While we all like to credit ourselves with coming up with the latest trends and styles off the shelves, the truth is everything we wear nowadays, someone wore it before us and, odds are, before them. In my fashion history class, we learn about timeless trends that have stayed for 50-plus years, and it’s all owed to these fine ladies.
Audrey Hepburn: This actress’ style was all about being chic, classic and sophisticated. She stuck out from the rest of the actresses of her decade because she preferred basic pieces and ballet flats to over-the-top dresses and heels. She was the epitome of dressing like a lady. Marilyn Monroe: This screen siren needs no introduction, Marilyn was and still is every man’s fantasy girl, she was sexy and charming without even having to try. This effortless appeal reflected in her everyday and red-carpet clothes. The body-hugging dresses that she constantly flaunted are still on the shelves — proving her sex appeal stands the test of time. Also, you cannot forget her signature red lipstick and blonde hair, which are a combination that everyone — including celebrities — still try to replicate because after all don’t “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes?”
Edie Sedgwick: Probably the least well-known on our list but by far, one of my favorites because Edie was a girl who had everything come easy to her, including her style. The outfits she wore were never meticulously planned, and she usually left the house wearing leotards and tights from dance class. But since she was somewhat of a mini celebrity, thanks to her close friendship with artist Andy Warhol and musician Bob Dylan, much to her own amusement, she became a trendsetter. Part of her signature look was statement earrings, much like the oversized chandelier ones we wear today, along with black leggings or thigh highs, which Edie wore with everything.
Debbie Harry: Since most of this list is filled with classic, sophisticated styles, I had to add some rock ’n’ roll. Without a doubt, Debbie set the standard for the “don’t-care-what-I’m-wearing-but-I-still-look-freaking-good” persona that female rock stars still try to pull off. Must haves in Debbie’s wardrobe? A beat-up leather jacket, lots of band and graphic tees and dark tight jeans or cutoffs, of course, you have to complete it with her just-rolled-out-of-bed hairdo and badass attitude.
While ironically, most of these trend-setting females didn’t even try when it came to fashion and had no interest in trends, they inadvertently started them by just dressing how they felt. So take a note from them and dress with how you feel instead of attempting to follow a strict regime of what’s on the cover of all the magazines. Who knows, you just might end up putting your own stamp on the fashion world yourself.
Janelle attends The Art Institute of Philadelphia. She writes this column every other week.
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