10 Legendary Fashion Icons and their Most Influential Trends
Fashion is constantly changing and evolving, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look back once in a while and appreciate previous trends.
Rather than looking to today’s celebrities for style advice, it can be more beneficial to look to previous fashion “It Girls” for additional inspiration.
You don’t need to get a fashion degree to be familiar with the following vintage fashion icons. Believe it or not, designers continue to draw inspiration from these legendary ladies – and you can, too.
So many figures have shaped how we see fashion today, from Audrey Hepburn and her iconic black dress to Princess Diana’s relatable, casual style. Because knowing where we’ve come from is always a good idea before moving forward, we’ve compiled some of the most legendary fashion icons of all time—along with the reasons why they’re fashion icons.
Twiggy
Twiggy was an inspiration to everyone who was alive—and interested in fashion—in the 1960s. She rose quickly to fame and became the face of London in the swinging sixties, credits to her slim figure, long eyelashes, and short hair. Her androgynous appearance and fashion-forward outfits quickly earned her the title of “it” girl, and she became a cultural phenomenon.
Madonna
For Madonna, the 1980s were all about tomboy fashion, but she quickly proved her versatility with leotards, pinstripe suits, and the iconic Jean-Paul Gaultier bustier. Her tomboy look in the Papa Don’t Preach music video was an excellent example of this. Her bleach-blonde pixie and grunge style inspired a degree of simple beauty, with a hint of a “don’t try me” attitude.
Katharine Hepburn
Katharine Hepburn was without a doubt the first lady of menswear. Her off-screen style embraced sportswear, but she showed how men’s shapes could be dressed gracefully on-screen. She earned investment in the fashion world whether she was wearing a smart pantsuit, an evening gown, or a peter pan collar top. And if that isn’t a trend, we don’t know what is.
Grace Kelly
In more ways than one, Grace Kelly was a fashion icon. As a Hollywood superstar turned royal, she was #UltimateGoals for her personal life and sense of style. She embraced her royal degree, dressing in a preppy, well-tailored style.
Kelly’s appearances were refined, but they were all imbued with her distinct sense of glitz.
Diana Ross
Her genre would not exist today without her voice and fashion. Ross became one of the most influential fashion icons of all time, and we give credit to her confidence and determination. She could go from traditional gowns to wacky on-trend styles at a moment’s notice and look stunning in each.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Nobody can take the White House fashionista crown away from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the first lady of style. Jackie O. is known for her nice demeanor, preppy clothing, and huge sunglasses. She is and always will be the queen of all-American style.
Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe’s high-waisted bikinis are legendary. She injected appeal into the fashion industry with her 1950s hourglass figure and opened the path for the world’s most influential designers. She also altered people’s perceptions of what constitutes an acceptable body shape for a woman. However, Marilyn’s signature red lip is the most memorable. While she was not the first to spend credit cards on red lipstick, she was the one who popularized the daring look.
Princess Diana
In the 1980s, Princess Diana wore a lot of beautiful clothes, but it was her laid-back attitude that made her famous—and, to be honest, lovable. She was frequently seen wearing what we now call athleisure, as well as other adorable outfits that made her feel relatable. Despite her royal title, Princess Diana’s style was down-to-earth, making her, to some degree, one of fashion’s most adored influencers.
Brigitte Bardot
Brigitte Bardot was a French actress who rose to prominence in the second half of the twentieth century and was once regarded as the world’s most beautiful woman. Her beauty choices avoided the perfect splendor that was popular at the time. Brigitte, on the other hand, went for a more relaxed look, complete with heavy eyeliner, unkempt hair, and barefoot ensembles. Given her dark eyes and kitten-like appearance, it’s easy to see why she remains a fashion icon.
Audrey Hepburn
Our idol list would be incomplete without the chicest of the chic. Audrey Hepburn was, in our opinion, the most beautiful and elegant woman who ever graced the silver screen. Her style drew admirers from all over the world, but none more so than Hubert de Givenchy. Although many of her outfits were enviably beautiful, no Audrey ensemble has stood the test of time more than the little black dress. It’s a must-have investment item that you almost certainly already own.