Fashion icons are influential people who introduce new styles and often dare to challenge the norm or standard of fashion. Their outfits are embraced and adopted by many people, and they inspire designers and photographers alike. If you want to feel like a fashion icon yourself, you can take some cues from these 12 legendary style mavens and their famous looks.
Audrey Hepburn
The epitome of elegance and grace, Audrey Hepburn is best known for her role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, where she wore a black Givenchy dress, pearl necklace, sunglasses and gloves. This outfit became one of the most iconic in film history, and it still exudes sophistication and glamour today. You can recreate this look with a simple black dress, statement jewelry, and a pair of classic pumps.
David Bowie
The ultimate chameleon of fashion, David Bowie experimented with different personas and styles throughout his career. From Ziggy Stardust to Aladdin Sane to The Thin White Duke, he always pushed the boundaries of gender, genre and aesthetics. One of his most memorable outfits was the blue suit he wore on the cover of his 1973 album Pin Ups, which featured a wide lapel, flared pants and platform shoes. You can channel your inner Bowie with a colorful suit, a printed shirt, and some funky accessories.
Princess Diana
As a royal, she stole our hearts and as a fashion icon, she continues to influence our style choices. Princess Diana was known for her elegant and modern outfits, which often mixed high-end labels with casual pieces. She also used fashion as an extension of her personality and charisma, wearing bright colors, bold prints and playful accessories. One of her most iconic outfits was the black off-the-shoulder dress she wore to the Serpentine Gallery in 1994, which showed off her confidence and beauty. You can emulate this look with a sleek black dress, a statement clutch, and some sparkly earrings.
James Dean
The original rebel without a cause, James Dean defined the cool and casual style of the 1950s. He popularized the leather jacket, jeans and white T-shirt combo, which became a symbol of youth culture and rebellion. He also wore classic pieces like trench coats, sweaters and loafers, adding a touch of sophistication to his rugged image. You can rock this look with a leather jacket, a plain tee, jeans and boots.
Madonna
The queen of pop has reinvented herself countless times over the decades, always setting new trends and breaking new ground. Madonna is known for her eclectic and provocative outfits, which often mix different influences and genres. She has worn everything from corsets to cone bras to cowboy hats, always making a statement with her fashion choices. One of her most iconic outfits was the wedding dress she wore at the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards, where she performed “Like a Virgin” on stage. You can recreate this look with a white lace dress, a belt, some jewelry and a veil.
Michael Jackson
The king of pop was also a king of fashion, influencing millions of fans with his signature style. Michael Jackson had a flair for drama and spectacle, wearing outfits that were both functional and fabulous. He is famous for his red leather jacket from Thriller, his military-inspired jackets from Bad, his sequined glove from Billie Jean, and his fedora hat from Smooth Criminal. You can pay tribute to his legacy with a leather jacket, a white shirt, black pants and loafers.
Marilyn Monroe
The ultimate sex symbol of Hollywood, Marilyn Monroe was also a fashion icon who knew how to dress for her curves. She wore feminine and glamorous outfits that accentuated her figure,
such as halter dresses, pencil skirts, fur coats and diamonds. She also rocked casual looks like jeans, sweaters and scarves, adding a touch of chic to her everyday style. One of her most iconic outfits was the white pleated dress she wore in The Seven Year Itch, which famously blew up over a subway grate. You can copy this look with a white dress, heels and red lipstick.
Jackie Kennedy Onassis
The former first lady was one of the most influential style icons of the 20th century, setting the standard for elegance and sophistication in American politics. Jackie Kennedy Onassis wore tailored suits, pillbox hats, pearls, gloves and sunglasses, creating a timeless look that still inspires women today. She also embraced international fashion, wearing outfits from designers like Chanel, Givenchy and Valentino. One of her most iconic outfits was the pink suit she wore on the day of her husband’s assassination, which became a symbol of her grace and dignity. You can replicate this look with a pink suit, a matching hat, a brooch and pumps.
Lady Gaga
The pop star and actress is known for her outrageous and avant-garde outfits, which often challenge the norms and expectations of fashion. Lady Gaga has worn everything from meat dresses to bubble dresses to egg pods, always surprising and shocking her audience. She also has a knack for reinventing herself, changing her look and style with every album and era. One of her most iconic outfits was the silver bodysuit she wore at the 2010 Grammy Awards, where she arrived in a giant egg carried by dancers. You can imitate this look with a metallic bodysuit, some platform shoes and a futuristic wig.
Steve Jobs
The co-founder of Apple was not only a visionary in technology but also in fashion. Steve Jobs created his own uniform, wearing the same outfit every day: a black turtleneck, blue jeans and New Balance sneakers. He said that this simplified his life and allowed him to focus on his work. He also said that he wanted to create a signature style that people would recognize and remember. You can adopt this look with a black sweater, jeans and sneakers.
Audrey Tautou
The French actress is best known for her role in Amélie, where she played a quirky and charming waitress who tries to make the world a better place. Audrey Tautou is also known for her chic and effortless style, which reflects her Parisian roots. She wears classic pieces like trench coats, striped shirts, cardigans and ballet flats, adding some whimsy with accessories like hats, scarves and glasses. One of her most iconic outfits was the red dress she wore in Amélie, which matched her personality and the movie’s color scheme. You can recreate this look with a red dress, black tights, black shoes and a bob haircut.
Harry Styles
The former One Direction member has become one of the most influential fashion icons of his generation, breaking stereotypes and conventions with his style choices. Harry Styles is known for his eclectic and adventurous outfits, which often mix different patterns, colors and textures. He also experiments with gender-fluid fashion, wearing pieces like skirts, dresses and pearls. He has worn outfits from designers like Gucci, Saint Laurent and Alessandro Michele, as well as vintage and custom-made pieces. One of his most iconic outfits was the patchwork cardigan he wore on the Today Show in 2020, which sparked a viral trend on TikTok. You can copy this look with a colorful cardigan, a white shirt, black pants and boots.
These are just some of the outfits that will make you feel like a fashion icon. Of course, you can also create your own style by mixing and matching different pieces, expressing your personality and mood, and having fun with fashion. Remember, fashion icons are not born, they are made. So go ahead and make your mark on the world with your fabulous outfits.