Princess Anne’s rebellious 80s ballgown was the ultimate ‘fashion risk’
The Prince of Wales’ aunt Princess Anne was spotted alongside King Constantine of Greece in this throwback look from the 1980s – and wow
© Getty ImagesThe Princess Royal has long been a fan of an understated look featuring covered shoulders and shin-length skirts. However, in the 1980s, King Charles’ sister, now 76, was known to push the boundaries of royal dressing, and one look takes the biscuit.
Stepping out in London alongside the late King Constantine of Greece for the Berkeley Square Ball, Anne was the ultimate It-girl as she wowed in one of the best looks of her thirties.
© GettyThe mother-of-two donned a chevron print blue and green gown with gold thread running through the stripes. The gown featured large puffed sleeves, which were soon removed to reveal a halterneck gown with a backless cut.
© GettyThe daring shoulder-baring dress also featured a V-neck front, which catered for her statement triple string of pearls. Accessorising her attention-grabbing look were her white gloves, pearl earrings, and bouffant updo.
Anne’s daring look
Stylist Angela Kyte highlights how Anne’s look is a real departure from the style we see from her today. “The bold blue and green satin stripes, plunging neckline and nipped-in waist give the look a sultry, almost Studio 54 energy that feels worlds apart from her signature uniform of tailored coats and no-nonsense day dresses,” she tells us.
© WireImage“It’s exactly the kind of fashion risk Princess Anne wouldn’t be seen in now. Over the years, she’s become known for her pragmatic, unchanging approach to clothes, favouring practicality, sustainability and a certain stoic modesty over trends or sex appeal. This gown, by contrast, reveals a young royal willing to push boundaries and embrace glamour in a way that feels refreshingly unexpected.”
Anne’s standout looks of the ’80s
Princess Anne’s go-to accessory, which is perfectly on trend this summer, is the fabric headscarf.
© GettyIn 1982, the royal was spotted wearing a butter yellow floral number while watching a clay pigeon shoot near Chester – a style that would still go down a treat on a Euro girls’ summer trip in 2026.
© GettyAnne also kept it elegant when she spent the evening at the Royal Opera House in 1980. She sported a fabulous white gown made from ornate lace, teamed with strappy heels and a glittery gold clutch.
