When a Pregnant Princess Diana Turned Heads in a Menswear-inspired Tuxedo at a Rock Concert

More than 40 years ago, on Feb. 29, 1984, Princess Diana made headlines for choosing an unexpected outfit to attend a Genesis performance in Birmingham, England. A few weeks after announcing her second pregnancy, the royal showed up at the rock concert wearing a white tuxedo created by Margaret Howell.

“There were wolf whistles as Diana walked in wearing a white dinner jacket, satin black trousers, a white full-necked blouse…and a black satin bow tie,” late journalist and TV commentator James Whitaker wrote in 1984.

The menswear-inspired look was seen by about 12,000 concert-goers who “rose to greet her,” Whitaker reported. Diana was accompanied by then-Prince Charles, now King Charles III, at the event, where she was also introduced to American singer Phil Collins.

Diana’s outfit, later praised by the press, is among the many moments she pushed fashion boundaries with her styling choices. While menswear-inspired looks, including tuxedos, had become popular in the late 1960s — Yves Saint Laurent created the first women’s tuxedo suit, “Le Smoking,” in 1966 — Diana is considered one of the first royals to have fully embraced the style. According to Elizabeth Holmes, author of “HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style,” Diana was the first member of the British royal family to be photographed wearing pants to an evening function.

In the 1980s, when tuxedo jackets became a statement of female empowerment in women’s wardrobe, Diana was seen wearing menswear-inspired looks several times, with her 1984 rock concert outfit being the first. In 1986, she wore a Jasper Conran while meeting singer Bryan Adams in Vancouver. In 1988, Diana dressed in a Catherine Walker suit with a green Hackett waistcoat for a White City greyhound charity event at Wembley Stadium.

Diana gave birth to Prince Harry, her second son with Charles, on Sept. 15, 1984. During her entire pregnancy, the princess continued to influence and push the boundaries of maternity fashion. Besides her white tuxedo, Diana also made headlines for wearing tailored dresses in vibrant shades and often featuring dramatic details.