When you think of fashion icons, who comes to mind? Movie stars like Audrey Hepburn and Farrah Fawcett, supermodels like Kate Moss and the Hadids, Princesses Diana, Kate and Mary, advanced style trendsetters like Iris Apfel or perhaps singers like Beyonce, Pink or Rihanna? What do they all have in common? Aside from their undeniable influence on the fashion world, they’ve all evolved their style as the years have passed. Just like these icons, your personal style can grow and shift over time, reflecting your changing tastes, priorities, and life stages. But how do fashion icons navigate these shifts, and how can you learn from their journeys? Let’s explore how fashion icons evolve with the decades and how you can apply this same flexibility to your own wardrobe.
The 1950s-60s: Classic Elegance Meets Bold Innovation
In the mid-20th century, fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy embodied the pinnacle of elegance and sophistication. These women’s wardrobes were defined by clean lines, tailored fits, and a sense of timeless grace. Hepburn, with her ballet flats and little black dresses, became synonymous with understated elegance, while Jackie Kennedy’s ladylike suits and pillbox hats were the epitome of American chic.
ID 207258889 | Audrey Hepburn © Ralf Liebhold | Dreamstime.com
However, even in the early years of their careers, both women began to evolve their style. Hepburn moved from structured dresses to more relaxed, bohemian looks in the later part of her career, while Jackie Kennedy’s style evolved from tailored suits to more casual, yet still polished, styles in her post-White House years.
How You Can Apply This: As you enter new stages of life—whether it’s motherhood, a career shift, or a personal transformation—your style may naturally evolve too. Embrace the process and allow your wardrobe to reflect your journey. Think about adding elements of sophistication, like a well-tailored blazer or a sleek pair of trousers, but also introduce pieces that feel more comfortable and expressive of who you are now. If you’re ready to guide your own style evolution, consider joining my Evolve Your Style program to help you discover how to dress in this new stage of life.
The 1970s-80s: From Disco Glam to Power Dressing
The 1970s introduced a wave of boldness in fashion, with icons like Farrah Fawcett and Bianca Jagger capturing the essence of disco glamour. Farrah’s feathered hair and flowing gowns became synonymous with the carefree spirit of the time, while Jagger’s androgynous, rock ‘n’ roll style ushered in an era of experimentation. These icons weren’t afraid to break boundaries, blending sex appeal with an effortless cool.
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As the 1980s came around, fashion icons began to shift toward a more structured and powerful aesthetic. Think of Princess Diana’s shift from soft, romantic dresses to more structured and bold choices as she embraced the role of a global ambassador. Women like Madonna also made their mark, pushing the envelope with their rebellious, often extravagant fashion choices. The 80s was a decade of statement pieces—power suits, bold colours, and larger-than-life accessories.
How You Can Apply This: Experimentation is key during this time of personal growth. Try introducing new styles that reflect your personality—whether it’s a bold statement necklace or an oversized blazer. There’s no harm in stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing pieces that make you feel empowered and confident.
The 1990s-2000s: Minimalism and the Rise of the Supermodels
By the 1990s, fashion icons like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell epitomised the rise of the supermodel, bringing minimalism to the forefront of fashion. Gone were the extravagant, statement-making outfits of the 80s, and in came sleek, simple lines. Kate Moss, in particular, became synonymous with the “heroin chic” look—effortlessly cool and minimalist, often seen in slip dresses, denim, and simple tees. Naomi Campbell, on the other hand, embraced the power of high fashion with her impeccable runway looks.
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Even as fashion moved toward minimalist aesthetics, both Moss and Campbell demonstrated how a simple outfit could be elevated with the right accessories or by pairing pieces in unexpected ways. Their ability to look chic without trying too hard made them fashion icons for a new generation.
How You Can Apply This: Fit is crucial; well-fitting clothes look better. Invest in timeless, minimalist pieces like a well-fitting pair of jeans paired with a blazer or a leather jacket for a more edgy style. This doesn’t mean sacrificing style—it’s about creating a capsule wardrobe that will work for you season after season.
The 2010s-Present: Eclectic and Personal
As we moved into the 2010s, fashion icons became less about fitting into a box and more about celebrating individuality. Celebrities like Rihanna, the Hadid’s and Zendaya embraced diverse, eclectic styles that included everything from streetwear to couture, demonstrating how personal style can be a blend of high fashion and casual elements.
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Rihanna’s bold fashion choices, from oversized puffer jackets to her own fashion line, have solidified her place as a modern style icon.
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Zendaya, on the other hand, uses her fashion to push boundaries, advocating for inclusivity and self-expression.
The queen of the Advanced Style movement, Iris Apfel, showed that there is no age limit to style and that going big and bold, rather than becoming invisible and shrinking with age, is the way to go.
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Princesses Catherine of Wales and Queen Mary of Denmark have shown that you can elegantly and chicly dress both formally and informally and that you don’t need a new dress or outfit for every occasion.
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This era celebrates the freedom to mix different styles, and icons today are more experimental than ever, embracing diversity and inclusivity, not just in their clothing but in how they wear them.
How You Can Apply This: Your style in this stage can be a reflection of your evolution and the confidence you’ve gained over time. Embrace what feels right for you now—don’t be afraid to mix different styles, textures, and colours. With age often comes a stronger sense of self, and your wardrobe can be a direct reflection of that. Don’t hesitate to experiment with trends that speak to your personality. If you’re looking for guidance on how to mix and match styles to express yourself, the Evolve Your Style program is a great resource for exploring your personal approach to style.
Embracing Change: Your Style Evolution
Fashion icons evolve their style as they grow and experience new chapters in their lives, and so can you. The key is to embrace the changes, trust your instincts, and allow your style to shift with you. Over time, your fashion choices will reflect not just the seasons of fashion, but the seasons of your life.
