In the world of fashion, style icons are those individuals who inspire us to dress better and express ourselves through clothing. In this article, we will be discussing the top 10 style icons of all time, including who they were, what they wore, when they were popular, how to emulate their style, the pros and cons of their fashion choices, alternatives to their style, step by step guides on how to achieve their looks, comparisons between each icon, tips for incorporating their style into your own wardrobe, and why they are considered the best.
Who are the Top 10 Style Icons of All Time?
- Audrey Hepburn
- Princess Diana
- Marilyn Monroe
- James Dean
- David Bowie
- Twiggy
- Kate Moss
- Rihanna
- Victoria Beckham
- Pharrell Williams
Summary
These individuals have been chosen for their timeless fashion sense and influence on the industry. Each one has a distinct style that has stood the test of time and continues to be emulated by fashion enthusiasts around the globe.
What did they wear?
Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn was known for her classic, timeless style. She often wore simple, tailored pieces such as black trousers, white shirts, and little black dresses. Her signature look included ballet flats, oversized sunglasses, and a chic updo.
Princess Diana
Princess Diana's style was elegant and sophisticated. She favored bold colors and statement jewelry, often pairing designer pieces with high-street finds. She was also known for her love of hats and tailored jackets.
Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe's style was glamourous and feminine. She often wore figure-hugging dresses in bold prints and bright colors, paired with high heels and statement jewelry.
James Dean
James Dean's style was rebellious and edgy. He favored leather jackets, white t-shirts, and denim jeans. His signature look included a pompadour hairstyle and a cigarette in hand.
David Bowie
David Bowie's style was avant-garde and experimental. He often wore bold prints, metallic fabrics, and statement accessories. His signature looks included glam rock-inspired makeup and bright, colorful suits.
Twiggy
Twiggy's style was youthful and playful. She often wore mini dresses, oversized sunglasses, and knee-high boots. Her signature look included a cropped haircut and dramatic eyelashes.
Kate Moss
Kate Moss's style is often described as effortless and chic. She favors simple, classic pieces such as skinny jeans, leather jackets, and ankle boots. Her signature look includes messy hair and minimal makeup.
Rihanna
Rihanna's style is constantly evolving, but it is always bold and daring. She often wears statement pieces such as oversized coats, thigh-high boots, and avant-garde dresses. Her signature look includes bold lipstick and dramatic hairstyles.
Victoria Beckham
Victoria Beckham's style is sleek and sophisticated. She often wears tailored pieces such as pencil skirts, blazers, and high-waisted trousers. Her signature look includes oversized sunglasses and stiletto heels.
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams's style is eclectic and quirky. He favors bright colors, graphic prints, and unusual accessories such as bow ties and fedoras. His signature look includes a wide-brimmed hat and sneakers.
Summary
Each style icon had a unique fashion sense that set them apart from the rest. From Audrey Hepburn's timeless elegance to Pharrell Williams's quirky cool, these individuals have left an indelible mark on the world of fashion.
When were they popular?
Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s. She starred in films such as Breakfast at Tiffany's and Roman Holiday, which helped to solidify her status as a style icon.
Princess Diana
Princess Diana was popular in the 1980s and 1990s. Her fashion choices were closely scrutinized by the press, and she often made headlines for her bold looks.
Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe was popular in the 1950s and early 1960s. She starred in films such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Some Like It Hot, which helped to cement her status as a sex symbol and style icon.
James Dean
James Dean rose to fame in the 1950s. He starred in films such as Rebel Without a Cause and Giant, which helped to establish him as a cultural icon.
David Bowie
David Bowie was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. He released albums such as The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars and Let's Dance, which helped to establish him as a musical and fashion icon.
Twiggy
Twiggy was popular in the 1960s. She was known for hericonic mod style and became a symbol of the "youthquake" movement.
Kate Moss
Kate Moss rose to fame in the 1990s. She was discovered at the age of 14 and quickly became a sought-after model, known for her waifish figure and effortless cool.
Rihanna
Rihanna became popular in the mid-2000s. As a musician and fashion icon, she has continuously evolved her style throughout the years, always pushing boundaries and taking risks.
Victoria Beckham
Victoria Beckham rose to fame in the 1990s as a member of the Spice Girls. Since then, she has become a successful fashion designer and style icon, known for her polished and sophisticated looks.
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams has been popular since the late 1990s as a musician, producer, and fashion icon. He is known for his eclectic style and ability to mix high and low fashion.
Summary
Each style icon had their moment in the spotlight, but their influence on fashion has endured long after their heyday.
How to Emulate Their Style
Audrey Hepburn
To emulate Audrey Hepburn's style, stick to classic, timeless pieces such as black trousers, white shirts, and little black dresses. Add ballet flats, oversized sunglasses, and a chic updo for a touch of Hepburn's signature elegance.
Princess Diana
To emulate Princess Diana's style, incorporate bold colors and statement jewelry into your wardrobe. Mix high-street finds with designer pieces and invest in tailored jackets and hats for an extra touch of sophistication.
Marilyn Monroe
To emulate Marilyn Monroe's style, embrace your feminine side with figure-hugging dresses in bold prints and bright colors. Add high heels and statement jewelry for a touch of glamour.
James Dean
To emulate James Dean's style, go for an edgy, rebellious look with leather jackets, white t-shirts, and denim jeans. Add a pompadour hairstyle and a cigarette in hand for a touch of Dean's signature cool.
David Bowie
To emulate David Bowie's style, embrace bold prints, metallic fabrics, and statement accessories. Experiment with glam rock-inspired makeup and bright, colorful suits for a look that is truly out of this world.
Twiggy
To emulate Twiggy's style, go for a youthful, playful look with mini dresses, oversized sunglasses, and knee-high boots. Consider getting a cropped haircut and adding dramatic eyelashes for a touch of Twiggy's iconic mod style.
Kate Moss
To emulate Kate Moss's style, keep it simple with skinny jeans, leather jackets, and ankle boots. Embrace messy hair and minimal makeup for an effortless, cool-girl vibe.
Rihanna
To emulate Rihanna's style, don't be afraid to take risks with statement pieces such as oversized coats, thigh-high boots, and avant-garde dresses. Add bold lipstick and dramatic hairstyles for a look that is always daring and on-trend.
Victoria Beckham
To emulate Victoria Beckham's style, stick to sleek, sophisticated pieces such as pencil skirts, blazers, and high-waisted trousers. Add oversized sunglasses and stiletto heels for a touch of Beckham's polished glamour.
Pharrell Williams
To emulate Pharrell Williams's style, embrace bright colors, graphic prints, and unusual accessories such as bow ties and fedoras. Don't be afraid to mix high and low fashion for a look that is truly unique.
Summary
Emulating the style icons of the past and present is all about finding what works for you and incorporating their signature elements into your own wardrobe.
Pros and Cons of Their Fashion Choices
Audrey Hepburn
Pros:
- Timeless elegance that never goes out of style
- Flattering silhouettes that work for a variety of body types
- Simple, classic pieces that can be dressed up or down
Cons:
- May come across as too conservative or old-fashioned for some tastes
- Can be difficult to find high-quality versions of Hepburn's signature pieces
Princess Diana
Pros:
- Bold use of color and statement jewelry make for eye-catching outfits
- Mixes high-street finds with designer pieces for an accessible yet sophisticated look
- Tailored jackets and hats add a touch of regal glamour
Cons:
- Some of her more daring looks may not translate well to everyday wear
- Her style can be expensive to emulate, particularly when it comes to designer pieces
Marilyn Monroe
Pros:
- Figure-hugging dresses and bold prints make for a glamorous, feminine look
- High heels and statement jewelry add a touch of old Hollywood glamour
- Monroe's iconic style has stood the test of time and continues to inspire fashion today
Cons:
- Monroe's style can be quite revealing and may not be appropriate for all occasions
- Some of her more dramatic looks can be difficult to pull off without looking costume-y
James Dean
Pros:
- Edgy, rebellious style that is both cool and iconic
- Leather jackets, white t-shirts, and denim jeans are classic pieces that never go out of style
- Pompadour hairstyle adds a touch of retro cool
Cons:
- Dean's style can be quite masculine and may not appeal to those who prefer a more feminine look
- The cigarette in hand may not be suitable for all occasions and can also be seen as a health hazard
David Bowie
Pros:
- Avant-garde, experimental style that pushes boundaries and breaks rules
- Bold prints, metallic fabrics, and statement accessories create unforgettable looks
- Bowie's style is truly unique and has inspired countless copycats over the years
Cons:
- Some of his more outrageous looks may be difficult to pull off in everyday life
- Metallic fabrics and bold prints can be difficult to incorporate into a wardrobe without looking too flashy or over-the-top
Twiggy
Pros:
- Playful, youthful style that is perfect for those looking to inject some fun into their wardrobe
- Mini dresses, oversized sunglasses, and knee-high boots create a signature mod look
- Cropped haircut and dramatic eyelashes add a touch of femininity
Cons:
- Twiggy's style may not work for everyone, particularly those with more conservative tastes
- Some of her signature pieces, such as knee-high boots, can be difficult to wear for those with wider calves
Kate Moss
Pros:
- Effortless, cool-girl style that is easy to emulate
- Simple, classic pieces such as skinny jeans and leather jackets are versatile and timeless
- Messy hair and minimal makeup create a natural, low-maintenance look
Cons:
- Moss's style may come across as too basic or understated for some tastes
- Some of her signature pieces, such as skinny jeans, may not be flattering on all body types
Rihanna
Pros:
- Bold, daring style that is always on-trend
- Statement pieces such as oversized coats and avant-garde dresses create unforgettable looks
- Bold lipstick and dramatic hairstyles add a touch of glamour
Cons:
- Rihanna's style can be quite expensive to emulate, particularly when it comes to designer pieces
- Some of her more outrageous looks may be difficult to pull off in everyday life
Victoria Beckham
Pros:
- Sleek, polished style that exudes sophistication
- Tailored pieces such as pencil skirts and blazers create a professional yet fashionable look
- Oversized sunglasses and stiletto heels add a touch of glamour
Cons:
- Beckham's style can be quite formal and may not work for all occasions
- Some of her signature pieces, such as pencil skirts, may not be comfortable for all-day wear
Pharrell Williams
Pros:
- Eclectic, quirky style that is truly unique
- Bright colors, graphic prints, and unusual accessories create eye-catching looks
- Mixes high and low fashion for a style that is accessible yet high-end
Cons:
- Pharrell's style can be quite outlandish and may not appeal to those with more conservative tastes
- Some of his signature pieces, such as bow ties, can be difficult to wear without looking too costume-y
Summary
Each style icon had their pros and cons when it came to fashion choices, but ultimately their influence has endured and continues to inspire fashion today.
Alternatives to Their Style
Audrey Hepburn
If Hepburn's classic elegance isn't your style, consider taking inspiration from other timeless icons such as Grace Kelly or Jackie Kennedy.
Princess Diana
If Diana's bold, regal style isn't your cup of tea, take inspiration from other fashion-forward royals such as Meghan Markle or Queen Rania of Jordan.
Marilyn Monroe
If Monroe's bombshell glamour isn't your thing, consider taking inspiration from other Hollywood icons such as Elizabeth Taylor or Ava Gardner.
James Dean
If Dean's rebellious cool isn't your style, take inspiration from other fashion-forward actors such as Ryan Gosling or Idris Elba.
David Bowie
If Bowie's avant-garde style isn't your thing, consider taking inspiration from other musicians such as Prince or Beyoncé.
Twiggy
If Twiggy's mod style isn't your cup of tea, take inspiration from other fashion-forward models such as Gigi Hadid or Kaia Gerber.
Kate Moss
If Moss's effortless cool isn't your style, take inspiration from other fashion-forward celebs such as Hailey Bieber or Kendall Jenner.
Rihanna
If Rihanna's bold, daring style isn't your thing, take inspiration from other fashion-forward artists such as Janelle Monae or Solange Knowles.
Victoria Beckham
If Beckham's polished, sophisticated style isn't your cup of tea, take inspiration from other fashion-forward designers such as Stella McCartney or Phoebe Philo.
Pharrell Williams
If Pharrell's eclectic style isn't yourthing, take inspiration from other fashion-forward artists such as Tyler, The Creator or Jaden Smith.
Summary
There are countless style icons to draw inspiration from, so don't be afraid to explore different fashion eras and genres until you find a look that feels truly authentic to you.
Step-by-Step Guides on How to Achieve Their Looks
Audrey Hepburn
- Invest in a classic pair of black trousers and a white shirt.
- Add a little black dress to your wardrobe for special occasions.
- Pair with ballet flats and oversized sunglasses.
- Style hair in a chic updo, using a headband or scarf if desired.
Princess Diana
- Incorporate bold colors into your wardrobe, such as bright reds and blues.
- Mix high-street finds with designer pieces for an accessible yet sophisticated look.
- Invest in tailored jackets and hats for a touch of regal glamour.
- Finish off with statement jewelry and a subtle smokey eye.
Marilyn Monroe
- Embrace figure-hugging dresses in bold prints and bright colors.
- Add high heels and statement jewelry for a touch of old Hollywood glamour.
- Style hair in soft, voluminous curls.
- Don't forget the signature red lipstick.
James Dean
- Start with a leather jacket, white t-shirt, and denim jeans.
- Add a pompadour hairstyle using a strong-hold gel or wax.
- Finish off with leather boots or sneakers.
- For an extra touch of cool, add a cigarette in hand (optional).
David Bowie
- Embrace bold prints, metallic fabrics, and statement accessories.
- Experiment with glam rock-inspired makeup, including colorful eyeshadow and bold eyeliner.
- Invest in brightly-colored suits or metallic bomber jackets.
- Finish off with platform shoes or chunky boots.
Twiggy
- Go for a youthful, playful look with mini dresses in bold prints.
- Add oversized sunglasses and knee-high boots.
- Style hair in a cropped haircut with bangs.
- Finish off with dramatic eyelashes using false lashes or mascara.
Kate Moss
- Keep it simple with skinny jeans, leather jackets, and ankle boots.
- Embrace messy hair and minimal makeup for an effortless vibe.
- Add a denim shirt or oversized sweater for a cozy touch.
- Finish off with statement sunglasses and a crossbody bag.
Rihanna
- Don't be afraid to take risks with statement pieces such as oversized coats and avant-garde dresses.
- Experiment with bold lipstick colors and dramatic hairstyles.
- Invest in thigh-high boots or colorful pumps.
- Finish off with oversized statement jewelry.
Victoria Beckham
- Stick to sleek, sophisticated pieces such as pencil skirts, blazers, and high-waisted trousers.
- Add oversized sunglasses and stiletto heels for a touch of glamour.
- Experiment with statement handbags in bold colors.
- Finish off with a sleek ponytail or low bun.
Pharrell Williams
- Embrace bright colors, graphic prints, and unusual accessories such as bow ties and fedoras.
- Mix high and low fashion for a look that is truly unique.
- Invest in statement sneakers or loafers.
- Finish off with a flashy watch or chunky chain necklace.
Summary
Emulating the style icons of the past and present is all about finding what works for you and incorporating their signature elements into your own wardrobe. These step-by-step guides can help you achieve their looks with ease.
Comparisons between Each Icon
Audrey Hepburn vs Marilyn Monroe
Hepburn's classic elegance stands in contrast to Monroe's bombshell glamour, but both icons continue to inspire fashion today.
Princess Diana vs Kate Moss
Diana's regal sophistication is juxtaposed with Moss's effortless cool, but both have left a lasting impact on the fashion industry.
James Dean vs David Bowie
Dean's rebellious style is in stark contrast to Bowie's avant-garde experimentation, but both icons have become synonymous with cool.
Twiggy vs Rihanna
Twiggy's playful mod style is a far cry from Rihanna's bold, daring fashion choices, but both have influenced fashion trends in their own unique ways.
Victoria Beckham vs Pharrell Williams
Beckham's sleek, polished style is quite different from Pharrell's eccentric, quirky looks, but both have become fashion icons in their own right.
Summary
Each style icon had their own distinct fashion sense and influence, but they all share a common thread of inspiring fashion enthusiasts around the world.## Conclusion
Fashion icons have always been a source of inspiration and fascination for the general public. From Audrey Hepburn's timeless elegance to Rihanna's bold, daring style, each icon has left a lasting impact on fashion trends and continues to inspire fashion enthusiasts around the world. Whether you're looking to emulate their style or simply draw inspiration from their fashion choices, there are countless ways to incorporate their signature elements into your own wardrobe. By exploring different eras and genres of fashion, you can find a look that is truly authentic to you while also paying homage to the iconic fashion figures who came before.
