18 times Princess Diana was the ultimate summer style muse

After much thought and consideration, we're declaring Princess Diana the ultimate summer style muse. It's a big claim, but we've got the goods to back it up.

Over the years, we've lost count of how many iconic photos we've seen of Diana at fancy royal engagements and owning the red carpet - so much that we almost overlooked her epic off-duty style. And, while her causal wardrobe is gloriously nostalgic, we'd like to pay particular attention to her warm weather aesthetic.

There were no simple 'dress and sandals' situations going on in Diana’s dressing room. Instead, Di loved sporting separates in interesting ways and going all out with gold accessories, even if she was just wearing a swimsuit. Diana also really loved a handbag and we're obsessed with the floral quilted shoulder bag that appeared to be her favourite (scroll down to slide 11), often slung over her princess-y shoulder.

Above everything, though, the thing we noticed most in all this extensive outfit research is how much fun Diana had with clothes. The royal was really playful with her combinations and always pushed the fashion envelope, finding her own style in a family full of rules. So don’t just wear what everyone else is wearing, play around with your wardrobe this season and Be More Diana.

This ensemble is so excellently put together it made us bow down in fashion respect. Note how it all matches, the flashes of red in the skirt and on the bag, to match the sweater so expertly. And then the clashing pink home made bouquet. We. Can't. Even. Deal.

Yes this may be slightly 101 Dalmations, but we just love how coordinated it all is, the nonchalantly tied belt is very Isabel Marant-esque too.

This is like the perfect summer date night dress, the cherry red hue, barely-there straps, a ruffled sweetheart neckline and the full skirt. We suggest scouring vintage shops for styles like this. Stat.

This is such a summer all rounder, suitable for a fancy dinner, casual date or just a walk to get a coffee. Diana had an excellent sunglasses collection and these really do take this outfit from 'Momsville' to 'Coolville'.

This looks like some kind of swimwear campaign that we would be majorly buying in to. The sporty high neck swimsuit is a great option for water sports (and avoiding any kind of un-royal wardrobe malfunctions).

This fresh summer dress would be a perfect choice for any kind of wholesome 'meet the parents' scenario. It screams "I always do a three step cleanse before bed" type vibes.

Diana loved top-to-toe colour blocking way before any influencers were sporting it. Plus, we love the finishing touch of an ultra shiny gold belt and gold watch. Pure sunshine.

Wowza. This is Diana being the OG Tiger King. Animal print swimwear is a perennial classic and we're obsessed with the "don't look at me" sunglasses. 100% chic.

Could this be any better? Such a great hot day outfit, a simple T-shirt with a chunky structured waist belt and pleated floaty skirt. We will be copying all of this immediately.

We're very into this casual royal ensemble pairing boyish bright Bermuda shorts with a graphic sequin tee. Diana loved a gold earring like these heart baubles make even the most dressed down outfit look super glam.

This is like a guide of how to travel in style. The longline blazer looks ultra comfy but is also seriously talking business. She carried this quilted fabric bag A LOT. It isn't anything fancy though, she picked it up from the fabric shop Souleiado on the Kings Road, £30. *immediately Googles Souleiado*

Here's Diana showing the power of white sunglasses. If you're feeling all summery white accessories feel fresher than a dip in the North Pole.

Admittedly the UK isn't that reliable when it comes to balmy days, so Diana has cleverly layered this preppy sweater over a white pie crust collar dress - practical and stylish. This is one of our favourite Lady Di outfits ever.

Florals are always great in summer, we love how Di accessorised this dress with a bag in similar colour way but a different floral print. It's kind of clashy but 100% perfect.

Another day, another excellent animal print swimsuit, proving you can never have to many of a good thing. The '90s style sunglasses and gold earrings are the perfect additions.

We wondered if this was a Madame Tussauds installation but it is actually Diana ready to play a tennis match wearing the coolest outfit ever. We reckon the score will be 'love all'.

This outfit screams "holiday!" More specifically, precisely that moment when you decide you've mustered enough energy to make it to the bar for a cocktail but can't be bothered to put any bottoms on.

A bandeau is the ultimate bikini style for avoiding awks tan lines - handy for a princess like Diana (and us). We love the splashy bright '80s print and the matching sarong makes it even cooler.