Nine (More) Fashion Icons That Everyone Should Know
A few weeks ago, I did a post on Seven Fashion Icons That Everyone Should Know, and while many of you loved the fashionistas I included in my list, others felt that there were some lovely ladies missing. As such, I’ve created another list with not seven, but NINE more fashion icons. Want to see who made the cut this time around? Read on!
1. Jackie O.
Michelle Obama may have some killer muscles, but nobody takes the White House fashionista crown from first lady of style, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (or Jackie O. for short). Known for her classy attitude, preppy style, and gigantic sunglasses, Jackie O. is and always will be queen of All-American chic.
Shop Jackie’s Closet
(Cardigan, Necklace, Sunglasses, Dress)
Jackie was known for her taste in impeccably tailored dresses, skirts, and blouses; and as such I plowed through (what felt like) hundreds of dresses until I found one that cried out “Jackie”. Luckily, I stumbled upon this adorably tailored yellow dress and knew that it was the one. And while a perfect dress is important to get her look, another essential to nailing Jackie’s wardrobe is this lovely blue cardigan with embellishments on the buttons and collar; it screams All-American and looks so cute!
To complete the quintessential Jackie O. look, I pulled two things that she was (almost) never without- a pearl necklace and a pair of oversized sunglasses. Look through all her pictures and you’ll almost always see her wearing one or both of these items. The sunglasses are great because they give her look that extra kick of attitude; meanwhile the single strand pearls add a dash of class to her outfit.
2. Bettie Page
Pin-up girl and all around babe Bettie Page had all the right moves- and she knew how to flaunt her gorgeous curves. Whether she was dressed up in a bustier or posing in a bikini on the beach, she always managed to make sexy look classy and (almost) wholesome.
Shop Bettie’s Closet
(Bikini, Nail Polish, Lipstick)
As Bettie was a pin-up girl, I thought I’d stick to the essentials; and what’s the quintessential “Bettie Page” wardrobe? A bikini. I chose an adorable black and white gingham bikini that is reminiscent of the 1950s and the age of the pin-up.
What other essentials should one have to mimic Bettie’s style? Red lips and nails are a must- which is why I also included a bottle of nail polish and a tube of lipstick in a bright brick red (Bettie’s color of choice). And that’s it! Cut your bangs, don this retro bikini, and redden those tips and you’ll be sure to look every inch the pin-up!
3. Diana Ross
Ultimate Diva, lead singer of the Supremes, and glamorous trendsetter to end all, Diana Ross went through all the decades with exquisite glamor, sass, and a gorgeous head of hair. Whether she was sporting a beehive, afro, or long locks, she paired her fantastic hair with sexy, sophisticated outfits and big dose of attitude to go with those glorious pipes.
Shop Diana’s Closet
(Hairspray, Eyelashes, Tunic, Earings, Heels)
For Diana’s wardrobe, I started off with a big ol’ can of hairspray. After all, when you have a mane of hair that awesome, you have to keep it in check somehow. After your hair is set, throw on some false eyelashes like the ones I found to give your look a more diva-esque feel. As Diana maintained her fame through the decades, I tried to find a dress to fuse both her ’60s look with her ’80s/’90s look.
I pulled a purple tunic that could be either modest or sexy depending on whether you pair it with jeans or wear it alone, as well as the accessories and shoes you wear. Speaking of shoes, I pulled a pair of Mary Jane-esque heels, a throwback to the popular ’60s style, with a modern twist. And finally, to give things a bit of class, I picked out some simple pearl earrings. Now that you have all the pieces to the puzzle, you just need to exude confidence like Diana- toss your hair back, stand up straight, and take the town by storm- look out Beyoncè, there’s a new diva on the prowl.
4. Marilyn Monroe
Where would any icon list be without Marilyn Monroe? Curvaceous, lovely, and enchanting, it’s no wonder she was every man’s dream girl in her day. Whether she was wearing hip hugging short shorts or a floral day dress, she always looked picture-perfect. But what made her most loveable was that she could be in-your-face sexy yet human and vulnerable at the same time.
Shop Marilyn’s Closet
(Lipstick, Dress, Sun hat, Sandals, Sunglasses)
For Marilyn’s outfit, I went for a beachy day vibe. I first chose a super cute polka dotted dress and paired it with a floppy hat to keep the sun off your face. Then I picked out some cute gladiators and a pair of heart shaped sunnies to keep things fun. And to put the cherry on the sundae, I chose another tube of lipstick in a apple red color. Whether you’re gonna have a picnic in the park, go to the beach, or have a grand ol’ time at an amusement park, rest assured that you will look cute and totally Marilyn.
5. Josephine Baker
If Lady Gaga is the Avant Garde celebrity of our generation, then Josephine Baker, Harlem jazz singer and actress, was the Lady Gaga of the 20s and 30s. Rocking sparkling bikinis, floral embellishments, and mile-long pearl necklaces, Josephine Baker made her presence known- and her audience loved it.
Shop Josephine’s Closet
(Green Ring, Earrings, Jade Headband, Cluster Ring, Floral Headband, Snake Earrings, Red Ring)
Josephine Baker’s style was all about her out-there accessories. And normally I wouldn’t say this, but when it comes to trying to channel our Harlem girl here, go crazy. Wear floral headbands, pile on rings, and rock some stylish earrings all at the same time.
Like I said, anything goes, but when in doubt, I find Coco Chanel’s style advice to be helpful: “Before you head out the door, take one thing off.” Accessories and crazy outfits are fun, but what’s most important is your gut instinct. So if you think you might have bauble overkill, take off one accessory. Josephine Baker’s style was half loud clothing, and half confidence- just wear your confidence on your sleeve, and you’ll sparkle just like her.
6. Debbie Harry
Lead singer of New Wave band Blondie, friend to Andy Warhol, and all around badass- Debbie Harry took rock n’ roll style and spun it on its head without breaking a sweat. The original Kate Moss, Ms. Harry mixed graphic tees and leather jackets to create the ultimate just-rolled-out-of-bed look.
Shop Debbie’s Closet
(Ring, Earrings, Grey Shirt, White Shirt, Cutoffs, Eyeshadow)
Debbie’s look is not hard to master if you know the basics. First, find a cool graphic tee that looks punky and not too fitted, and pair that with some dark wash skinnies or cutoffs. After that, go for some rocker jewelry, be it studded, jeweled, or glittery, and then swipe on some fun eyeshadow like the blue one I chose. All that will be left to do is to don some rockin’ shoes- I recommend some black pumps or knee-high boots. Throw those on and you’ll be stage-ready and rocker chic just like Debbie.
7. Katharine Hepburn
We owe a lot to Miss Katharine Hepburn. By refusing to wear makeup and pushing boundaries by wearing pants on screen, she blazed a path for menswear-inspired looks for generations to come. But whether she was rocking a chic pantsuit, evening gown, or a peter pan collar blouse, she spoke her mind and was fearlessly herself- and if that’s not fashion icon material, I don’t know what that is.
Shop Katharine’s Closet
(Button Up, Blouse, Pants, Belt)
To start off my Katharine-inspired outfit, I pulled a cute ruffle tank and paired it with this chambray button-up. After that, I found some beige boyfriend jeans, a simple belt, and some classic flats. This look is quintessential Katharine, but if you want to be more daring, you can forgo the ruffle tank and instead wear the chambray button up on its own- it will be a little bit midriff-baring, but it will also look cute and perfect for a beach outing.
Like I said before, Katherine’s look was as much about her intelligence as well as her clothes; so wear your outfit with confidence and street-smarts and you’ll look every bit as beautiful as Katharine.
8. Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly is every bit the American Princess. Silver screen actress and later Princess Grace of Monaco, Grace Kelly really lived up to her name. Poised, “grace”-ful, and loving, her polished and elegant look is one that will always be classic and beloved.
Shop Grace’s Closet
(Dress, Earrings, Bracelets, Shoes)
To start off Grace’s look, I found a Mad Men-esque dress that I am positive Grace would shine in. Then I paired it with some cute peep toe booties to elongate those legs of yours. All that’s left is the accessories: with Grace’s outfit, less is more, so I went for understated class. I chose a fun pair of diamond drop earrings to add some sparkle to your face. And in case your ears aren’t pierced, I chose the ever-classic pearl bracelet. But you have to choose one piece. Like I said before, less is more. That said, this look is pitch perfect-have tea with grandma or go out to a nice dinner, and you’ll look every bit as Princess as Ms. Kelly.
9. Dorothy Dandridge
Doe-eyed Dorothy Dandridge is a classic beauty with classic style. Famous for both her work at the Apollo Theater, in movies, and on records, Dorothy was without a doubt a triple threat and a force to be reckoned with.
Shop Dorothy’s Closet
(Blouse, Flats, Shorts, Flower)
Almost every picture I found of Dorothy showed off those gorgeous shoulders of hers, and as such I pulled a flirty off-the-shoulder blouse that can be dressed up or down. I paired the blouse with some tan shorts and a pair of ballet flats. Optional is this red flower that can be tossed into your hair. This look is both sassy, smart, and perfectly Dorothy. Walk out in this outfit and I guarantee you’ll look and feel ready to take on the world with style.
Thoughts?
Who is your favorite icon from this list? What do you think of the styles I put together? Who is your style muse? Whatever your thoughts, leave them in the comments! I love your feedback, everyone!
Posted on on April 25, 2010 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: Bettie Page, Celebs, Debbie Harry, Diana Ross, Dorothy Dandridge, Fashion Icons, Featured, Grace Kelly, Jackie O, Josephine Baker, Katharine Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe
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Christina
I love this! All the outfits are very unique and perfect to describe their style icon! one of my favorite posts so far
Ally
Oh, I love the yellow Jackie O.-inspired dress, it’s a pity that it’s out of stock!
Great post!
Tara Melissa
I love the diversity on this list! And I’m glad Josephine Baker was mentioned – she is my style idol. Who else would walk Champs-Élysées with a pet cheetah?
JillAnn
I love the Most Beautiful Woman in the World, Dorothy Dandridge, but in this case my favorite outfit is Princess Kelly. That dress is so fun!
Ashley
I could not be more excited about Debbie Harry being on here. She’s my ultimate idol and fashion muse. I have all these posters of her everywhere… yeah, I’m a little obsessed.
I wrote a blog post about her waaay back in the day: http://counterxcultured.blogspot.com/2009/11/fashion-debbie-harry.html
(on the off chance that anyone is interested)
Clara
Wonderfully versatile list! I wouldn’t wear some of the outfits, but I don’t think that’s the point – the bottom line is that everyone can be inspired by at least one of these icons. This must have taken forever to compile, so nice job.
Valeria
Love Marilyn! Amazing post! :)
Jennifer
Love this one even more than the last!
fashionista
I like the yellow dress, but I’d try it in a different color :)
Alexandra
My icon will always be Audrey Hepburn (featured in the original article), but I love these as well! I only wish that whenever I looked for something on modcloth it wouldn’t be sold out :(.
Tamara
My favourite article in a long time. Would kill someone for every outfit; too bad I can’t buy clothes from the States! But some of the looks are easy to recreate with things available here.
Congratulations: amazing and much more original than most icon lists out there (Audrey is great, but so overdone…)
Isabelle
This was such a good post, so many ladies I admire! I enjoyed reading it and getting some ideas :)
Sandra
I really liked this article. I’ve been a longtime reader and this would go into my top ten favorite articles. Aside from the refreshing burst of diversity, I like how you made all the women, despite their personal styles, seem as if their styles are easily replicated.
Each woman displayed here has their own personal brand of sexy that is nice to see in this day and age when showing more skin = sexiness.
Anya
What a great article. One of my faves from CF!!!
(long time reader, first time commenter
Wendy_f
Great Article ! Every Icon deserve their title but my favorite is Grace Kelly. Glad to see Dorothy Dandridge and Josephine Baker here. Kudos
jem
These are all incredible icons, my two faves are Jackie O and Grace Kelly since they both are very similar to my own style.
Erin
I enjoyed very much the diversity on the list. I was glad to see everything from preppy to rocker to bohemian. Fantastic interpretations of their fashion as well.
K
I absolutely love this list. So many women who are inspiring not only for their style, but for their attitudes and accomplishments as well. I adore Grace Kelly, but I must say that I am in love with the dress from the Jackie O. outfit. This list is perfect inspiration for summer shopping, and the diversity of styles presented is great!
I totally agree with Sandra’s statement that each one of these ladies has their own brand of sexy, and that is so great to see! Being yourself =sexy.
Dominique
Love this list! All of the outfits are sooo fabulous, and the icons are great! I especially love the grace kelly, dianna ross, and jackie o. outfits!
Also, I am ordering that hat in the Marilyn Monroe section RIGHT NOWWWW. J’adore.
<3 the dress darling
carrie
totally buying that hat… love love love the outfits….. but i feel like that hat is a must have for my wardrobe
Denise
ah– mazing post!!!! I love the diversity and the suggested outfits!!!
Keke
GREAT article! I’ve been reading for awhile and this was one of the best ever. I <3 Dorothy Dandridge, I had a big poster of her in my dorm room in place of the ubiquitous Marilyn Monroe poster (love her, too). Great array of icons, all beautiful and inspiring women.
lauren @ lapetitefashionista
great post in fashion education! latley i’ve been channeling debby harry :) love her fun sense of 80s wild child !
Lalalina
FANTASTIC!!!! Thank you for taking all of the suggestions we posted from the first version of this article into consideration for this one. You did a fabulous job with all of the outfits! Bravo! I too have read CF for a long time and this goes in my top 10 fav articles! Great job Kim!
Madeleine
My favorite icon from this list is Marilyn Monroe because her look is so chic and cute yet so easy to imitate.
Suzie
This is such a cute blog! Very detailed and full of information and pictures :)
Yuki
Thank you so much for adding so many women of color into the list. Not only that, but each woman had a different style from the last so everyone can find a little bit of who they’d love to channel. I myself am a bit more of a Debbie Harry/ Katharine Hepburn with a smidgen of Dorothy Dandrige. Love it!
Brittanie
Love this article. It’s so perfect because I feel like every woman’s style was captured in some way and it’s so diverse. I had commented on the previous article and diana dorthy and josephine baker were all ones i mentioned. Loved jackie O and maryilyn pieces too. Michelle Obama does seem like the Jackie O of our time. Perfect article!!!
BreaD
Words cannot express how awesome I think this article is. Not only did you put my girl Dorothy, but you put my FAVORITE Miss Marilyn. You rock!
Re
I agree with Clara, Sandra, Isabelle, K, Lalalina, and, especially, BreaD.
I can’t say that I think ANY outfit is okay. They are all awesome, creative, perfect imitations, and sexy. Dandridge Hepburn, and Harry are totally my faves! :D I LOVE how you included Bettie Page! <3 And I'm totally going to look up Diana Ross and Josephine Baker now. :3
Great job!
Barbara
I am head-over-heels in love with this article. I am most definitely bookmarking this page cause it is just to die for. Awesome fashion icons and ideas.
Grace Kelly, Jackie O, Dandridge, Ross, Hepburn? Wow, wow, wow!
xoxo
An
Hmm… Where’s Audrey Hepburn?
all or nothing book
ah the wonderful world of fashion. the oldies are coming back and they’ve become even better. i so love it!
annessa
I love this article! And I’m going to buy that Debbie Harry ring… love it!
Danielle
I LOVE the Jackie dress… I’ve been lusting after the purple version for months.
The Grace Kelly dress is pretty too, but so short that I don’t think it really would be her style, especially without tights – princesses don’t let the world see their panties. Of course, maybe the dress wouldn’t seem bad to people who are shorter than my 5’10″… Forever 21 somehow manages to sell a lot of dresses that are even shorter.
In any event, I really liked the post and all the vintagey inspiration. Great ideas!
Maria
I especially love the blouse on dorothy dandridge’s outfit inspiration. and the earrings on grace kelly’s outfit inspiration. the accessories on josephine baker’s outfit inspiration are darlings! thanks for the ideas :D
kat
I love this! All of these women are so inspirational, but loving the diversity as well! Great article!
Sari
The outfits and the women look great! I love almost all the items you featured, and again the diversity. Still, I wish that there were some Latinas represented! Diversity is more than black and white. What about Frida, Dolores del Rio, Rita Moreno, even a refined Jennifer Lopez? Asian women were also excluded, and I hope to see them and Latinas featured in another upcoming article. Overall though, this was an awesome piece.
Becky
Love the Jackie and Marilyn looks :)
Marley
Well done, well done! My favorites are Jackie O. (such class!), Diana Ross (such attitude!), and Grace Kelly (such elegance!).
Lily
Come on people, enough with the diversity complaints! These articles are focusing on classic fashion icons. If you start picking and choosing people by considering their race first instead of the style they embodied, then it not only makes the selection feel more forced, but can also cheapen whatever message can be made by including their style. Diana Ross, Josephine Baker and Dorothy Dandridge were included not so that there would be diversity, but because they are classic and iconic, and will continue to be so. Celebrities like J Lo are passing, and will most likely not stand the test of time the way figures such as Grace Kelly have.
On that note, this was a wonderful article, and combined with the first list forms a pretty comprehensive list of the most iconic… well, fashion icons. Keep up the good work.
Straus Davis
I don’t know how you composed this list, but you did an outstanding job. Overall, I completely agree with this list. There are however, a couple of women on this list that is stretching the classic, iconic, elegant, attitude,and creativity department…but it is okay. Thanks for sharing this with us. It shows you put a lot of research and thought into this selection. These women have truly stood the test of time, in the past, present and future. Even in death their style lives on……My three favorite are: Diana Ross, Jackie O, and Kate Hepburn….I also wish Lucille Ball, was included…
Eurotrip Tips
My favorite is Jackie O, for thousands of reasons. <3
Peter Reilich
some suggests for expansion. . .
Audrey Hepburn – so perfect, she must be put on the list !! lol
Winona Ryder – EYES !!!!
um
Ingrid Bergman – Russian Classic Beauty
Skye
I love Marilyn Monroe with all my heart. Her style is so inspiring, it warms my heart! LOL, Some of you wouldnt understand. Me as the girl who wants to be a supermodel/actress and being the ONLY stylish person in my town, she really inspires me. If you go the other way around and like trashy like Miley Cyrus good for you, I guess I will see you in the fashion police. My point is Classy+Elegant=Sexy. Its true trust me. I am 13 but I believe if you try hard to look elegant and classy you can be like Marilyn Monroe, Sexy! It is 100% wrong to look sleezy…Marilyn takes it to a level 10(out of 10) amount of sexiness. Shes Beautiful and I love her. She inspires me and always will(: I feel like she is a part of who I am.
Love you world,
Cierra
5-28-2010
Classy+Elegant=Sexy(:
Shivra
I’m missing Audrey Hepburn!?
Audrey Hepburn was one of the world’s most stylish women !she created many trends, including that for the little black dress…..
Maxine
I love Debbie Harry’s style since she has her hair messy which makes it like she doesn’t take her style too seriously.
Sofia
grace kelly was such a stylish woman!!!! i love her ice queen style!!!!!
Anya
great post ! my three favourite looks are Jackie O , Katherine Hepburn and Dorothy. From the previous articles my all time favourite was of course Audrey Hepburn
Justine W.
I liked all of the outfits but I wasn’t crazy over the Marilyn look wasn’t very Marilyn. It’s almost to bohemian looking, Marilyn’s all about glamour and sensuality, I mean just look at her movies especially Some Like It Hot and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.