From the 80s to the 2020s, Five Women to Inspire Your Fall Style!
A shift in style usually accompanies a new season. Now that fall’s here, I find myself staring at my closet trying to put together the ‘perfect fall fit’. Since I won’t be purchasing an entire new wardrobe, I’m looking for ways to spice up what I’ve got and come to my closet with fresh eyes. What better way to recycle clothing than to look to the past? In this spirit, I present to you five women style icons through the ages, from the 80s to the 2020s, to inspire your style.
1980s: Grace Jones
Known for her experimental looks, Jones offers inspiration for those who like to think outside the box, or avoid the box altogether! In an 1985 interview, Jones famously said: “I just act the way I feel.” With a shaved head and unshaved armpits, Jones defied gender stereotypes of her time. If you prefer some more gender neutral or androgynous looks, Jones is your muse! Her style is marked by angular clothing mixed with bold futuristic pieces. Some of her most iconic looks focused on a statement headpiece (hat or veils), paired with a monochromatic outfit. Other times, she’d show off loud, costumed outfits, full of bright metallic colors and vibrant eye makeup.
Takeaway for your style? Take some risks!
Don’t be afraid to dress outside the box! We all have that one exciting item of clothing we bought on a whim that has yet to make it out of the closet (for me, it’s a fluorescent green knotted halter top). Statement pieces can be scary, especially if they’re a mixed pattern or vibrant red or green, but why not give it a go? If you’re nervous, style your statement piece around more neutral colors such as blacks, browns, or beiges. Let it stick out! In my case, I paired my green top with a loose pair of comfort jeans and heels for a night out. If you like makeup, try adding in a bold shade of eyeshadow or lip color; you can look up the color wheel theory to see what color best complements your eyes!
1990s: Diana, Princess of Wales
Termed “The People’s Princess” and known for her philanthropy, Diana is just as well known for her outfits! One of her staple looks is the jean and blazer combo. Before Hailey Bieber, Diana did it. For a casual look, she often paired an oversized dark coloured blazer with a high-waisted, straight-leg jean and a graphic white tee. Accessories included ball caps, delicate jewelry, and leather belts.
Takeaway for your style? The blazer and jeans!
Dress up your jeans; add a staple blazer to your closet, and capitalize on accessories! Don’t have a blazer? Go thrifting with friends and have some fun. Elevate the look by swapping the tee for a collared shirt and adding heels.
2000s: Jennifer Aniston as ‘Rachel Green’
Perhaps best known for her role as Rachel Green on the hit show Friends, Jennifer Aniston held the fashion world in the palm of her hand, inspiring women all over to try out the ‘Rachel’ haircut. But Rachel is also known for her classic 2000s fits; green-favored business casual outfits, layered pieces, and matching sets. A staple look was the miniskirt / black tights combo.
Takeaway for your style? The miniskirt!
I have a particular soft spot for the black miniskirt. Who doesn’t look good showing off a pair of pantyhosed legs, strutting down the street? Perfect for an autumn school day or study date, pull out a dark miniskirt with a simple long sleeve or collared shirt and dark tights for a casual but chic look. Chilly? Color-match your sweater to your shirt for a cohesive but warm outfit. Dress it up with a leather top layer or trench!
2010s: Victoria Beckham
The 2010s are full of fashion choices I shudder to consider now – including the infamous skinny jean, which you will be hard pressed to find walking the streets today – but they did still have their memorable moments! Victoria Beckham, founder and designer of her eponymous brand, had many moments. Moving out of her vibrant Spice Girls era into her solo mother, designer, and fashion mogul era, Beckham began to favor neutral tones and fitted pieces. Her style turned from leather minis to flowy slacks, loose tees, and layered trenches. If you’ve watched the newly released Victoria Beckham series, you can’t help but be drawn to her style evolution!
Takeaway for your style: Minimalism!
With an increasing awareness of our high-level consumerism and the downward trajectory of material quality, many of us are building a ‘capsule’ wardrobe and turning more to accessories to spice things up (no pun intended). When I go to purchase a new item, I am more conscious about how many outfits I can pair with it. Is it a one-look item or a repeat? Pulling on Beckham’s style, I tend to fill up on blacks, whites, and browns, and then change them up with my jewelry (I’m a gold girl!).
2020s: Rihanna
In my opinion, the coolest thing about Rihanna is that she doesn’t care what people think. She rocks her outfits with confidence and security, and this is precisely what makes her an icon and so fitting a style inspiration for today’s fashion crowd. Rihanna knows high-low dressing to a T. She’ll pair a ballgown with an oversized army coat or tailored slacks with a sports jersey, and look darn good whilst doing it.
Takeaway for your style? Care a bit less!
Every person is different, but if there’s one thing we can take from Rihanna, it’s to care a bit less about what others think and to wear what we feel most confident in. In a world with lightning-fast trends and Instagram influencers, I sometimes find myself staring at my closet with more than a little bit of stress. Does this outfit pair? Is that outfit ‘current’ enough? Taking inspo from Ri, I’m learning to be a bit more adventurous, and I’d encourage you to do the same.
Well, I’m off to thrift a blazer and style my miniskirt. I may even pair them together (I’ll save the jeans for later, Diana). Now you’ve got some solid inspo for your seasonal style, what will you be trying? Whatever it is, as we’ve seen through these icons, remember that your attitude is half the look.
So, try the fit; hold that head high. And have fun!
Who knows, maybe you’ll be the next style icon of the new decade ;)