How to use style icons as the ultimate fashion guide
Quarantine was the perfect excuse to binge-watch some of our old favorite movies/TV shows!
Did you get über inspired? I know I did.
Fashion is cyclical. Whatever is “in” now will be “out” again soon, and every new trend draws from the past. By embracing that vintage spirit, we can all add some creativity to our closets.
Not even sure what your style spirit is? Read this.
“Tré chic” wouldn’t even do those classic costume designs their due justice, but here’s a list of blasts from the past to add a little extra retro flair to our everyday styles.
Where to start
In looking for your ultimate style inspo/fashion muse extraordinaire, there’s an elephant in the room to consider.
Look for people with your body type and proportions.
Veer out of your comfort zone and try out different cuts, but never try to change yourself to fit a certain type of style, silhouette, or to emulate someone with a drastically different body shape than yours.
Choose shapes of clothes that you know can work with your style and shape, rather than an entire outfit.
Garments should work to fit us, ladies, rather than the other way around.
Seventies Vibes
No bra? No problem.
Gender-bent and androgynous styles are all the rage right now, and after quarantine, all the king’s horses couldn’t get me into a bra again!
Use Diane Keaton’s character in the romantic comedy classic Annie Hall as your ultimate muse to ditch the underwire.
Quick style tips:
If you prefer more coverage, use nipple covers to smooth things down.
Wear light layers for boyish shapes
Thicker fabrics with structure conceal and support
If you’re inspired by the top half, pair it back to a summer short or slim-fitting jean to lean into 2020
Casual Summer
In 2020, most extravagant fashion styles is totally old news. Switch up your fit by adding a youthful and casual flare to your summer wear.
Aren’t we all feeling a little Dazed and Confused lately?
Quick tips:
You can never go wrong with a cropped top or band tee and denim
When in doubt, add a belt
Jeans and a playful top is an easy-breezy go-to
1-800-eighties
Get the confidence (& the dreamboat to match)
Who doesn’t love a little Molly Ringwald throwback? If I had Sixteen Candles to wish on, I know I’d wish for Jake Ryan too. At least none of us have to go to prom again!
Quick tips:
To avoid looking like you’re in costume, pull one element you appreciate: the pink, the lace, florals, the layers.
Long skirts balance better with flats when the top hits at or above the hip
Rock that board meeting
Nothing screams empowerment like an 80’s power suit. Talk about shoulder pads!
If you’re a Working Girl looking to add some vintage funk to your every day, look no further than Melanie Griffith & Sigourney Weaver. These women sure knew how to balance function with fashion (i.e. those Reebox commuter shoes)
Quick tips:
It takes less than a few seconds for someone to form an impression on you. Tess had to up her game, so can you. WFH and Zoom calls felt temporary summer 2020, but dressing for the job you will never get old.
To keep from feeling frumpy, pair oversized layers like jackets and blazers with slim bottoms or anything that cinches at your waist.
90’s babes
Plaid, knee socks & loafers, Oh My!
If you’re totally and completely Clueless about how to style a schoolgirl-style look for the summer, LGY and Alicia Silverstone have got you covered!
Every character has their own aesthetic and flare, so choose your favorite and get jiggy with it.
Quick tips:
Worried about dressing “age appropriate”? Take the element you love and wear it your way. The plaid, the scrunchies, the shrunken sweaters, hats or blocked heeled shoes works for any age.
Love the knee high socks and mini skirts but think you can’t pull it off? Opaque tights are an easy alternative.
Planet Janet
Tupac and Janet Jackson were two of the biggest style icons of their time, so why not channel some Poetic Justice into your own wardrobe? Simple & chic monochromatic looks ruled her personal style.
Quick Tips:
Do you really need any? You likely have similar pieces already in your closet!
Casual Hotness
Be your own powerhouse
Feeling Insecure about your modern fashion knowhow?
Issa Rae’s groundbreaking hit show is the perfect blueprint for contemporary casual. If there’s a show that reflects how style changes with our personal journey, it’s this one.
Quick Tips:
Each character is unique and creative dresser that evolves throughout the series. Where can you take more fashion risks that excite you?
Bright color can fit corporate professionalism ala Molly. Try bold colors in tailored blazers or monochrome outfits to offset any fears.
Love prints but don’t know how to match them? Pair it with a neutral colored clothing item that matches one color in the print’s palette.
Reboot like Zoe
High Fidelity was one of my absolute FAVORITE shows of this year, and Zoe Kravitz pulls some serious looks in nearly every episode.
Her effortlessly cool style integrates masculine and feminine pieces in each outfit, creating the perfect blend of sophistication and youthful flare.
Fun fact! One of Kravitz’s most famous outfits from the show is a reference to the original movie, which was released in 2000.
Quick Tips:
Work with what you got. Zoe’s petite frame in short skirts translates as child-like playfulness. What part of your body rocks a style really well? Play up more of that.
Balance proportions with different lengths in your layers. Whether it’s a long leather coat and mini dress or a high heeled boot and straight legged jean, experiment with different shapes to make more visual interest in your outfits.
Want more fashion icons of days past?
Audrey Hepburn & Marilyn Monroe
Eartha Kitt
Pattie Boyd/Twiggy
Diana Ross
Donna Summer
Madonna
