Rows of white sheep, one black sheep and a story that went from a polo field to a seven-figure auction. Some royal fashion moments are remembered for their glamour: the wedding gown, the tiaras, the evening dresses. One of Princess Diana’s most famous looks is remembered for its sense of humor. It was a red knitted sweater covered in white sheep, with a single black one standing out among the flock.
More than four decades later, it is still one of the most recognizable pieces she ever wore, and you can still buy it.
The Sweater That Made Headlines in 1981
In June 1981, just weeks before her wedding to Prince Charles, a 19-year-old Lady Diana Spencer wore the sweater to a polo match in which he was playing. Paired with a white collared shirt and jeans, it was relaxed, youthful and slightly mischievous. Many saw the lone black sheep as a playful hint about how the future princess felt in her new world.
The design came from Warm and Wonderful, a small knitwear label founded by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne.
A Story With an Unexpected Second Act
The original sweater was later damaged, and Buckingham Palace reportedly contacted the designers to ask for a repair or replacement. Warm and Wonderful sent a new one, which Diana wore to another polo match in 1983.
In March 2023, Joanna Osborne found the original sweater in a small box in her attic. Sotheby’s put it up for sale with an estimate of $50,000 to $80,000. Bidding climbed from about $190,000 to more than $1.1 million in the final 15 minutes, and in September 2023 it sold for $1,143,000.
Still on Sale Today
The design never truly disappeared. Warm and Wonderful’s sheep sweaters are now produced with the New York brand Rowing Blazers, which reissued the design as a made-to-order piece in 2020.
Today, the brand sells several versions. Its fitted “Diana Edition” cotton sheep sweater in Diana Red costs $198, and a cotton and linen V-neck version is also $198, according to the Rowing Blazers website. A men’s cotton version costs $228. The company says recent updates to the pattern and fit were inspired by the rediscovery of Diana’s original jumper.
Why It Still Feels Modern
Part of the appeal is the contrast. A royal bride-to-be chose a playful, slightly cheeky sweater instead of something formal, and it humanized her instantly. The other part is the design itself: a bold color, a graphic motif and a joke that everyone understands. In a season full of novelty knits and logo pullovers, it fits right in.
How to Wear It Like Diana
Keep it simple. Diana wore hers over a white collared shirt with the collar out, with straight jeans. Add loafers or ballet flats, a classic trench or a navy blazer, and minimal jewelry. For a more current take, try it with a pleated midi skirt or wide trousers in cream or navy.
Choose the cotton version if you run warm or want a lighter layer for fall, and size true to fit for the closest match to the original silhouette.
Not Chanel, not Dior: the sweater Princess Diana wore in 1981 is still sold today, and it may be the most charming royal piece you can actually own.
