Princess Diana’s Workout Wardrobe Will Be Your Ultimate January Look

If this year you’ve decided to forego January’s implicit obligation to become A Better Person in favour of being a person who just wants to keep going whatever it takes (Cadbury’s chocolate buttons are my guaranteed daily hit of serotonin) then that’s understandable. But there is one resolution you’d be advised to at least attempt: exercise. I know, I know, you probably don’t want to hear that, but in another lockdown, we need the mood-boost of a workout more than ever. I don’t like to admit it, but it’s true.

One thing guaranteed to up your motivation levels: excellent workout gear. For inspiration, let Princess Diana be your spirit guide. You might have gobbled up season four ofThe Crown way back in November, and gone the full pie-crust collar, playful knits and puff sleeved Sloane as a result, but it’s the yet-to-be-made season five, ’90s Diana you need to be thinking about now.

Specifically, you’ll want to check out the athleisure looks Diana wore to the Chelsea Harbour Club in the mid-90s. Instagram catnip (ask Gen Z, who have just ‘discovered’ her), they feel far more relevant at the beginning of a new year than the glorious gowns and dazzling diamonds.

The components? Clumpy ‘dad’ trainers, white socks pulled halfway up the leg, baggy sweatshirts with kitsch motifs (get yours from Sporty & Rich; Diana always exhibited a sense of humour in her clothes – see also the ‘black sheep’ knit) and colourful cycling shorts. Comfy and cool, these are also the ultimate WFHfits.

Perhaps you’re more of a slow walker than a fast runner. If so then jazz up your lo-fi look with some luxe accessories like gold hoop earrings, sunglasses and sleek, top handle handbags. Only the brave among us will actually dare to wear bike shorts outside in January, if that’s you then throw a great coat on over the top. Do the full Diana and go for a punchy primary colour – life is grey enough as it is right now.

If, like me, the thought of wearing cycling shorts sends shivers down your spine whatever the weather then consider her skiing looks too. I am particularly fond of the red puffer and leggings get up she wore in Austria, topped off with a cap (the baseball cap is big news for 2021). And a hefty skiing jacket, like the one she wore with a funnel neck zip-up might just be this winter’s best investment.

I’ll go out on a limb and assume that you are not, like Diana, being hounded by the paparazzi on your daily constitutional. Nevertheless, I would advise you to assume the same in-a-hurry demeanour, because right now dashing somewhere – anywhere! – is a luxurious novelty. Whether that’s around (and around and around) your local park or back and forth to the kitchen is down to you.

SHOP: Princess Diana's 90s Workout Look