Princess Diana's Birthday: A Look Back At Her Unforgettable Elegance (PHOTOS, POLL)

There are few royals in the world whose style is more iconic than that of Princess Diana's. Her dresses fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars at auctions, and her wedding -- and her David and Elizabeth Emanuel-designed dress -- drew 750 million television viewers back in 1981.

Diana would have turned 50 years old on July 1. Her go-to couturier Bruce Oldfield recently imagined the person she'd turn into:

I don't think she would have turned into one of those ladies who lunch or who are on the boards of endless charities. There was no self-aggrandisement behind her choices. She took things on where she could make a difference. [...] I doubt she would have stayed in the UK. I could see her in the United States, but not Europe -- for a start she didn't speak any languages. But New York, yes, I could see her walking down Fifth Avenue and being allowed to get on with it.

Regardless of what she would be like today, we still have images of her timeless glamour from decades past to fawn over. To celebrate her birthday, we've rounded up some of our favorite Lady Di looks, ranging from casual to formal. Take a look at let us know which outfit you find to be truly iconic.

Comments

[Spock]

10:58 AM on 07/05/2011

Pic #9 is stunning. Major hotness.

[johnnygoodwud]

08:48 AM on 07/05/2011

great looking lady, lots of style, much class. solely missed.

[mairs]

01:27 PM on 07/04/2011

Loved her in the white lace dress and the khakis with white shirt.

[jennbuh]

08:48 AM on 07/04/2011

Kissing Charles looked rather dry, but damn, she was beautiful.

[Cowboylove]

12:40 AM on 07/04/2011

Truly the woman who could have saved the monarchy. She brought real presence to her role as princess - a genuineness that unfortunately her son and his bride lack. Though Will and Kate are lovely, they lack that magic that Diana had of remaining regal while joining the commoners as their equal. She was underestimated in her life, but never forgotten in death. May her spirit overtake William as he grows older and make him the King she would have him be. Prince Charles should just go away...

[topkatnc]

03:58 PM on 07/04/2011

It stills amazes me on how much the royal family hated Diana .. they should have treated her like a queen .. It will be quite a while before someone like her comes around again .. So many mourned her death and I'm sure the royal family behind closed doors where dancing a jig .. I think the world of William and Harry , but I wouldn't give anyone two cents for the rest of them .

[Diane Clehane]

01:28 PM on 07/03/2011

Princess Diana was truly the last worldwide style icon. For more on what her life would have been like today, go to my blog The Royal Watch at www.dianeclehane.com

[emlr]

11:09 AM on 07/03/2011

The photo with young prince Harry.....he has his shoes off!! And in one he is standing on them! LOL! Ever the individual, Harry. Love him!

[CatherineK]

06:29 PM on 07/02/2011

Diana was a beautiful Princess.

Kate is also a beautiful Princess.

I hope Kate is treated better than Diana, and that William is always aware of his duty to ensure it.

[KarateKid]

07:26 PM on 07/02/2011

He was old enough to know what was going on, unlike Harry. I'm sure he's not that kind of guy; no one has ever read any dirt on this guy, who will be a good king and husband.

[Said One]

01:55 AM on 07/03/2011

Kate stalked Witless for two years before they had even met - she knew full well what she was getting into - Diana on the other hand was duped by her scheming Husband and the Rotweiler

[Said One]

02:18 PM on 07/02/2011

The first UK Republican - Diana Spencer - the first one to openly challenge the law of succession due to Charles unacceptable behavior - a remarkable woman - pity her sons didn't take after her

[Lucille]

12:15 PM on 07/02/2011

Bulimia really affected her appearance at times when it was really bad with Charles Diana became skinny, especially in the face, her nose stood out more. When Diana was feeling better about herself, she gained weight and looked beautiful again it is really amazing.

I miss her. It was like watching someone staying afloat in an ocean, yet somehow taking the time to think of others and actually accomplishing amazing things for them, then finally she herself makes it to shore only to be struck down by, in my opinion, by the very people who left her to drown in the first place.

We miss you Diana, rest in peace.

[topkatnc]

04:03 PM on 07/04/2011

I miss her too ... I could read about her all day .. and she died on my birthday and it was the worst birthday of my life .. I know that she would be so proud of her sons .. I detest the rest of the royal family .. I wouldn't walk to my mailbox and back for anyone one of them .

[Lucille]

05:54 PM on 07/04/2011

Say a prayer for Diana then go on and celebrate your birthday. I'll make a pretty good guess that Diana would want you to be happy on your birthday, not sad.

(Chuckle) I agree; I wouldn't walk very far for any of the Royals either.

[ohcheers]

11:49 AM on 07/02/2011

Diana, the People's Princess, certainly was a treasure. And I treasure her memory. I made a photo tribute to honour her on her 50th birthday: http://bit.ly/kOvxmf

[topkatnc]

04:04 PM on 07/04/2011

Thanks , I enjoyed that .

[Flor Arellano]

03:45 AM on 07/02/2011

We miss you very much, Princess. Hope you're watching over us.

[peacekitten]

12:39 AM on 07/02/2011

a true one and only.

happy birthday.

[PatrickforO]

12:29 AM on 07/02/2011

A great woman. Who knows how many children's lives she saved with her work on removing land mines?

[peacekitten]

12:35 AM on 07/02/2011

yeah, all the money she raised for charity really didn't count for anything, did it?