Chapter 8 - Inspo For Your New Look
Where to go for fashionable inspiration
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Classic
Audrey Hepburn
Hepburn, who passed away from cancer in 1993, is still known and revered for her chic elegance. Her ensembles were always simple yet stunning, and she loved bateau necklines, and figure grazing silhouettes. Her iconic Little Black Dress from the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, designed by Hubert de Givenchy, still inspires designers today and I have even seen low-end versions of the look sold for Halloween costumes. This look has the bateau neckline Audrey favored and highlights the waist. The pearls echo the Breakfast at Tiffany’s ensemble.
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston is known as the modern-day Queen of the Little Black Dress and she has been rocking short and long versions of it since her iconic turn as Rachel Green on Friends. Her chosen styles are always sleek and have interesting details, like the seam work at the shoulder and waistline in this dress here.
Jackie Kennedy Onassis
As First Lady of the United States in the early 1960’s, until her death in 1994, Jackie Kennedy Onassis was always considered a fashion plate. In her earlier years she favored shift dresses and flats, paired with pearls. Later, when she became a book editor, classic suiting separates, paired with the ever-present large-framed sunglasses were her standard fare. This dress harkens back to the shift styles she wore on repeat.
Romantic
Catherine, Princess of Wales
Kate Middleton has been in the public eye since marrying Prince William, heir to the British throne. Her graceful style is always spot-on whether she is dressed for a sporting match, charity event or glamorous ball. This is indicative of many day-dresses she has worn over the years, with it’s cheery print and flowing lines.
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey loves clothes and really knows how to dress for her hourglass figure type. She often wears the color purple, which historically refers to power and royalty - it is definitely appropriate as Oprah has been known as “The Queen of Television” over her illustrious career in broadcast journalism. This purple dress makes the most of a beautiful bustline and highlights the hourglass shape.
Michelle Obama
Another stylish First Lady of note, Michelle Obama liked to champion American designers during her tenure in the White House, and still wears beautiful clothing today. She intrinsically understands that people are interested in what she has to say, so Michelle often wears clothes that are solid colored, and simple in design, to keep the focus on her message. I love how she often wears sleeveless dresses that show off her incredibly toned arms!
Innovative
Zendaya
Actress Zendaya is one of the current “it-girls” of the fashion scene and rarely strikes an off-note, even though her choices are very eclectic. I’ve noticed she often wears deep V-necks or cut-outs in her clothing and incorporates interesting textures into her looks.
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy
Calvin Klein publicist turned style icon, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, who tragically died in a small plane crash in 1999, was known for her classic, yet innovative look. Her clothing was generally solid colored, mostly white and black, (one of my favorite looks of hers, recreated here, is a simple white oxford shirt crossed, not buttoned, with a long black skirt!) and always built on high quality basics. Her uniquely styled wedding gown designed by Narciso Rodriguez, which featured a bias cut and discreet cowl neckline, rocked the bridal industry; it is still a style requested by brides who want a simple elegant look today.
Kate Moss
Nineties supermodel Kate Moss still has people watching her every fashionable move and is one of the first “influencers” in styling. She has an eclectic way of mixing classic pieces with “rock n roll” chic and she loves a good animal print. I have seen myriad pics of her wearing varieties of leopard print coats: here is my take on a great Kate Moss look.
Photography by David Mark Flathman