Which women changed fashion forever?
Women have long been inspired by famous faces who encourage them to be confident in themselves. But, which women stood out as those who changed fashion forever?
Marilyn Monroe
She’s one of the most well-known women in modern history — remembered as an actress, singer and model. But what made her such a fashion icon?
In her iconic scene in The Seven Year Itch, she playfully pushes her ivory dress down as air from the subway gate blows it up. As she bared her skin in a backless number with a plunging neck, this dress highlights what she brought to 1950s fashion. Following her death in 1962, the popularity of miniskirts and knee-high boots soared — paving way for the Swinging Sixties.
Get the look:
Stay confident and create an enviable silhouette in a bodycon dress. Show off some shoulder in Bardot tops, or for something dressier, pair a halter-neck jumpsuit with stilettos. To add some Hollywood to your wardrobe, think fishtail dresses and diamond jewellery.
Audrey Hepburn
When we think of Audrey Hepburn and fashion, it’s hard not to think about her classic LBD that she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
It was actually 40 years earlier to this that the LBD was launched into the fashion world by Coco Chanel. Hepburn’s character in the film brought to life what the LBD was all about — effortless elegance and high-fashion style. And, it’s been iconic ever since — from Princess Diana wearing one in 1994, to Kate Moss donning an LBD for her decade with Rimmel, the style is never far from mainstream fashion.
Get the look:
You really can’t go wrong with an LBD. Dress up a bodycon style with killer heels and statement jewellery for a big night out, or tone it down by wearing a tunic LBD.
Mary Quant
We couldn’t talk about the change of fashion without bringing up the miniskirt. It was Mary Quant who brought them to mainstream fashion in the 1960s — revolutionary in a decade of youth culture and sexual freedom for women.
We’ve seen many women wearing the miniskirt since — from Jean Shrimpton and Goldie Hawn, to Madonna and Britney Spears.
Get the look:
Miniskirts have never truly gone out of fashion, so you won’t look out of place when you wear one. Pair with tights for the colder months and rock a denim number with a Bardot top in the spring-summer season.
Cher
Along with her distinctive voice, Cher brought us the bell bottom trouser — possibly the most famous trouser style of the 1970s.
Once associated with ‘hippie fashion’, Cher brought them to the mainstream with flared jeans and fashionable trousers. She encouraged men and women alike to do the same, encouraging the gender-neutral look.
Get the look:
Go retro with wide-cut pants. Or, opt for a pair of palazzo pants and wear with a crop top and heels for a going-out look. For more of a boho feel, pull on some nude culottes and a patterned Bardot.