Besides her impeccable fashion sense, Princess Diana is perhaps best known for boldly breaking traditional barriers. She was the first royal bride to have a paying job and a university degree and the first to omit the tradition of saying she would “obey” her husband in her vows. Yearning for a normal life, she made her royal kids stand in line at McDonald’s and proudly wore biker shorts in public. It’s no wonder Diana inspired women around the globe to stand up for themselves and what they wanted, even in the face of royal expectations.
If there’s one barrier she’s inspired me to break this holiday season, it’s to buy myself holiday gifts instead of trying to gauge whether or not my boyfriend caught the hints I’ve been dropping him. More importantly, her love for philanthropic work has inspired me to support causes I care about. Here are a few gift ideas inspired by Princess Diana to give yourself and your loved ones, as well as some resources to support your community this holiday season.
Pearls
Princess Diana loved pearls. They were an important part of her most glamorous evening looks, and her record-breaking wedding gown boasted over 10,000 of them.
These 1980s inspired garments
Stills from “The Crown,” Netflix
Season 4 of “The Crown,” AKA the “Diana Season,” has for some reason inspired us (or, at least me) to scour the internet for pie-crust collars, grandma sweaters, floral frocks, and 1980s power jackets. Most of Diana’s wardrobe in the show has been sourced from Menage Modern Vintage, a small online vintage clothing store run solely by Chiara Menage, a 54-year-old former film producer. Here are some adorable gifts that might just compare.
This Iconic Look
One of Princess Di’s famous catchphrases was “I want to live a normal life,” according to her former bodyguard, Khen Wharfe. That mentality shined through each paparazzi pic of her everyday bike shorts and crewneck outfits, which have recently re-emerged with the return of athletic fashion and loungewear amid the pandemic.
The Cleavage Bag
With cameras following her everywhere, Diana had to be careful of how she was photographed. To prevent the cameras from catching a glimpse of her cleavage, she covered her chest with small clutch bags. Truly an inspiration to anyone with cleavage.
Sapphire Jewelry
Princess Diana’s sapphire blue engagement ring is probably one of the most recognizable pieces of jewelry in recent history. As re-enacted on the “Diana Season,” Diana got to choose her engagement ring from a selection of royal jewels, as well as rings from Crown Jeweller Garrard & Co. Again, Diana broke royal barriers by choosing her ring from the jeweler’s catalog, which meant commoners had access to the same jewels fit for a princess. *Gasp!* Yeah, that didn’t sit well with the royal family.
Give Back
Known as the “People’s Princess,” Diana’s philanthropic work included leading a campaign for a worldwide ban on landmines, helping change the world’s perception of HIV and AIDS, raising awareness for leprosy, and supporting both the youth and the homeless.
During such a tumultuous year of crisis, if there’s one thing Diana will inspire you to do, let it be this one and give back where you can. Start by taking a look through these resources to find local and national causes you can support today.
The Nonprofit Aid Visualizer, or NAVi, makes it easy to find charities that solve problems you care about the most.
American Red Cross’s most urgent volunteer opportunities
USPS Operation Santa: Read letters from Santa’s mailroom and answer the ones he can’t. Adopt one today and make a holiday wish come true.
Volunteer to help The Trevor Project provide crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people under 25.
And remember, the holidays aren’t the only good time to give back! Diana did it year-round!
kiki 