Entertainment

30+ Photos Of Princess Diana & More Royals In Summer Dresses For Inspo

by Azure Hall

Princess Diana Archive/Hulton Royals Collection/Getty Images

Along with their philanthropic efforts, beautiful babies, and extravagant weddings, the royals are also well known for their sense of style. Even while remaining within the parameters of royal protocol, royals like Princess Diana, Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton have been known to sport some stylish digs. For example, many photos of Princess Diana and other royals wearing summer dresses suggest that may be their favorite item in their wardrobes.

Dresses are an easy look for royals on the go. Day dresses — which could include sundresses when the weather is appropriate — are preferred to more casual looks. Diana Mather, a scholar of English etiquette, explained to the BBC that jeans in particular are a no-go. "Many places will not allow jeans as they are still seen as very casual wear, so it is better to play safe for both sexes," she told the news outlet. "But if the duchess is outside walking the dogs for example, then jeans are fine." Instead of attempting to navigate whether or not jeans are allowed, women are steered toward wearing day dresses or trousers with a jacket or cardigan, according to Mather.

Fortunately for those looking for style inspiration, these rules mean lots of photo opportunities in summer dresses. Here are a few of my favorites.

Princess Diana Is Pretty In Pink

I'm sure I don't need to tell you that Princess Diana was a style icon. But in case you missed the memo, the woman could dress.

Princess Diana Archive/Hulton Royals Collection/Getty Images

Another Look At The Pink

Just slipping in another peek of this blue and pink dress to accentuate that slip. Because wow.

Princess Diana Archive/Hulton Royals Collection/Getty Images

Princess Diana Rocks Powder Blue

Elegant and understated was Princess Diana's signature look, and this powder blue dress is the definition of that.

Princess Diana Archive/Hulton Royals Collection/Getty Images

Princess Diana Blends In With Her Surroundings

Only the most experienced of stylistas can incorporate not only their accessories but their surroundings as well.

Princess Diana Archive/Hulton Royals Collection/Getty Images

Princess Diana Wearing Pearls

Can I guarantee that this is a sundress and not a skirt and a shirt? No, but I'm going with it and so should you.

Princess Diana Archive/Hulton Royals Collection/Getty Images

Princess Diana Rocks Polka Dots

If this polka-dot dress doesn't scream summer wine mixer to you, we can't be friends.

Tim Graham/Tim Graham Photo Library/Getty Images

Princess Diana In Sparkles

If you need a perfect "dressy" summer look, this is it.

Tim Graham/Tim Graham Photo Library/Getty Images

Princess Diana In Floral

No matter what year it is, florals are a fashionably safe bet for summer dresses. This dress is evidence of its timeless fashion.

Princess Diana Archive/Hulton Royals Collection/Getty Images

Princess Diana In Florals, Again

If you're wondering about the stay-ability of florals, see the previous slide.

Princess Diana Archive/Hulton Royals Collection/Getty Images

Kate Middleton In Floral

Taking a note from her MIL, Kate Middleton is also a fan of florals — and so am I.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Kate Middleton In A Dress With A Jacket

Royal protocol encourages cardigans, so it's no surprise Middleton's dress comes with some coverage. Us mere mortals can opt out of that bit of the look.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Kate Middleton And Peach Is A Perfect Combo

Who says you can't wear a sundress with a peacoat? Not Kate Middleton.

WPA Pool/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Kate Middleton's Hawaii Look

Tell me this dress doesn't scream upscale, backyard luau to you — lei optional.

Chris Jackson/Chris Jackson Collection/Getty Images

Kate Middleton In Blue

This look is a bit more upscale than your average summer dress, but it still works.

Jorge Herrera/WireImage/Getty Images

Kate Middleton Departs A Plane In Style

Travel in style with inspiration from the Duchess of Cambridge.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Kate Middleton Shines In The Sand

Wedges in the sand, a blush dress — what more do you need for a trip to the beach?

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Kate Middleton Running On The Beach In A Sundress

Have you seen a more quintessentially beach look than this?

WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images

Meghan Markle's Cream Dress Is Summer Ready

A bit more on the formal side, this look is perfect for a fancy summer event.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Meghan Markle Proves That Sundresses Are A Maternity Look, Too

Meghan Markle didn't slow her summer looks down while pregnant, and you shouldn't, either.

Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images

Meghan Markle Looks Like A Star

There's a literal sunburst on this dress, you guys. Come on.

Jim Spellman/WireImage/Getty Images

Meghan Markle Rocks Suede

All summer dresses don't have to be cotton. Just look at this look.

Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Meghan Markle Adds Edge To A Summer Dress

Give that sundress worn when there's still snow on the ground some edge by adding heels and a leather jacket.

Paul Morigi/WireImage/Getty Images

Meghan Markle In Hawaii

It honestly doesn't get any more summer style inspo than this look.

Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

Meghan Markle Wears A Long Dress At The Beach

Zooming out for a second to show that sundresses can be maxi dresses, too.

Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

Meghan Markle Wears A Coat At The Beach

Go from warm to cool summer weather with a coat over your sundress.

Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

Princess Eugenie Slays In Floral

There are no words for Princess Eugenie's look here other than gorgeous.

Dominic Lipinski - PA Images/PA Images/Getty Images

Princess Charlotte Wears Sundresses With 'Tude

Be like Princess Charlotte this summer — look sassy and chic all at once.

Anwar Hussein/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Princess Charlotte Shines In A Sundress

Let Princess Charlotte remind you that summer style is for the kiddos, too.

Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

The Whole Family Is A Royal *Look*

Princess Charlotte and her whole family coordinated for this look.

NurPhoto/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Princess Charlotte Wears A Pink Sundress

This spotted, pink sundress is the epitome of summer. Charlotte's mood? Not so much.

picture alliance/picture alliance/Getty Images

Princess Charlotte Enjoys Her Dress

I'm just going to close with this shot of Princess Charlotte frolicking in a summer dress because it is the entire mood that we should all aim for this summer.

No matter your age or style, the royal family has shown that summer dresses are for you. Go forth and frolic, my friends.

Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images
131