We’ve been breaking down our list of 16 classic fashion icons everyone should know. Last week we talked about the French blonde bombshell Brigitte Bardot. This week, were talking about American muse Edie Sedgwick.
This gorgeous fashion model was also an actress and inspiration to Andy Warhol. She lived a shocking double life as both a pop culture icon and a struggling addict who battled mental illness.
Getting into the details of which might require more than just a content warning, but if you’re interesting in learning more be sure to read till the end and scroll through our sources.
But if you want to know a little about Edie’s socialite upbringing and career as a model in the 1960s, keep reading to find out.
All About Edie
Edie Sedgwick was born in Santa Barbara, California to a family of socialites in 1943.
Every member of Edie’s immediate family seemed to have struggled with some type of mental illness throughout their lives, including Edie.
She was both homeschooled and studied at elite private schools during her childhood and would go on to study at Harvard.
When she was 21, Edie received $80,000 in a trust from her grandmother. She decided to use the money focus on her dreams of becoming a model and actress.
She met art legend Andy Warhol at Tennessee Williams’s birthday party and became one of his most famous muses.
She adopted his style and became a fashion icon after appearing in 18 of his movies.
However, Warhol’s movies weren’t exactly blockbuster hits and were more relevant in the underground community. Edie attempted to succeed in a mainstream acting career, but never got the chance.
Edie died at age 28 in 1971.
Fashion Inspired by Edie Sedgwick
Mod Moments
The ’60s was the era that brought us mod. The one element of mod you need to know? Silhouette. Edie’s thin and straight silhouette was what almost all fashion models of the era looked like. This has (fortunately) diversified since the ’60s, but that doesn’t mean the aesthetic can’t still be rocked by anyone today.
Think straight lines, short sleeves, and high necklines that elongate the torso area. Compared the styles of the ’50s—the hyper-feminine skirts and belted waistlines—the mod movement was rebellious with its more boyish silhouette and futuristic short hemlines.
This Insta post of Edie features a cute twist on mod style. As opposed to a dress, she’s wearing a shirt and skirt combo and color-blocking. It’s even more adorable and modern.
Products: Top – The Gap, Leggings – Target, Earrings – Forever 21, Skirt – H&M, Shoes – The Gap, Bag – Modcloth
Bright colors are a must when going for a ’60s look. But bubblegum pink tights may not be to everyone’s fancy. So many times, Edie dawned a sexy and chic pair of black panty hose or tights, so swap out the bright pink with classic black for a subdued look.
But do have fun with colored tops or skirts. With such simple shapes, you can be a little extra with color or print.
It-Girl
What do all fashion it-girls have in common across all decades? The ability to make even the simplest of outfits look chic and fashion forward. Edie exuded confidence, and some of her best looks were when she just combined the basics—jeans and tank tops or shirt-dresses and tights.
Edie leveled up her I-totally-just-threw-this-on outfits by accessorizing. Statement earrings were a must. As were bold prints, like stripes, or texture. Her basics were more interesting than just plain shirts or dresses.
Products: Dress – ASOS, Earrings – Forever 21, Shoes – Steve Madden, Tights – Macy’s
Take a simple black shirt dress (or tank and jeans) and get creative with funky accessories. Platform shoes are in style again, and the strange but eye-catching shape can turn the most plain basics into something new.
You’ll also find a bunch of oversized tassel earrings at any store now since they’re having a fashion moment, so get on board and experiment with the style.
An Artist’s Muse
It’s not hard to see why Edie was a muse to Andy Warhol. Her style had so much personality. She could be glamorous and easy-going, or edgy and feminine. Edie’s image was captivating, and in 1965 when she was “The Girl of the Year,” people couldn’t take their eyes off of her.
Products: Top – The Gap, Skirt – boohoo, Boots – Forever 21, Earrings – H&M
Boatneck tops are a classic retro style that have recently become super popular again. Paired with a skater or a-line skirt, they’re both elegant and playful. For true Edie edge, you’ll need to get a pair of knee-high boots and be prepared to look fabulous!
Will you be channeling Edie Sedgwick?
She’s still a fashion inspiration today! The actress, model, and muse is a reference for countless of our favorite celebs and designers, so take a chance and pick your top Edie looks to copy.
Will you be getting a bleached pixie cut? Or maybe just a nice pair of giant earrings? Let us know in the comments!
For more information on Edie Sedgwick, check out these great sources:
Biography.com Edie Sedgwick
Complex.com “25 Things You Didn’t Know About Edie Sedgwick”
The Independent “Edie Sedgwick: The life and death of the Sixties star”
Vanity Fair “Andy Warhol and Edie Sedgwick: A Brief, White-Hot, and Totally Doomed Romance”
Wikipedia Edie Sedgwick
I do the front poof a lot too, although I just got sideswept bangs so I have been wearing those down a lot more. And yes, the messy bun is such a classic, haha! <3
Don’t forget the knit beanie! Yeah, it’s a total Rumer Willis rip-off, but when you’ve got ten minutes to get out the door and your hair is starting to look dreadlocked, it works!
And a tip (especially handy in winter), stick a dryer sheet in your knit hat before you put it on. It keeps you from looking like you stepped on a live wire when you take the hat off.
I love all your suggestion and plan to use some soon.
I have to ask though, for the first one, what would you suggest if we have red hair? since both baby powder and bronzer wouldn’t look right in my hair.
for red hair… maybe coral colored blush? it’s all about the powdery texture absorbing the oil. they also make dry shampoo!!
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=dry+shampoo
^a few examples from amazon.com
which works on any hair color!
Don’t forget braiding your whole hair! That works the best when your hair is kinky and you don’t have much time. Try a dutch braid. It’s fun if you’re tired of french.
i love the lauren conrad look so great so cool she and charlize theorn and shakira r my idols ich liebe ditch thank u!
lazygirl i am soooo trying that hairstyle! thanks! i have wavy extreamly poofy hair but it looks fabulous when straight, but i have to take FOREVER to make it perfect. so pulling it up with a front puff would look like i actually did something without actually doing much! i would still have to straighten it though, just not get every single strand of hair. 🙂
I HAVE CURLY HAIR AND HAIR LITTLE BIT LONGER THAN MY SHOLDERS SO I PUT IT IN A PONYTAIL ALL THE WAYS TO THE TOP AND I HAVE BANGS SO I PUT IT BACK WITH A MINI CLIP OR BOOBY PIN
i just got my hair cut and the lady totally funked my bangs up instead of the swoop bangs she cut them straite across my forehead i need help a lot of help i alway sport a bump in the front or pin it to the side i was hopeing perhaps there is some thing eles i could do! i love the boho braid to!!!! but i haven’t really mastered it!!!! please help me
all these celebrities have it so easy! its not fair! i have super thick poofy frizzy curly hair and im sick of it. i hate my hair so much. ive been wearing it in a ponytail for 6 years because it looks so horrible when i wear it down. HELP!!! WHAT SHOULD I DO?!?!
i can never get my hair to look good
i think the pony tail is the greatest hairstyle here…not me comments !:S:P
1. First brush your hair throughly then wet your hands and run wet hands through hair or drench brush in water then squeeze brush and run through hair untill it is damp now this look looks great with bangs or side bangs . Keep bangs down but grap hair from the sides of head so that it is half up . Push hair up a little bit so that there’s a bump . Pin it with two bobby pins then spray your bump with hairspray . Now straighten the rest of hair not in pump and straighten bangs . Voila !
these hair styles are freaky boriring
i could have thought of those:P!
any tips on the messy bun i can’t get my hair to stay, my hair just coes undone someone help me i used hairspray and extra hold moose
THANKS FOR YOUR EASY HAIRSTYLES
I have side bangs and like to wear those down, so i take the hair right above my bangs and make those into a poof, that way i can add a little something to my hair on days i don’t have time and i still get to wear my bangs down 🙂
I have tried dozens of different conditioners but the Hydrate Conditioner from Shielo Hair succeeds them all. I have found that many conditioners can leave your hair looking a little greasy and worn down, especially if you have thin hair like me. However, after using the Hydrate Vibrancy Conditioner I feel as though I have just stepped out of a hair salon to get my hair professionally treated. It always leaves my hair with more body & shine and it smells great too! You can truely tell the difference after using it just one time.
I love the front hair poof!!!!!!! I do it all the time b 4 school!!!!!!
To Yenny and Charley.x,
Yenny, just pull your hair up into a high pony tail then wrap the tail around the hair elastic and secure it with bobby pins then spray with hair spray.
Charley.x, I recommend clear dry shampoo for your hair or just use baby powder like the article says, only you need to make sure you brush it out well and blend it out so your hair won’t look gray.
I love seeing hair up because it exposes the kissable neck. I especially love chopstick hair.
i hat front poof since I have scar in my forehead. But the messy bun defintely works all the time,.
Good to learn many tips to do with my messy hair. I bookmark this already thx
I tried #4 this morning, and wow! I got so many compliments! My friends kept on asking me where I got my hair done and they wouldn’t beleive me when I said I did it myself. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Hey! loveeed your post, but I have a couple of questions. For the fist tip, I have black hair so what should I use? Also, my hair is extremely frizzy and I can’t afford to use hair gel everyday because it’s not good for my hair, my hair is really weak and thin and seems to hate me lol. Any suggestions? Thanks!
:D.
These are great tips. Do you have any advice for shorter hair styles (chin to shoulder length). I’ve always had long hair and recently cut it off. I’ve been looking for fun or practical ways to wear my hair (especially in the summer) while it grows out again, but usually end up pinning it up with bobby pins. I’d really appreciate any help or ideas from your experience as a fashion blogger. Thanks!!
@LOL true true true
no need for her to be rude i admit some of these are difficult to get the hang of especially with hair like mine but no need to be rude
Ameiii
Isso me ajuda muito todos os dias!!!!….
these are realy helpful
i have really thick curly frizzy ugly hair but to make to make it look better i get it thinned at my local hairdressers soooo easy and it looks waaay better than b4 or else when i have a shower i half blowdry it so its still a little bit damp then straighten it my amazin aunt gave me these tips
These r cute but I wish there were more hairstyles for us afican American girls
I agree with whoever said the side ponytail, and also you can make a really small braid through which ever side of your head the side pony will be on and then put it in the side pony and undo the part of the braid under the ponytail. Makes the look even cuter.
Cool hairstyles…like it
Those are AMAZING!!!!!!
thanks soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much
definatley gonna have te messy bun for school 2moz
:D:D;D;D:D
All of these hair styles r cite exept the chopsticks ewww lol
need help with hair styles for thick hair…….. something easy and quick
Do you have anything for african american hair…. straightened or natural hair?
Love it!!! I was trying to decide how to do where my hair to my mom’s supprise party. I looked amazing! Thanks for your help : )
love it!
Theses are amazing hairstyles. they day i wore the front poof my boyfriend asked me out.
i think the messy bun is quick n easy but i manly, the night before do little braids all through my hair n then in the morning…….. TA-DA! and i have long stait hair so its a change and it looks good! well i tink it does anyway!
omg i have long not 2 thick but not 2 thin hair and my aunty bought me a hair curler 4 my birthday and i tried it a few time now and it just wont work it probaly is a cheap 1 but it should still work right?
and my hair looks good curled so when i want it curly i have to plait it the night before! oh and on tv i saw this thing call in-styler and its really cool it does ringlets, curl,straitens,and if you have really out of control hair fixes it! im thinking about getting that cos it only $14.99 and if you buy 1 you get 1 FREE! so im thinking about that but if you know anything about my curler it would be helpful cos i dont want it to go to waste!
ps. it say on the handle ’38mm instant heat ceramic’ if that helps!
Hey how do u french braid u should put tha on here to show people how to do it for the 7th one
MimaK, I also have curly, thick, frizzy hair, and I live in a very humid place as well. The first thing I can suggest is to stop washing your hair! Curly hair is naturally very dry, so washing it all the time strips your hair of its natural oils. I haven’t washed my hair in a while, and its finally starting to get greasy. Just use conditioners when you shower. Next, (if you don’t this) air-dry your hair instead of blow-drying it, and if you straighten it a lot, make sure you have really good hair protection, and use lots of moisturizers. I don’t put a lot of product in my hair, but if I had to suggest one, it would be John Freida’s Frizz-Ease Flawless Finishing Creme. It’s the one that says step 5 on it. It really does wonders for my hair. Oh, and I also suggest sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase! I hope this helps!
Thank you for the Braid reminder. Regular Braids can be used anywhere on the head. I did a little one on the side of my head while at the computer without even looking just to see if I could still do it. Now I have to buy those tiny little elastic bands again that I used to have. or the covered glittery ones to make an extended “X” pattern on the end.
Get Rid of Grease is the best 🙂
Which model is #7? anyone know who she is?
Love the front poof… I do it all the time. The messy bun is of course super easy too!
Thanks for sharing these tricks 🙂
Ahh the knit beanie. I like your tip about the dryer sheet! The reason I never wear hats is just for that reason – the static and general hat hair issue. Might have to give them another shot now.
can you explain how to make tht POOF please!!!!!can u explain it alitttle more cuz i jus loved it!!!!!!
Funny enough, I had NO idea how to do the chopstick due until now. Definitely my favorite for a quick due!
this tips are great thanx xxxxxxxx
I totally miss long hair now. I mean I can totally use a hair band or braid it. but using chopsticks or messy buns are too fun! One thing i do love about the front poof is how you can be so much dressier in seconds. Love the post =)
ha ha ha love the grease one
never thought of that. Hey bun is smart.
I have learned to that buying spay to protect your hair from
heat and dead ends really HELPS, Especially for those how love to straighten and curl. Plus some of them can boost the sent of your hair in
thoughs early mornings!
i have curly and long and thick brown hair, but its REALLY hard to control. for example, i can’t put it in a ponytail anymore- it has to be a bun or it goes out of control. none of the models have curly hair. what hairstyles can i do?
Love the first three tips…using them together works great for me! Soak up the oil, put hair in a messy bun, and add a headband! Perfect for running late to class or lazy weekends 🙂
Hi there.
I really love the “do a messy bun” picture. But unfortunately i dont understand how to do that. I mean i dont really get your explanation there.
By the way, my hair is kinda long hair and a straight one.
I doubt it can be so as great as the picture.
So, please help me to get that hairstyle. PLEASE……………….
Thankz So MUch.
Love Ya… ^o^
My fav is of course the messy bun on a rushed day like today lol. although you did forget to mention the classic low side pony tail which is probably the one i end up using the most.
It seems to look good on just about anyone!
These hair styles are super cute but some take a little bit longer than a few minutes maybe nit for college student but more for people in a hurry
thanks for the great tips!! but can u explain the chic ponytail a bit more? im a little confused for that.
I love this article! I’ve been seeing the chic ponytail everywhere. For those looking for inspiration, I found a ton of summer type updos on this website –
http://www.updoguru.com
Like them =D especially number 7 – French Braid Sideways, but how exactly do you do it? X
larisa, that wasn’t even remotely insulting because not only do you type like a stereotypical twelve-year-old, you also don’t make any sense. Please grow up.
Like the poof look great in it
like those hairstyles please add more 😀
can we make puff without bobby pins because making a puff with a small clip is much easier.
I like the fornt poof style
Good advice. I am in love with the whole chopstick thing!
I really enjoyed reading this post. Sometimes I find myself soo late to class that I just put on a hat ,I bring all my hair stuff and put it in my bag, so I can do my hair in the bathroom after class.
A side pony tail (for longish hair), over one shoulder, bangs side swept and head band looks cute and is easy. Plus teasing the back of your head (the corwn) at the roots looks super cute with a cute pin or head band – anyways, cute ideas!
how can i do mii hair in a few minutes and have it look really good!!! i mean like it needs to look good but not take a long time! i have really thin hair so when i want it curly i need to put ALOT of stuff in mii hair but if i dont it wont stay. i dont really like mii hair up but when im in the mood i will so if you have any tips or suggestions on how to put mii hair you.!!!!
PLZ HELP ME!!!!!!
I fishtail brain my hair all the time. It’s different from the french braid or inside out braid you mostly see.
Hey!
What also works for getting grease out is to use facial absobent papers. they r amazing! (for everything). They r great if ur out and its hot. u dont wanna mess up ur make up but ur face is oily. so what u do is take one of the papers and press them onto ur face. or in this case onto ur roots. i have black hair so as zephyr said that way u dont have to worry about the colour!
Cool tips thanx xx
Every nite befor I go to bed I use clean and clear all on my face and nack and it works really good!!!!! I leave it on for about five minites and then scrub it all off and dri it with a towel.. ITS EASY YOU SHOULD TRY IT
How do you do a french braid?
i tried to do the kpony with the hair wrapped around but it didn’t work can you explain it more?
Mii hair takes me so long 2 do i have 2 wake up 1hr and a half early just 2 do.
ii mostly always have it diffrent but my 2 mostly used styles are:
Out and straight/
slicked back into a high messy bun with slicked fringe.
My hairs naturally curly nd a reaL Bother all of de tyme 😀
CharleyREbecca
x
Wood of never thought of babypowder thanx 4 dat!
Wot do i use for blackhair:S
x
i want to learn how to french braid
i really like laurens side braid across the hair line
how do you do that?
great website by the way!
sorry but I really don’t have time in doing those things. Thanks for the great
tips. Now I have the idea.
luv this article
all of u guys that put a photo here look dome all the bicth look stupd even if girlz stare at me and my home girlz they kould keep on hating on wat we got and they dont got soo keep on hating bicth and i want to tell u bicths a poem girlz look at me up and down and dont have nothing to say but its funny how the words come out when i walk away………….
Okay these are good tips, but only if you have pretty straight or curly hair. For people (like me) with a lot of unruly hair these tips aren’t useful.
this isent helpfull how about good instructions and at the top what happens if you are ginger
I LOVE THESE HAIR STYLE SO COOL AND HAS REALLY HELPED ME LOTS
i noticed that most of the hairstyles here were actually for longer hair
can you do a post on chin length to touching shoulder length?
thanks
I have shoulder length hair, and I always struggle to find cute styles. Anyone got any tips?
Also it gets greasy over night, so I don’t really want any tips that include having to sleep with a style in.
Thanks!
Hey!,
I’m 11 yrs old in yr 7 and i’m wondering when i straighten my hair i don’t know whether to tie it up in a pony?or keep it out? please write back thanks xxxx
Cindy – no way! Conditioner adds grease to your hair. You should never put it on your roots!!
I LUV the french braid idea! <3
oh to get rid of grease, u can rub some conditioner onto the roots of ur hair at ur scalp. this way, u don’t have to worry about it matching the color of ur hair (because conditioner is transparent=) )