25 style icons whose looks changed fashion forever (26 photos)

Have you ever noticed how some celebrities stand out from the crowd? It's all about their unique style. Becoming a fashion icon, looked up to by everyone, is no easy task. Whether they're from Old Hollywood or today, they all share one thing in common: recognizability at first glance. We'll highlight the outstanding personalities who have influenced fashion and continue to shape it as it exists today.





1. Audrey Hepburn



Audrey Hepburn is associated with the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's." Her expressive eyes, elegant silhouette, and classic black Givenchy dress captured the imagination of many. This look confirmed her status as a film and fashion legend. Hepburn loved to wear cigarette pants, boat-neck tops, and simple dresses.

2. Jacqueline Kennedy





Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis became not only the First Lady but also a style icon of the 20th century. Her impeccable suits, pillbox hats, and minimalist looks combined American and European fashion. This ultimately led to a modernization of fashion in the White House.

3. Princess Diana



Princess Diana skillfully combined royal chic with modern trends. Her iconic "revenge dress," formal suits, and elegant evening gowns have become some of the most memorable images in pop culture history.

4. Brigitte Bardot



It's no surprise that Brigitte Bardot, with her voluminous hair, smoky eye makeup, and seductive outfits, became one of the most recognizable style icons of the 1950s and 1960s. She significantly influenced the sexual revolution and inspired generations of women with her sensual and effortless image.

5. Marlene Dietrich



Marlene Dietrich, whose career spanned nearly seven decades, was the leading style icon of her time. The actress and singer boldly transformed her looks and experimented with androgynous clothing. She inspired designers and even contributed to the emergence of unisex women's clothing.

6. Elizabeth Taylor



Elizabeth Taylor was more than just a successful actress; she became one of Hollywood's most iconic style icons. Her impeccable hairstyles, striking outfits, and luxurious jewelry epitomized glamour. Taylor captivated audiences with her captivating beauty and lavish lifestyle.

7. Sophia Loren



Sophia Loren's signature makeup, jewelry, and form-fitting dresses inspired many designers, including Giorgio Armani, Cristóbal Balenciaga, and Valentino. Like Marilyn Monroe, Loren masterfully combined sophistication and drama in her style, which continues to influence fashion today.

8. Twiggy (Leslie Lawson)



Twiggy became a style icon of the 1960s thanks to her androgynous look. Her boyish style and slender figure shattered the Hollywood ideal of curvy, sensual silhouettes. She transformed youth fashion into a global craze.

9. Katharine Hepburn



It's surprising that Audrey Hepburn and Katharine Hepburn, despite not being related, both boldly challenged the fashion standards of their time. Katharine wasn't a famous actress in the 1930s and 1940s, but she defied stereotypes by opting for a more relaxed style of dress rather than the Hollywood glitz. She was the first to wear trousers, tailored suits, and button-down shirts.

10. Marilyn Monroe



Her bold, feminine aesthetic and sensuality left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Monroe created many iconic looks that remain popular to this day. Think of the white strappy dress from "The Seven Year Itch," or the form-fitting dresses she wore on the red carpet. Marilyn Monroe's style lives on today.

11. Grace Kelly



Even before becoming Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly was already a renowned actress with a refined style. When it came to fashion, she favored understated luxury: classic dresses, refined colors, and elegant silhouettes that emphasized her regal presence.

12. Jane Birkin



Actress Jane Birkin not only inspired the iconic Hermès Birkin bag but also influenced fashion in the 1960s and 1970s. Birkin always knew how to make a simple T-shirt and jeans look chic, and her signature accessory was the wicker basket.

13. Grace Jones



Grace Jones, one of the most famous androgynous models, dominated the Parisian catwalks in the 1970s. Her distinctive features, vibrant makeup, and sculpted silhouette made her a muse for Jean-Paul Gaudé and other designers. Jones's fearless style changed the concept of glamour and had a significant influence on the development of androgynous fashion.

14. Cher



Cher conquered the fashion world in the '60s and '70s with her bohemian looks and disco glamour. Later, she and costume designer Bob Mackie popularized futuristic outfits and sheer bodysuits. Today, her style continues to influence both designers and celebrities.

15. Lady Gaga



Lady Gaga is one of the most daring artists. From avant-garde costumes to meat dresses, her looks surprise and provoke, revealing stories and blending fashion with art. Collaborations with renowned brands like Alexander McQueen and Versace have allowed Lady Gaga to become a trendsetter.

16. Lauren Bacall



Lauren Bacall masterfully transformed office suits into elegant evening looks. She often paired pencil skirts and pleated trousers with silk blouses and tailored blazers. This created a unique, seductive style that continues to inspire today.

17. Coco Chanel



This list simply wouldn't be complete without Coco Chanel. A talented French fashion designer, she set the tone for Parisian fashion for nearly six decades. Chanel is known for her iconic creations, such as tweed suits. Her elegant designs inspired 20th-century women to abandon uncomfortable corsets and full skirts.

18. Elle Macpherson



Elle Macpherson embodies classic elegance. Her bespoke outfits, sophisticated color palette, and effortless glamour have made her a role model. In 2006, the top model and designer was awarded the Elle Style Icon Award, further cementing her status.

19. Cindy Crawford



Cindy Crawford is one of the most famous supermodels of the 80s and 90s. She created a unique and memorable style. Fitted red carpet dresses and relaxed looks with T-shirts and high-waisted jeans became Cindy's signature look. Her sexiness and femininity made a splash in the industry.

20. Rihanna



Rihanna's influence extends beyond music. She's not just a singer, but also a successful designer. Rihanna effortlessly combines high fashion with streetwear. Her daring style and striking red carpet looks have made her a pop and fashion legend.

21. Anna Wintour



If you've ever seen the Met Gala red carpet, you're likely familiar with Anna Wintour, an expert on this grand event. The former editor-in-chief of American Vogue, she has largely shaped the modern fashion industry. Beyond her impressive achievements, she's also known for her signature bob haircut, dark sunglasses, and tailored clothing.

22. Sarah Jessica Parker



When we hear the name Sarah Jessica Parker, we immediately think of Carrie Bradshaw. This is not surprising, as the heroine of the popular TV series has had a huge influence on fashion. The actress herself is known for her eclectic and vibrant style.

23. Kate Moss



Few could compare to Kate Moss in the '90s. She became the symbol of size zero and the embodiment of a relaxed, ultra-slim aesthetic. Iconic campaigns for Calvin Klein and her recognizable off-the-runway look—skinny jeans, vintage T-shirts, and ankle boots—made her a fashion icon.

24. Victoria Beckham



In the '90s, Victoria Beckham, as a member of the most popular girl group, made latex stylish. Today, she has moved away from ultra-slim stage outfits in favor of elegant suits and impeccably tailored dresses. As a respected designer and creative director of her label, Beckham has become one of the most influential fashion trendsetters of the 21st century.

25. Nicole Kidman



Nicole Kidman has never been afraid to experiment. And in recent years, her looks have become true masterpieces. The actress often appears in dresses with plunging necklines and unusual patterns. Such bold choices set the bar high for the red carpet.