They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Most of us identify our personal sense of style with a role model or celebrity. An icon. I’ve been asked before who I consider my style icon to be and the answer isn’t as simple as just one influencer. When trying to identify your own style or style influencer/icon, it’s important to look at what you like and what it is about an outfit that draws your attention. And there’s no need to limit yourself to one style icon. There have been several icons that have shaped my personal style.
American Girl
Grace Kelly is and should be considered the end-all, be-all of classic American style. She’s the original Ralph Lauren model before Mr. Lauren sewed his first polo. In other words, she’s the OG of style icons. Grace knew how to elevate the most basic of separates. A simple white button up and cardigan can easily be jazzed up with the addition of a bright silk scarf or turban (gotta love a woman who knows and appreciates a good turban). Even her red-carpet gowns somehow seemed like something you could find in your own closet (or is that just me?).
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Cue the Classics
Oh Audrey. She made the French girl style simple and easy for any girl to create. Like Grace Kelly, Audrey wore classic separates but with a very precise color palate. The versatility of black comes into sharp focus with Audrey because the color takes on an elegance and sophistication. Despite the name of my blog, Audrey is a great example of how restraint can work to make simple pieces so much more. No big prints, or flashy baubles needed (a difficult concept for me). Keeping it simple keeps it classic, and classics never go out of style.
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Menswear Explored
The Great Kate was a fearless sartorialist. Never one to put comfort over conformity, Katherine was one of the more prolific women of her time to insist on wearing her now signature trousers during a time when social propriety dictated a more demur clothing choice. But Katherine didn’t stop with trousers. She understood the benefits of angles provided by sharp blazers and oxfords. And in this sense she is often seen as a style pioneer.
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Confident Glamour
For me Ms. Monroe will always be my biggest style influencer. She wore the basics, rocked the classics, and could wear a pair of trousers with the best of them. But what she wore with every look and style was her confidence. By today’s standard, Marilyn Monroe would be considered a plus sized woman (size 12) but you’d never know it because of the way she carries herself. She will always be the original blonde bombshell, and it’s easy to focus solely on her sex appeal, but this woman also knew how to wear just about anything she was given. For me, that’s the ultimate secret to great style.
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