I’m sure we’ve all seen the latest fashion trends and styles. They seem to go by in an instant. Here one minute, gone the next, and I know my wallet is getting tired of microtrends. Seriously, I can’t buy another pair of shoes.
Instead of looking to your favorite influencers or celebrities of today for fashion inspiration, why not look to trends and fashion choices that are tried, true, and iconic? How can you incorporate the style and glamor of some of the world’s favorite celebrities from the past into your outfits of the future? To answer that question, I’ve chosen some of my favorite icons of the 20th century to look to for your next outfit.
- Princess Diana
-
Diana Spencer, the Princess of Wales, was a trailblazer in so many aspects. Between her advocacy work and breaking longstanding royal traditions, Spencer was a regal icon in many different ways. Her fashion sense reflects those same ideas.
Spencer was known for incorporating modern silhouettes and colors into royal fashion. She never shied away from bright, fresh colors, or even colors that were taboo to wear.
In 1981, she was photographed wearing a sleeveless, black satin Emanuel ballgown to her first public engagement with Prince Charles. The color was typically reserved for mourning periods, a sign that Spencer would change the game of royal fashion.
There are so many ways to incorporate Princess Diana into your wardrobe. If you’re going casual, pair a structured piece with a loose-fitting one (Spencer loved the crewneck/biker short combo). For a more formal vibe, I would lean towards sharp pieces, like blazers, cinching belts, or loafers. Don’t be afraid to play with bright colors and textured details like ruffles!
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
-
Known by many as the “Original White House Style Icon,” Jackie Kennedy’s wardrobe inspired countless women in the 1960s and ‘70s. During her years as the First Lady, she often rocked structured looks, jewel tones, and clean, tailored silhouettes. She often wrapped her hair in a scarf or wore a pillbox hat paired with other feminine accessories.
When she married Aristotle Onassis, she was often seen wearing big, round sunglasses, silk scarves, and resort-wear-inspired looks. It was almost like a presidential off-duty look!
One of my favorite looks of hers is from a meeting with Cambodian royals in 1967. She wore a simple, one-shoulder teal gown with intricately detailed trim.
How can you incorporate the traits of this icon’s style into your wardrobe? Remember that basic doesn’t have to be boring. Utilizing statement colors, a unique base layer, or playing with menswear-inspired looks can transform a basic outfit into a look fit for the Oval Office. Or, if you’re leaning towards her later fashion, an all-white look can make you feel like you’re straight off a yacht or headed to a fancy resort. Just don’t forget your statement sunglasses!
- Diana Ross
-
The former The Supremes singer is known for being a leader in the Motown movement, her illustrious acting career, and her critically acclaimed catalogue of hit songs, like “Upside Down” and “I’m Coming Out.”
Diana Ross embodies glamour, sparkle, and drama in her wardrobe. Inspired by a long-time creative partnership with the legendary designer Bob Mackie, Ross is known for her dramatic details, bright colors, and innovative choices. If there were sequins or any kind of bedazzling, Mackie was usually behind the look.
Ross’ fashion choices are a staple of 70s and 80s culture, and she continues to turn heads to this day. My favorite looks from her include the 1975 Rock Music Awards, where she wore a Bob Mackie-designed dress with a babydoll top and loose skirt, and the 2025 Met Gala, where she wore a white dress with an 18-foot-long train with the names of all her children and grandchildren.
If Ross’ style speaks to you, here’s how you can dress a little more like Diana: I’m thinking sequins, feathers, draping, and even more sequins. Add bright colors and even brighter eyeshadow, and you’ve got a look fit for Diana Ross herself!
- Josephine Baker
-
Josephine Baker was one of the most influential women in 20th-century entertainment and politics. From smuggling information for the French Resistance during World War II to speaking at Civil Rights protests to paving the way for Black women in entertainment, Baker was a trailblazer through and through.
She was a staple of the 1920s, embodying the flapper style with gelled-down hair, strands of pearls, and sequins. Her iconic makeup look featured thin eyebrows and dramatic eyeshadow, but off the stage she often wore men’s suits and fedoras, further challenging gender norms.
Without a doubt, my favorite look of hers is her iconic 1926 banana skirt. With this outfit, she challenged and subverted the racial stereotypes she constantly dealt with in the 1920s. Even outside America, she was faced with different expectations based on her race and gender. This legacy continues to inspire people today, with Beyoncé paying tribute to Baker at her 2006 Fashion Rocks performance, where she performed in a banana skirt.
There are so many ways to pay tribute to Baker through fashion. If you want to go the classic route, long strands of pearls, diamonds, and other shimmery materials will do the trick. If you want to pursue her more androgynous looks, lean on menswear and tailored silhouettes for your next outfit.
- Selena Quintanilla-Pérez
-
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, known as the “Queen of Tejano Music” and the “Mexican Madonna”, always incorporated her heritage into her fashion. Between two-piece sets, intricate belt buckles, and bright colors, she always stood out in a crowd.
Some notable outfits include the Houston Astrodome Show in 1995 and her 1994 album “Amor Prohibido” cover. Her style was bold, unapologetic, and dramatic. How can you incorporate this inspiration?
Paying tribute to your heritage and culture in your everyday outfits can help channel the vibe of her outfits. Statement belts, bright lipstick, and incorporating different textures (sequins, denim, linen) can help bring out your inner Selena. Get creative with it, and don’t shy away from standing out.
You can learn so many things about the history of fashion and design from the icons of the past. These were just a few examples, but their styles still inspire outfits and culture today. I hope that you can channel some of these fabulous style icons in your daily wardrobe!
Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest!