We live in an ever-changing world, but a few timeless trends remain. When it comes to fashion, there are some icons that have withstood the test of time and become paragons of elegance. From the roaring 20s to the outrageous 80s, these fashion .moguls have set the bar for style throughout the decades. In this article, we look back on the fashion icons of the past and how we can learn from their timeless elegance.
1. Capturing the Essence of Timeless Fashion Icons
Fashion icons have been influencing the style of us for decades. From the twiggy-like look of the sixties to the garish statement pieces of eighties glamor, these style icons have stood out from the crowd for decades. But what is it that makes these icons so timeless?
Colour and Print: When you think of an icon like Audrey Hepburn or Jane Birkin, the colour and print of their wardrobe invariably comes to mind. These fashion icons were not afraid to take risks with colours and prints. If you look closely at Audrey’s classic style, you can see the impact of different shades of black and white. Similarly, Jane had an affinity for bold and colourful prints. This willingness to experiment caught the eye of the public.
Accessories: Accessories are a key part of any timeless look. Think of Catherine Deneuve and her oversized sunglasses or Brigitte Bardot and her signature scarf. Though the style of the accessories may change over the years, the icons of the past will always serve as a reminder to reap the benefits of accessorizing. Unnumbered Lists:
- Wide brimmed hats
- Statement jewellery
- Scarves and stoles
Shape and Cut: From Coco Chanel’s pioneering looks to Steve McQueen’s timeless aviator jacket, the shape and cut of clothes can make an iconic statement in their own right. Even though fashion has gone full circle since their hey-day, their unique silhouette lives on. Tailoring and the art of dressing for your body shape can create a timeless look. Whether it’s the perfect fit of Twiggy’s shift dresses or Prince Charles’s 1950s style suit, tailoring and cut can give you the classic silhouette.
Attitude: The final key to creating a timeless look comes from within. Icons of the past have demonstrated how to put together an ensemble with confidence and attitude. Whether it’s Marilyn Monroe’s nonchalant glamor or Johnny Depp’s rock ‘n’ roll style, they all exude an effortlessness that stands out from the crowd. Once you have the basics of color and cut, honing your style with an attitude of confidence is what will really make the outfit timeless.
2. How Style Icons of the Decades have Influenced Contemporary Trends
The 1950s: From Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, to Marilyn Monroe in ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ – the style icons of the 50s flaunted their femininity and proved that sophistication and glamour could coexist. Women adopted this look with full skirts, tapered waistlines and simple, yet eye-catching prints. This trend continues today with contemporary dresses and wide-leg trousers.
The 1960s: The 60s saw an emergence in bold prints, straight cut suits, tight-fitted trousers and miniskirts. These are evident in fashion today, with the likes of oversized tartan prints, velvet pieces and high-waisted trousers flaunted by bloggers and fashionistas.
The 1970s: The 70s was the era of platforms and flared trousers. Style icons such as Bianca Jagger and Farrah Fawcett-Majors saw women dressed in silk shirts, denim jackets and patterned flares. Today, the likes of Zara, Topshop and Mango have updated the 70s trend with modern tailoring and reworked denim garments.
The 1980s: The iconic 80s ushered in a period of bold prints and colours. The iconic off-the-shoulder shirts, neon hues and electric blue stare back at us in the collections of Anna Sui, Jeremy Scott and Marc Jacobs, taking us back to the golden era of Cindy Lauper, Madonna and Brooke Shields.
The 1990s: Bubble skirts, crop tops and denim jackets were essential pieces in 90s wardrobes. This has had a resurgence with brands like Rodarte and Off-White incorporating bold colours alongside practical pieces such as varsity jackets and platform trainers. Overall, these fashion icons from the past have both inspired and influenced long-lasting looks in contemporary fashion.
3. Rediscovering the Elegance of Classic Fashion Icons
Many style mavens are rediscovering the classic elegance of vintage fashion icons, discovering how their timeless looks from decades past remain both fashion-forward and purposeful. From Jackie O’s tailored pantsuits to Grace Kelly’s regal gowns, classic fashion icons continue to influence style trends today.
Jackie O. inspired modern power dressing with her unwavering confidence in trousers, single-breasted suits over pencil skirts, classic blazers, and peplum jackets. Her sense of timeless simplicity and tailored lines still stun today.
The timeless elegance of Grace Kelly’s eponymous style looks just as genteel now as it did in the 50s and 60s. She was often seen in full-skirted evening gowns with pointed bodices and jewel necklines, slim sack dresses, mantilla shawls, and matching pillbox hats – elements which have stood the test of time and remain popular even today.
Style icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot exuded a sense of effortless chic. Each had distinctive styles that stood out in simpler ways. Hepburn’s look was often characterised by cigarette pants, boat neck shirts, and ballet flats; while Bardot was renowned for tight-fitting sweaters, halter tops, bold prints, and slim skirts.
Classic fashion icons remind us that true fashion isn’t ever fleeting and that beauty is found in simplicity. The iconic looks of these style mavens remain relevant no matter the decade – making them timeless trendsetters who continue to surprise, delight, and ignite our style imagination.
- Jackie O’s tailored pantsuits
- Grace Kelly’s regal gowns
- Audrey Hepburn’s cigarette pants and boat neck shirts
- Brigitte Bardot’s tight-fitting sweaters
4. Drawing Inspiration from Timeless Elegance
Fashion trends come and go, but true style remains timeless. While the flurry of new looks can be fun to participate in, it doesn’t always lead to long-term satisfaction. Drawing on definitive looks from the past provides an excellent opportunity to add classic elegance to your wardrobe and create an unforgettable style.
One of the best places to start is with classic jewelry pieces. Timeless jewels, like diamond stud earrings, a single strand pearl necklace, or a pair of sapphire drop earrings, can add detail and interest to any ensemble. They also have multiple uses; layer necklaces for a more eclectic vibe or wear a singular strong piece for an element of surprise.
Wardrobe staples also make excellent looks for any season. Consider timeless pieces such as the little black dress, the white blouse, the cardigan, or the trench coat that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. The timeless blazer is an essential, whether cut slightly over-sized and paired with jeans or a dress more structured with straight-leg trousers.
To finish off the look, opt for some statement-making shoes. From the pointed toe pump to the classic loafer, there are plenty of timeless options to choose from. If you’re feeling bold, go all out with printed flats, heeled mules, or even a pair of cowboy boots. Any of these shoes can easily become the star of the show.
- Diamond stud earrings
- A single strand pearl necklace
- Sapphire drop earrings
- The little black dress
- The white blouse
- The cardigan
- The trench coat
- The timeless blazer
- Pointed toe pump
- The classic loafer
- Printed flats
- Heeled mules
- Cowboy boots
Incorporating beautiful, classic pieces into your wardrobe is a great way to bring a hint of timeless elegance to your closet. Whether it’s diamonds and pearls or muted oranges and navys, embrace timeless style for a look that will never go out of fashion.
From the sultry style of the 70s to the modern appeal of today, fashion trends may come and go but these iconic stylemakers of past decades never cease to inspire modern day fashionistas. Taking fashion cues from the timeless elegance of these fashion icons, you too can find your style and create a look that is uniquely, classically you.
