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Athleisure has been trending for a while now, especially since we all decided we love wearing leggings as pants, and there’s no point in dressing up to go outside anymore. Biker shorts have become my equivalent for the summer, and let me tell you — they’re comfy and stylish. Models like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner have embraced athleisure with outfits ranging from skin tight shorts to cycling sunglasses.
There’s definitely someone else, though, that I look to for inspiration surrounding athleisure and loungewear. Long before celebrities claimed this iconic street style look, a princess in England was rocking biker shorts and sneakers around town. Princess Diana styled sporty pieces in a way that feels particularly on trend right now. With fashion taking a turn towards more ‘80s and ‘90s inspired looks, I thought it fitting to go through Diana’s best ‘fits over the years.
Scroll on for biker shorts, joggers and graphic sweatshirt inspiration galore.
Not-so-basic basics
Instead of the classic black biker shorts, the people’s princess often opted for more colorful versions. These white shorts match everything as much as a black pair, but they’re more summer-like and match her white sneakers.
Blue bottoms
Like I said before, Princess Di knew how to rock the casual chic look. While traveling, she wore this blue tracksuit and graphic sweatshirt, but kept the look royal by embellishing with her jewelry. You can style yourself in a graphic sweatshirt and bright joggers for the same feel, but don’t forget to add your crown jewels!
Neon
I hate repeating an outfit, but when it’s this flattering, I guess I don’t mind. Here, Princess Diana switched out her white biker shorts for a brighter pair, giving us that ‘80s neon trend we love. Try recreating the look with a similar pair.
Varsity letter
Like high school, but make it fashion. Even when running royal errands, the princess knew how to add a sporty flair to any fit. This varsity jacket dressed her down and added a pop of color to her outfit. Elevate a basic outfit you have with a sports jacket (hint: you can find a lot of good ones at a thrift store)!
Monochrome
It looks like Princess Di was a little early on the monochrome trend. She matched her white biker shorts to a light gray Harvard sweatshirt for a chic athletic look. Her black headband is something I wouldn’t have thought to add to a street style look, but I love it. I’ll have to give it a try soon.
USA
It’s no surprise that an English princess would look so casually elegant in her sportswear, but it is a little surprising she would do so with an American sweatshirt. But hey — when it looks good, it looks good. The addition of sunnies, mini gold hoops, and a matching purse dresses up the bright bike shorts. Accessories are key, y’all!
Layering
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean the athleisure has to end. While running errands, the princess wore her gym clothes underneath a trench coat and paired the fit with a designer bag. Though that might be out of my budget, Princess Diana proves that any look can be worn with white athletic sneakers. I might have to try out this look come fall.
I never thought I would say this, but I’m grabbing some mid-calf socks, sneakers and biker shorts to channel my inner princess. Diana, you will always be my go-to inspo for all things athleisure wear. Which look are you recreating?