My die-hard, fashionista friend (AZ) once asked me, “Who’s your style icon past or present?” I had to think about it for a moment, but I came to the conclusion that that person would have to be the beautiful and talented Dorothy Dandridge. Even though she died decades before I was born, she exuded style, grace and class.
A style icon is someone who sets trends and doesn’t follow them. Perhaps you admire Jennifer Lopez’s sexy street-glam style or the simple chicness of the late Jackie-O? Maybe she isn’t someone who’s known around the world. She could be your fabulously fierce mother or super stylish cousin. Or better yet, maybe you march to the beat of your own drum and don’t follow anybody’s flair for fashion because your personal style is so fresh and unique that there’s no need to look to others for style adoration other than yourself!
Here are a few fashion icons from yesteryear and today that I think are pretty noteworthy. So I ask, who is your style icon?
Legendary actress Dorothy Dandrige always looked polished and pulled-together.
India.Arie taught us all to love ourselves and she exemplifies her mantra with earthy, yet sexy styles.
Our favorite girlfriend, Tracee Ellis Ross has a feminine eclectic style that always demands attention.
New mom Jennifer Lopez effortlessly mixes urban street style with glam.
Jackie Kennedy-Onassis is the quintessential style icon that trancends all demographics. I think we can all agree that her style was timeless.
Beyonce’s fashion sense has evolved from ill-fitted fringe fiascos into a sleek and stylish silhouettes.
Halle Berry even looks fashion forward while pregnant. Can this beauty ever look bad?
Audrey Hepburn’s style epitomized classic chic.
my mother and grandmother frederica, katherine hepburn, marlo thomas in that girl, audrey hepburn, nina in love jones, and claire huxtable are my style icons.
I can’t say that I have one right now but growing up…I’d have to say Micheal Jordan. If you saw Jordan do a press conference, he was always in a nice suit. Very clean cut.
You have on your list the first person that came to mind for me. I love Audrey Hepburn. That little pixie cut was great and how perfect was she in Breakfast at Tiffany’s? The fashions in Funny Face always make me swoon.
I also have to say my mom especially in the late 70’s she just oozed glamour. She’s still pretty glamourus today.
My first stlye icon was Aaliyah that is until she pasted. I loved the way she dressed nothing showing too much but yet still sexy. For right now my stlye icon is Beyonce. She is always on top of her game when it comes to clothing she is always sexy but yet classy.
Now I don’t know what happened. I thought you were vacationing for a minute but come to realize….you stopped popping up on my Google Reader. Hmmm….what happppened?
But sticking to the topic….I don’t think I have any style icons. I like a little bit of everyones’ looks.
Divine I was wondering where you were! You’ve been missed! I’d have to say I have many icons…most of them are related to me! 🙂
@Divine — You were truly missed…I thought you stopped enjoying BGG!!! I’m glad to see you’re back! 🙂 I don’t know why my posts didn’t show up in your Google reader.
My style icons are:Jessica Simpson, Jessica Alba, Rachel True, Joy Bryant and Nicole Richie (when she’s not with Paris)
Lindsay Lohan. No seriously, the girl always looks good. Even passed out in her car.
I would have to say Elizabeth Taylor from the past and Sarah Jessica Parker for today.
Not to dis any of the beautiful fashion divas from back in the day but I must raise my flag for the BGs from back then. I mean they not only looked fabulous but they did it while being treated like second class citizens and we all know that how you feel plays a really big part in how you look. So, to my BGs and BBs who managed to look spectacular with limited resources (designers, make-up, etc.) while being ushered thru the back door…here’s to you!
Halle Berry is/was a beautiful black woman. I dont really have a style icon. I would love to dress like Jay Z. Cant afford it though.
Gabrielle Union is one fierce ass chick. She’s my style icon.
@ Ananda — Wasn’t Nia Long’s style so fly in Love Jones!
@12Kyle — MJ always looks dapper.
@Kwana – Audrey Hepburn is one of my favorites too. I love classic chic!
@Ros — Aaliyah had a sporty, baggy look at first, but then she crossed over to the more ladylike apparel.
@Divine — Admiring a few style icons can help you create your own fashionable style.
@K-Bear — I think all of our first style icons were our mothers (for the most part! LOL)
@Ashley-Nicole — I love Jessica Alba and Jessica Simpson’s style (occasionally). Sometimes Jessica S. goes too much on the country western side in her choices.
@ Just K — You’re so right! We have so much to be grateful for!
@Kitty Vodka — I know you’re joking about Lilo!! All she wears are leggings and tunics!
@Beautytalk — I never really like Liz’s style. It was a bit too gaudy for my liking, but that’s why I asked for your opinion! 🙂
@Don — Jay-Z has that sexy street swagger that makes all clothes look good on him!
@Gotta Let it Out — Gabrielle Union is one of my favorites too. She never looks like she tries too hard, but always looks great.
Umm… Very interesting question, almost like the million dollar question — too many answers. So for the moment I will say Maggie Cheung in the movie “In The Mood For Love” she is classic. Of course at the moment I will say Halle Berry.
I don’t have a particular style icon. But I think Iman has shown tremendous elegance, style, sexiness, grace throughout the years and is pretty darn fabulous.
On the younger circuit, Gabrielle Union always looks great but in an a way that appears effortless.
I’m fine in my jeans and t-shirt.
Mary J. Blige has always had style, good or bad. Its always her own.
Hi BGG,
Tracee Ross is definitely a style icon to me. She always looks hot.
I remember Jody Watley being a style icon as well in the mid to late 80’s.
I also think that Alicia Keys has developed a very interesting style, so I would have to list her as one of my current icons.
Fun post! 🙂
Good topic! My style icons would be Alicia Keys, Halle Berry and Audrey Hepburn.
Also, Lana and Chloe on Smallville (Season 4 and up). Their casual yet dressy blazers and jeans are totally my style. And Chloe’s form-fitting business skirt-suits are killer.
And lastly, Eva Mendes in Hitch. The black Beatles T-shirt with a blazer is one of my favorites! Also, her cream colored outfit at the end was a beauty.
Oh–and Ashley Judd’s classic jeans, tank top and unbuttoned blouse is simple cool.
I’ll admit I always tend to go back to Jackie, but I think Dorothy Dandridge and Halle are the most classically beautiful on your list.
Decorator Mary McDonald, for me, has serious flair. Though Sheila Bridges deserves the award for grace and elegance despite her hair loss.
I really liked the style of Sophia Loren she was really classy in her day.
Rosemary Clooney of the 1950s. I think she was the most beautiful woman of the decade—with a sophisticated, motherly-wifely wholesome style that the decade was so known for.