Some of my favorite female fashion icons of all time

For as long as humans have dressed themselves, I believe fashion and style have existed. Throughout the existence of the world, many figures have emerged in the fashion world as notably iconic and fashion-forward. As many of us do, I pull inspiration from several styles and figures in the fashion world. Each of us has our own unique and independent style, however, much of who we are and how we dress comes from the people who inspire us and empower us. I am constantly on the search for fashion inspiration, searching up pictures of my favorite public figures, stalking celebs on Instagram, or even just looking around at people walking on the street. Overall, I like maintaining a contemporary fashion look, I love changing it up and keeping my looks fresh and unique. One day I could be aiming for a feminine look with a dress, and something form-fitting and flattering, and the next I could be in baggy jeans, a baggy t-shirt, and raggedy sneakers looking very Billie Eilish-esque. I think many of my major fashion inspirations have this same contrasting style dynamic that keeps things interesting and perhaps that’s what I love about them.

First and foremost is the one and only Miss Hailey Bieber. Besides the fact that she is married to THE childhood crush of my generation (if you weren’t at some point a Belieber, you’re lying), Hailey is just SO COOL. It’s plain and simple, she pulls off a variety of looks with ease and consistently switches up her aesthetic while remaining true to her style and identity. Of course, she is a model and pulls off very feminine and elegant looks as part of her job, however, her street style is often very sneaker oriented paired with baggy pants and slick low buns. What I love about Hailey is this seemingly seamless transition between two contrasting vibes. However, no matter what look she is sporting, she stays looking fresh and of course beautiful. She has her style figured out and is proud to hop between these different identities.

 P/c Google search. Hailey Bieber in a typical street style suit paired with classic b&w Jordan’s.

Up next is none other than Diana, Princess of Wales. Although her life ended far too soon, the Princess was and continues to be a truly timeless fashion inspiration. As many trends from the ’80s have reemerged, it is natural to look to the queen of style during her time. Princess Diana rocked puffy sleeves, shoulder pads, straight leg jeans, biker shorts, and white shoes paired with thick white socks. There is nothing she couldn’t pull off. She ranged from chic and sophisticated to sexy and classy. Of course, the iconic “Revenge Dress” has proved the importance of a little black dress in every fashionista’s arsenal, you just never know when you might need it.

P/c Google Search. One of many sporty chic looks from Princess Diana.

Speaking of black dresses leads me to the queen of class, Audrey Hepburn. Audrey inspired much more than just fashion. She inspired jewelry, accessories, and make up looks as well. When I think of her, I cannot help but think of long chains of pearl beads, winged eyeliner, elbow high black gloves, slicked back hair, high neck lines, and long cigarette holders. Everything about her screams classy. Her sophisticated feminine look has inspired many, myself included. Whenever I am going for a look of maturity and class, I turn to this style icon we were all so blessed to watch on the big screen.

 P/c Google Search. The combination of high black gloves & pearls is a staple for Audrey.

Lastly, an iconic figure in the fashion world that inspires a wide variety of styles is not even a person but rather a character. Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City serves looks left and right! Played by Sarah Jessica Parker, who embodies her character on and off screen, Carrie Bradshaw is the epitome of New York City chic. She often wears her iconic Manolo Blahnik’s with a perfectly combined mini dress or casual shorts. She pulls off everything and even though she is scripted by the writers, Carrie truly does symbolize the style of many women across the wide and New York especially. Some of my bolder fashion choices have been inspired by Carrie. For a point in time, when my hair was blonder, I thought I was a younger version of Ms. Bradshaw and aimed to dress the part accordingly!

 P/c Google Search. Carrie serving looks on the streets of NYC like she does best.

Passion For Fashion is an Opinion culture column used to explore the world of personal style, fashion tips for students, and more.