Rihanna’s polka dot dress is giving Princess Diana glam

You wouldn’t think it, but Rihanna and Princess Diana have a lot in common. First things first, they’re both the People’s Princess – but they’re also both style icons in their own right. It’s no wonder then, that Rihanna took inspiration from the late Princess of Wales’ wardrobe when she stepped out for dinner in Santa Monica over the weekend.

Arriving at the popular Giorgio Baldi restaurant on Saturday night, the 36-year-old singer (pictured here) channeled her inner Diana as she wore a classic black and white polka dot dress paired with a brown faux fur coat. She finished the look with a sparkly brooch, gold jewellery and red accessories, including strappy red heels and a red handbag (carried by her security guy – iconic).

As well as giving a subtle nod to this year’s mob wife trend, Rihanna’s look prompted many in the fashion industry (see: us) to point out how Princess Diana would have adored the dotted dress. Before her passing, the Princess of Wales was often photographed wearing polka dots in a range of colours, such as teal, pink, red and beige.

Despite the often colourful display, Diana’s most iconic dotted look was a white and navy number, which she wore to sit in the royal box at Ascot in 1988. The dress was designed by Victor Edelstein, and paired with a matching polka dot hat from Frederick Fox. So popular was this particular look, that Kate Middleton later recreated it for her 2022 appearance at Ascot. Paying tribute to her mother-in-law, the now-Princess of Wales wore a brown and white polka dot dress and matching hat adorned with white flowers.

We can’t see what royal look Rihanna steps out in next…

Jade Biggs (she/her) is one of Cosmopolitan UK’s freelance writers, working across all sections including entertainment, beauty, body, and sex and relationships. She previously held the position of Features Writer, covering everything from breaking news and the latest royal gossip, to the health and fitness trends taking over your TikTok feed. Jade has a degree in journalism and has been a journalist and content editor for ten years, interviewing leading researchers, high-profile influencers, and industry experts in that time. She is a cat mum to four fur babies and is obsessed with Drag Race, bottomless brunches, and wearing clothes only suitable for Bratz dolls. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.