Princess Diana Basically Invented the Cool-Girl Athleisure Uniform

Fall is officially here and there’s one style icon I am always thinking of when putting together my day-to-day outfits: Princess Diana. Among other iconic fashion moments, Diana was the undisputed queen of athleisure and activewear. As the temperature lowers, we collectively try to find the right balance of warmth, and the People’s Princess has proven athleisure clothing is the answer. It’s ideal for errand running, going for a quick lunch with friends, and just lounging around.Ken R. Goff//Getty ImagesPrincess Diana famously wore relaxed, graphic crewnecks, including her dark blue Fly Virgin Atlantic sweatshirt, a bright white USA pullover, amongst a few other favorites. Those pullovers were paired spandex biker shorts, a trendy combo that has absolutely taken over the last few years. She completed the gym-run uniform with white tennis socks, chunky trainers, tortoiseshell sunglasses, and occasional baseball caps.Ken R. Goff//Getty ImagesWhat makes Princess Diana’s activewear feel especially relevant for fall is how easy it is to layer. An oversized sweatshirt or varsity-style crewneck instantly adds warmth without feeling too bundled, while bike shorts keep the look casual and transitional. On cooler days, the same formula works with leggings, a puffer vest, or a trench coat thrown over the top. It’s that effortless mix of sporty, polished, and practical that makes her off-duty style so timeless and so easy to recreate today.If you’re anything like me, then this outfit will be in your fall style rotation moving forward. Not only is it chic, but it’s comfortable and the perfect balance for those chilly, but not too cold days. Take a scroll through a few modern renditions of Princess Diana’s iconic look for your outfit mood boarding.Jeremy Moeller//Getty ImagesEdward Berthelot//Getty ImagesDaniel Zuchnik//Getty ImagesAiyana Ishmael is the style editor at Cosmopolitan magazine. In her work, Aiyana focuses on the culture of fashion and how it intertwines and shapes the zeitgeist. She is an award-winning journalist from Miami, Florida, and a graduate of the historically Black university, Florida A&M. She is a 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30: Media honoree, and her debut romance novella PASSING GAME is set to release March of 2027 (831 Stories/Simon & Schuster).