Here it is, my very personal list of style icons. It was interesting to put this list together…eye opening for me, really.
These women have all been on my radar for some time, but to make sure I curated my list properly, I reviewed lots of articles about people whose style I’ve admired. I had planned to have 10 names for this post, and I could have had 20, but this is the group that feels real for me.
When I say style icons, I’m not necessarily writing about those women who are the most influential or the ones who’ve changed the landscape of women’s fashion. While I love the idea of breaking barriers – and I believe that is essential – wearing a head to toe see-through look or a meat dress didn’t make the cut for me.
I would happily pin up images of any of these women over my desk for daily inspiration.
Katherine Hepburn
Is it the popped collar? The up-do? Or maybe the smile.
KH embodied classic cool as a young woman and made androgynous pants suits look super sexy. Recreating her relaxed style is definitely a goal of mine. But the best thing is how completely comfortable with herself she always seemed to be. That confidence is the essence of style.
Bianca Jagger
And speaking of rocking a pants suit, did anyone do it better than Nicaraguan actress Bianca Jagger? There was no one more elegant than Bianca in the Studio 54 days. And at 77 years old, she is brilliant. The civil rights activist shows up at events in low(ish) cut animal print caftans or floor sweeping black gowns and her style just screams global chic.
Cate Blanchett
Cate’s my girl. I won’t go so far as to say I stalk her style, but she is great in anything she puts on, and she’s ridiculously talented. Is that really fair?
While she is always perfectly tailored, her looks are anything but boring. She is able to walk a line between feminine and edgy in glittering gold platforms.
Michelle Obama
Obviously there is a lot to admire here that has nothing to do with what she’s wearing. But watching her sleek White House ensembles morph into her newer fashionista choices has been so much fun.
She realizes that people take notice of what she wears and uses that to make a difference. Obama and Meredith Koop, her stylist since 2010, bring attention to diverse, emerging designers – and it looks like they are having a lot of fun doing it.
Nina Garcia
Like so many people, I became aware of Garcia watching Project Runway. She was always spectacular, and had thoughtful feedback for the designers on the show. She just seemed smart, which I guess she is being a Wellesley grad and editor-in-chief of Elle Magazine. And her style is smart, too. Simple and classic, with a little bit of tough thrown into the mix. Lots of blazers with little sequined tops, fitted shapes, and just a touch of color.
Victoria Beckham
She’s posh alright. And a fantastic business woman. I think a lot of people underestimated her ability to run a fashion house, but just for about a second.
Her clothing line (and the way she dresses) is sophisticated and modern and I can’t get enough. The way she strips away the frou frou and yet makes beautifully feminine clothes is genius. And the little off-handed, casual bun is the best. Serious dressing, not stuffy.
