Lady Kitty Spencer, once upon a time best known for being Princess Diana's niece, has successfully carved out a name for herself as one of the royal family's most stylish members. Since she made her runway debut walking for Dolce & Gabbana in 2017, the aristocrat has appeared on the cover of a number of magazines such as Vogue Japan, Tatler and, of course, Hello! Fashion.
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Keen royal fashion fans will note that the 31-year-old, who is the eldest daughter of Earl Charles Spencer, has often paid tribute to her aunt's distinctive sense of style via her own outfits. Bound by a propensity for polka dots and an unwavering love for a stylish fascinator moment, the pair share so much more than just their illustrious family history.
Hello! Fashion recalls the times Lady Kitty Spencer took style lessons from Princess Diana:
1. Back to black
Any fashion aficionado knows that a chic black dress will serve you well. Lady Kitty turned to her beloved Dolce & Gabbana in 2020 for a sheer showstopper that she wore to the Bulgari Barocco fashion show in Rome, echoing an off-the-shoulder Victor Edelstein piece worn by Princess Diana at a German banquet in 1987.
2. Gorgeous in green
The model was serving the picture of sophistication at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018 in Philip Treacy, directly mirroring Princess Diana's emerald green fascinator look worn at the 1982 Trooping the Colour ceremony while she was pregnant with Prince William.
3. Statement jacket and florals
The aristocrat turned back the clock at a VIP performance of La Traviata in 2018, rocking a major 1980s silhouette. The shoulder pads were out in full force as Lady Kitty donned a short-sleeved structured bolero alongside a voluminous rose print skirt, referencing a similar combo worn by her aunt in 1992 during an Indian welcome ceremony which consisted of a red tailored jacket (note the similar statement button detailing) and a girlish floral skirt.
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4. Polka dot perfection
There's no disputing that a classic monochrome polka dot print is utterly timeless – and both Lady Kitty and Princess Diana make for the perfect sartorial examples. What we love here is how their different takes on the classic polka dot are entirely appropriate for their respective events. The unfussy book launch party moment vs. the statement day at the races – the choice is yours.
5. The one-shoulder style
The Royal Academy of Arts' Summer Exhibition party is always a stylish affair, and Lady Kitty rose to the occasion with a vibrant one-shoulder dress by Dolce & Gabbana. Princess Diana also went asymmetric in a turquoise Emanuel number at an Australian ball in 1983, and even got creative with her accessory game, wearing the Delhi Durbar Emerald Choker as a headband. One for Lady Kitty to try out next time…
6. Monochrome moment
The model served 'retro French-girl uniform' at a Christmas event held by Claridge's back in 2019 in her monochrome statement button dress, whereas her aunt went for a more nautical vibe when meeting the President of Angola, opting for contrasting lapels and a double-breasted design.
7. The classic white turtleneck
Capsule wardrobe devotees will already be well-versed in the joys of a classic white turtleneck. Lady Kitty rocked a form-fitting piece at Schiaparelli's SS20 Paris Fashion Week show with beige tailored trousers, whereas Princess Diana paired her cosy oversized version with a rich brown suede skirt and the sweetest accessory – a four-year-old Prince Harry.
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