That was Diana's main plea to David Sassoon while shopping for her trousseau, according to " Diana, Queen of Style" (page 17). She was desperately trying to fit in with her new family and new role and was afraid of putting another foot wrong. On her first official engagement with Prince Charles in March of 1981 a strapless black evening gown turned what everyone had initially thought of as a naive and unfashionable kindergarten teacher into a dazzlingly glamorous superstar. It had also brought a dressing-down from the Palace (supposedly by the Queen Mother), since both the color and the decolletage were deemed inappropriate. Sassoon succeeded admirably with this red and gold chiffon gown whose sweetheart neckline, although still lowcut, was softened by a small ruffle and delicate spaghetti straps. Like Diana herself, it was youthful, pretty and romantic, not overly sophisticated or sexual.

Diana's introduction to the design team of Bellville Sassoon came through her mother, Mrs. Frances Shand-Kydd, who was a regular client. They had also dressed many members of the Royal Family, including Princess Margaret, Princess Anne, and Princess Michael of Kent, so Diana trusted them to dress her appropriately.

This was another gown that proved a versatile part of her wardrobe for years. She wore it twice in June of 1981, to her first movie premier for charity (left),the Bond film "For Your Eyes Only', and also that month accompanying Prince Charles to a Welsh Guards' regimental ball. She wore it again in December of 1982 (upper right) accompanying Prince Charles to a charity gala at Covent Garden, and as late as March of 1984 to a dinner in honor of the Jewish Welfare Fund, when she was newly pregnant with Prince Harry (lower right) .