They say beauty is timeless and some iconic looks prove just that. From Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress to Michael Jackson’s gloved hands, classic celebrity looks have always inspired fashion and beauty trends. This article explores the impact of these timeless icons and reveals how their fashion statements continue to inspire us today.
1. Tap Into Tradition: Exploring Timeless Iconic Celebrity Looks
Celebrities are always making fashion statements and inspiring us to try a timeless look. From classic beehives to chic shift dresses, certain iconic looks endure through the decades and beyond. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic celebrity looks of all time and how to make them your own.
- The Beehive – Say goodbye to boring hairstyles and hello to the beehive! This look was pioneered by the likes of Brigitte Bardot and popularized by singers like Amy Winehouse. To get this timeless look yourself, backcomb and tease your hair in the center to create height. Then pull your hair back and secure with a lot of hairspray and bobby pins.
- Bright Lipstick – Meghan Markle brought red lipstick back into the limelight with her classic beauty look. Make this timeless classic your own by choosing your favourite color that suits your skin tone. Get a fuller lip look by exfoliating and using a plumping lip gloss before applying lipstick.
- The Shift Dress – The shift dress was dubbed a revolutionary look when it was sported by Jackie Kennedy in the late 1950s and it’s still as stylish today as ever. Go for a classic plain color or opt for an elegant print. This look is incredibly versatile, a great option for the office or a night out with friends.
- Statement Accessories – Accessorizing is key to make any look your own and stand out. From a classic watch to an elegant necklace, the possibilities are endless. Invest in the pieces that you can wear all year round and look great while doing it.
Though fashion trends come and go, these timeless looks will always remain stylish. With a few tweaks here and there, you can make any of these iconic looks your own. Who said you can’t get inspired by an old classic?
2. From Classic Hollywood Glam to the Swinging ’60s
The 1950s ushered in a glorious era of cinema: the golden age of Hollywood glam. Cinematic icons like Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor epitomized classic style and sophistication. Audiences were swept away on a wave of escapism, with escapist and star-studded musicals dominating the box-office.
By the 1960s, Hollywood had painted itself into a corner with its audience growing ever more tiresome of the same old tropes. In response, the decade saw the movie industry move away from the glitz and glamour of the past, towards a more daring, experimental vogue. A brand new breed of actors emerged, like Paul Newman, Jane Fonda and Marlon Brando, who championed the cause of emphatically non-glamorous roles.bold>
The new ‘jazz age’ aesthetic was expressed through sumptuous costumes, flamboyant set designs, dazzling films editing and even the soundtracks. Famous composers like John Barry, Henry Mancini and Andrew Lloyd Webber brought a jet-set feel of unrivalled opulence to the movies, helping to propel the 60s film industry into the stratosphere of critical and commercial success.
The decade was full of groundbreaking cult classics, such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s and The Graduate that made maverick directors household names overnight. Themes about sex, drugs and experimental lifestyles rocked the censors and opened new avenues for expression in the movie’s industry.
The 1960s provided an invaluable period of transformation for filmmaking, while remaining an era of unparalleled visual and aural pleasure for viewers. It was a decade packed with unforgettable moments, that will live on forever in movie history.
3. Dressing the Part: Uncovering the Secrets of Iconic Celebrity Style
Ever since the emergence of Hollywood, personalities like Marilyn Monroe or James Dean have been closely associated with iconic styles. Whether it’s poodle skirts, t-shirts and jeans, or purple velvet catsuits, these moments in fashion have been ingrained in our culture forever, and there’s no doubt as to the impact they had on the fashion industry. But, how can you emulate these iconic looks without looking like a tribute artist? Read on to uncover some of the secrets of achieving the timeless looks of your favorite celebrity style.
Understand the Basics
No matter the era, celebrity style usually consists of variation on some classic looks. Knowing the basics of a classic style can help you craft a timeless look, as well as adding subtle changes to make it uniquely yours. For example, in the 1950s, poodle skirts and t-shirts were popular looks. To achieve a modern take on the look, try pairing the skirt with a leather jacket and the t-shirt with ripped jeans, and you’ll be able to evoke nostalgia without looking like you’ve stepped straight out of a time machine.
Mix and Match for Maximum Impact
Once you understand the basics of a style, you can start to combine pieces together for maximum impact. Mixing silhouettes, textures, and eras can help you craft a unique aesthetic, as well as incorporating current trends to give the look a modern edge. For example, take the classic t-shirt and jeans look and mix it with a sequined jacket from the 1970s and pair with flats from the 2010s for a contemporary take on a classic combo.
Opt for Unforgettable Accessories
Accessories can be the perfect way to add a unique twist to an iconic celebrity style. Think statement jewelry pieces, vintage bags, or unexpected footwear to help you take the look to the next level. Consider also incorporating more personal items such as your favorite hat or sunglasses, as this can help elevate any look and make it distinctly yours.
Keep it Simple
When attempting to recreate a celebrity’s iconic style, it is important to remember that less is often more. Too much attempts to mimic an iconic look can make you look like you are trying too hard, so try to limit yourself to a few key pieces and make sure they are in neutral tones that will be useful for multiple outfits. Keeping things simple also helps to ensure that the look is timeless and won’t be outdated in a matter of months.
By taking these tips to heart, you will be able to create the perfect balance between classic and contemporary and stand out in a crowd. Just remember that when it comes to styling yourself, there is no right or wrong, it’s all about feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. So have fun, be creative, and express yourself.
4. Finding Inspiration Through the Ages: Updating Timeless Celebrity Looks for the Modern Era
It can be difficult to make it as a fashionista in today’s world. With designers churning out new collections every other day, it’s hard to keep up with the latest trends. Or, worse, to come up with a look that’s stylish while staying polished and timeless. Well, why not take a page from the books of iconic celebrities and style your own look? Here are a few ways to take inspiration from timeless looks and give them an update for the modern era:
- Monochrome: Just because it’s an old-fashioned style, doesn’t mean it’s outdated. To freshen it up for the modern era, think of more unique tones. Of course, staying faithful to the monochrome look, experiment with contrasting shades, like ochre yellow and burnt orange.
- Retro Clothing: Find your perfect silhouette in vintage stores, and pair them with a modern-style coat or jacket for a unique, contemporary look.
- Accessorizing: Tricia Nixon and Jacqueline Kennedy are two well-known icons who utilized a few simple accessories to perfect their look. Stick to a single accessory that captures all other colors in the outfit, such as a beaded choker, bag, or earrings.
Mixing all these styles up will open up a brand new wardrobe full of possibilities. For instance, you can pair up a high-waisted pant with a modern crop-top for a sharp, yet sexy silhouette. Also, match up a polka-dot blouse with a flowy skirt and pointed heels for a retro look. Above all, have fun and enjoy experimenting with different pieces.
Reflect on the classic, timeless look embraced by celebrities throughout the ages, and explore how the same statement can be made in different ways. With a bit of creative reworking, you’ll soon come up with a look that’s right for you. Go on — create your own celebrity-inspired look and hit the streets stylishly!
From the debutante princesses of the Victorian era to the superstars of the modern age, timeless icons prove that an image truly can last forever. No matter the generation, the most timeless styles still shine in the eyes of fashion, inspiring both those that are rooted in the past and those that trailblaze for the future.