend Lilly to famously say, "This bag . . . you have one of these bags?!" Also, let's not forget about the time Mia wears a bucket hat [4] to hide her new haircut from her classmates. Ironically, people still wear that hat today! Keep reading to see some of Mia's best style moments.
Mia styles her strapless ballgown with a pair of Dr. Martens, because why not?!
Wearing a nose strip and a ribbed long-sleeved T-shirt — an iconic duo.
The famous bucket hat.
Her school uniform is preppy and on point with the plaid skirt and navy blazer.
For a day out with her grandmother, she styles a striped top with a casual brown denim jacket.
Hanging out at a beach party wearing a purple sweater over her swimsuit.
A closer look at her gorgeous floral ballgown. The gloves make the look even more regal, don't you think?