Princess Diana is widely recognized as a prominent modern fashion icon, celebrated for her timeless style that impeccably enhanced her slim physique.
Throughout her life, the former Princess of Wales consistently made astute choices when it came to dressing her tall stature, and her selection of footwear was just as influential as her clothing.
Although Diana sported both heels and flats over the years, she rarely – if ever – wore sandals.
In fact, there are only two photographs showcasing the late Princess in summery footwear. One captures her wearing espadrille wedges, while the other features her in a pair of white peep-toe slider sandals.
Experts contend that Diana intentionally avoided open-toe and heel-exposing shoes, as they were considered too casual for royal engagements.
According to royal etiquette specialist William Hanson, shoes that reveal too much of the foot are deemed inappropriate for formal occasions and are considered informal footwear.
He explained in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar: “Open-toed shoes are considered informal footwear and inappropriate for formal occasions.”
Instead, the Princess of Wales favored simple ballet flats, brogues, and pumps to effortlessly complete her elegant ensembles.
The two instances when Diana did choose to wear wedges and peep-toe flats were at polo matches. The first occurred in 1981 at Cowdray Park, and the second was in 1982 when she was pregnant with Prince William.
According to Diana Clehane, author of the book Diana: The Secrets of Her Style, some of the late Princess’s preferred shoe brands were Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo.
During interviews, Jimmy Choo disclosed how Diana would schedule private appointments with him, and he would personally bring cases of shoes to her residence at Kensington Palace.
He asserted: “She was never fussy and never complained… She liked classic styles. She never wore sandals because she did not like them, and she knew the queen didn’t either… She was always very respectful of her.”
In addition to her frequent choice of closed-toe shoes, the Princess also had an affinity for sling-back heels.
Kate, the Princess of Wales, has adopted a similar approach to footwear as her late mother-in-law and is often spotted wearing Diana’s signature 90s court heels and fashionable Chanel-style slingbacks.
Ballet flats and tie-up wedges are other favored designs of the mother of three, but it should be noted that she has worn open-toe sandals in the past.
For instance, she wore statement sandals such as the glitzy Jimmy Choo “Vamp” heels in 2012, which peeped out from beneath her flowing gown.
Other selections in Kate’s wardrobe include silver stilettos with cage-detailing by Jimmy Choo, specifically the “Mimi 100” design.
Her chic collection of open-toe shoes also features the Gianvito Rossi Sisely Sandals in Black Suede, which were a favorite of Kate’s in 2016 but have not been worn since.
This change in her footwear choices may be attributed to her elevated role in the Royal Family since King Charles ascended to the throne, and it becomes apparent in her evolving wardrobe.
Since becoming the Princess of Wales, Kate has reserved open-toe designs exclusively for the most glamorous events, opting for sophisticated espadrille wedges and trendy slingbacks for formal occasions.