Princess Diana’s clever trick to avoid embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions is definitely worth trying and it’s so simple.
The late Princess Diana was known for her style with many of her outfits still considered some of the most iconic royal looks to this day. Her handbags were every bit as special as her clothes and when it comes to special events, the senior royal was rarely seen without a clutch. The clutch bag is a classic for a reason and luxury options are some of the best designer bags under £1000, though Princess Diana wore hers in a rather unusual way.
The Princess's clutches were reportedly her go-to accessory to help her avoid a wardrobe malfunction in front of the world. You might never have noticed it before, but when Princess Diana exited cars she often held a clutch bag over her chest.
This was a clever move as it helped to preserve her modesty and prevent any potential cleavage-focused photographs being taken. Over the years, it’s also been suggested that Princess Diana even gave her signature car-exiting move a brilliant nickname. According to The Mirror, handbag designer Anya Hindmarch once alleged to The Telegraph that Princess Diana called her clutches “cleavage bags”.
Shop Clutch Bags like Princess Diana's
RRP: £475 |The Maud Clutch was a favourite of Princess Diana's and the "bespoke Maud" version in this sky blue shade is especially gorgeous and similar to a colour owned by the royal. It can be personalised with initials and is crafted from luxurious satin-effect fabric with a glamorous sheen to it.
RRP: £199 |If you want a classic black clutch to pair with occasionwear looks then this is a stunning option. With the same classic black and gold colourway of Princess Diana's clutch seen in 1995, this is as beautiful as it is versatile.
RRP: Was £69 Now £49 |Princess Diana's deep purple clutch from 1997 matched her evening gown perfectly and this plum-toned clutch is a great way to add a pop of purple into your looks. Easy to pair with neutral toned outfits, this is crafted from suede.
"We used to laugh when we designed what she called her 'cleavage bags', little satin clutches which she would cover her cleavage with when she stepped out of cars," she reportedly claimed.
Whether or not Princess Diana dubbed her clutches her "cleavage bag[s]" she certainly put them to good use when getting out of cars, as well as enjoying pairing them with her outfits for special events.
Princess Diana's clutch bags were beautiful, often crafted from satin and always impeccably matched to her evening dresses for a polished, sophisticated look.
The Princess was a particular fan of the “Maud” clutch by Anya Hindmarch which is still sold by the brand today in a few variations, including the £475 'bespoke' clutch which comes in a range of fabulous colours. If being Princess Diana’s go-to clutch wasn’t enough of a hint at how special the Maud bags are, they’re also made-to-order and can be personalised with initials on the front.
Anya Hindmarch describes the current Maud clutch as "boasting slightly bigger dimensions than its predecessors". It can fit all the essentials and even has a "traditional dance card" tucked away in the suede-lined interior of the bag.
Shop More Classic Clutch Bags
RRP: £69 |If you're looking for a more affordable satin clutch bag to add to your occasionwear wardrobe then this could be the one. The knot detail sets this apart and if you don't want to tuck it inside, the chain strap can be used to make this a great crossbody bag too.
RRP: £39 |Metallic shades are great for special occasions and this silver clutch bag is a brilliant affordable choice. This clutch also comes in gold, black, ivory and pink colourways and the chain can be worn or put inside depending on your preference.
RRP: Was £110 Now £55 |Currently discounted by 50%, this vibrant pink clutch bag is a great choice if you want your accessories to add a pop of colour to your outfit. Made from suede, the central compartment is fastened with a magnet to help keep your essentials safe.
The style has stood the test of time since the days when it was Princess Diana’s "cleavage bag" and has been carried by the Princess of Wales and her mother Carole Middleton in recent years too.
Keeping her clutch close to her chest when getting out of the car isn’t the only trick Princess Diana used to avoid any potentially awkward or revealing photographs being taken. In snaps taken of her leaving cars to attend events, she can be seen with her legs together, helping to move elegantly and modestly out of the vehicles.
Her clutch bag technique is perhaps her most memorable, though, and Princess Diana consistently showcased how successful this can be if you want to protect your modesty. She might well have also inspired some people to try this themselves the next time they arrive at a special event with their go-to clutch bag.
