During this period Diana's wardrobe, like her life, was changing. Sarah Bradford quotes a member of their staff recalling that at this time she was "a young woman becoming a woman, maturing, learning how to wear things" ("Diana", page 140). No longer the endearing shy teenager, she was now a mother, veteran of several wildly successful international tours, and although going through some very difficult times privately, beginning to find her footing in her charity work. Her clothing showed this development - by this time she was acquiring a more sophisticated and professional look. This sleek Bruce Oldfield dress, simply designed but in two striking colors and with impeccable fit, was very much in that vein.

Also at this time, Diana's wardrobe was causing problems. She had begun been getting bad press about its cost, and her husband was becoming increasingly resentful at the coverage given to her clothes (and not to him). To combat this, she made a serious attempt on the Italian tour to wear previously-seen outfits. She learned that no matter what she did, she could be criticized - the Italian press complained that they were not being shown much that was new.