25 Style Icons and What Makes Their Look Timeless

Some people dress so distinctively that their outfits are still copied decades later. These style icons shaped how we think about elegance, rebellion, minimalism and glamour, and many of their signature pieces are still wardrobe staples today.

Below are 25 icons from classic cinema, music, royalty, design and the modern red carpet. For each one, you will find what defined their look and a simple way to borrow a little of it for your own wardrobe.

Designers Who Became Icons

These women changed fashion by designing for the way they wanted to live.

1. Coco Chanel

Gabrielle Chanel championed relaxed, practical clothing for women in the early 20th century, including jersey dresses, tweed suits and the little black dress. Her signature mix of pearls, Breton stripes and simple tailoring still feels modern. To borrow her style, pair a striped top with tailored trousers and a long strand of faux pearls.

2. Diane von Furstenberg

Diane von Furstenberg introduced her jersey wrap dress in 1974, and it became a symbol of confident, easy dressing for working women. Its timeless appeal comes from a flattering shape that is simple to wear. A printed wrap dress with block heels is the easiest way to channel her look.

3. Victoria Beckham

After her pop career, Victoria Beckham launched her own fashion label in 2008 and became known for sharp tailoring, clean lines and confident neutrals. Her look feels polished and grown-up. Try a high-waisted wide trouser with a fitted knit and pointed shoes.

Classic Hollywood Icons

Screen stars whose looks remain reference points for elegance.

4. Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn’s black Givenchy dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) is one of the most famous outfits in film history. Off screen, she loved ballet flats, slim cropped trousers and simple boat-neck tops. Her style is timeless because it is clean, gamine and comfortable.

5. Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly embodied polished, ladylike elegance with full skirts, crisp blouses, silk headscarves and white gloves. A Hermes handbag became so associated with her that it was nicknamed the Kelly bag. A neat midi skirt, fitted knit and silk scarf capture her refined mood.

6. Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe is remembered for celebrating curves with fitted dresses, sweetheart necklines and glamorous waves. The white halter dress she wore in The Seven Year Itch (1955) remains iconic. A fitted wrap or halter dress with red lipstick nods to her style.

7. Katharine Hepburn

Katharine Hepburn wore wide-leg trousers, button-down shirts and loafers at a time when trousers were unusual for women in Hollywood. Her relaxed, menswear-inspired look feels completely current. High-waisted trousers with a crisp shirt are the perfect tribute.

8. Sophia Loren

Sophia Loren’s style combined body-skimming dresses, cinched waists and oversized sunglasses with Italian warmth. Her look celebrated confidence and femininity. A belted sheath dress and cat-eye sunglasses bring a touch of her glamour.

Sixties and Seventies Trendsetters

Icons whose looks defined a new era of youthful style.

9. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

As First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy favoured clean shift dresses, boxy jackets and pillbox hats. Later, she was known for oversized sunglasses, headscarves and simple trousers. Her style is timeless because it is understated and immaculate.

10. Twiggy

The London model Twiggy became the face of 1960s mod fashion with mini dresses, graphic shapes and dramatic eye makeup. Her playful look still inspires shift minis and bold lashes. Try a short A-line dress with tights and flat shoes.

11. Jane Birkin

Jane Birkin made effortless style look easy, with flared jeans, white T-shirts, simple dresses and her much-loved wicker basket bag. Hermes later created the Birkin bag, named after her. A basket bag with jeans and a plain tee is her look in three pieces.

12. Brigitte Bardot

Brigitte Bardot gave her name to the off-the-shoulder Bardot neckline, and she famously wore pink gingham for her 1959 wedding. Her style mixed tousled hair, ballet flats and fitted tops. An off-shoulder top with capri trousers captures her spirit.

13. Francoise Hardy

The French singer Francoise Hardy wore a simple, androgynous mix of trousers, trench coats, boots and slim knits. Her look is the root of much of today’s French-girl style. Pair straight trousers with a fine knit and ankle boots.

14. Diana Ross

Diana Ross brought dazzling glamour to music with sequinned gowns, feather details and voluminous hair. Her stage looks celebrated joy and boldness. A sequin top or dress worn with confidence is the best way to honour her style.

15. Bianca Jagger

Bianca Jagger wore a white tailored suit for her 1971 wedding and became a symbol of 1970s disco-era glamour. Her mix of sharp tailoring and sensuality still looks fresh. A white trouser suit with a silk camisole channels her look.

Royal and Public Figures

Women whose clothing became headline news.

16. Diana, Princess of Wales

Princess Diana moved from romantic 1980s gowns to sleek 1990s tailoring. Her 1994 black off-the-shoulder dress is famous, and her off-duty look of oversized sweatshirts, cycling shorts and trainers still inspires casual style today.

17. Maharani Gayatri Devi

The Maharani of Jaipur was celebrated for soft chiffon sarees in pastel shades, often paired with pearls. Her look was graceful and understated. A pastel chiffon saree with a simple pearl strand reflects her timeless elegance.

18. Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama mixed high-street brands with designer pieces, favouring bold colours, sleeveless dresses and statement belts. Her approach made fashion feel accessible. A bright sheath dress with a belt is a nod to her confident style.

19. Catherine, Princess of Wales

Catherine is known for coat dresses, tailored midis and a habit of rewearing favourite outfits. Her look is polished and practical. A tailored coat dress with nude heels is her signature formula.

Nineties Minimalists and Free Spirits

Icons whose effortless looks still dominate street style.

20. Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy defined 1990s minimalism with slip dresses, black turtlenecks, long coats and a simple palette. Her bias-cut slip wedding dress by Narciso Rodriguez (1996) remains influential. A black turtleneck and long skirt captures her mood.

21. Kate Moss

Kate Moss popularised slip dresses, skinny jeans, ballet flats and later bohemian festival style. Her look balances undone and cool. Skinny jeans, a leather jacket and ankle boots make an easy homage.

22. Iris Apfel

Iris Apfel became a fashion icon known for oversized round glasses, bold colours and layer upon layer of chunky jewellery. Her style celebrated individuality at every age. Try stacking bangles or wearing one dramatic necklace.

An Indian Screen Icon

A star whose sarees and jewellery inspire festive dressing.

23. Rekha

The Indian actor Rekha is admired for rich Kanjeevaram silk sarees, gold temple jewellery and a classic, regal look. Her consistency has made her a lasting icon. A silk saree with traditional gold jewellery reflects her signature style.

Modern Red Carpet Icons

Contemporary stars who take creative risks.

24. Rihanna

Rihanna is known for fearless fashion choices, mixing streetwear with couture and launching her own fashion and beauty brands. She received the CFDA Fashion Icon Award in 2014. Bold proportions and confident styling define her look.

25. Zendaya

Zendaya has become one of the most watched red carpet stars, known for daring gowns, sharp suits and themed looks created in a long collaboration with stylist Law Roach. Her style shows that fashion can be playful and storytelling.

How to Borrow Timeless Style

• Find a signature: most icons had one or two pieces they wore often.
• Invest in fit: many timeless looks rely on excellent tailoring rather than trends.
• Keep it simple: clean lines and limited colours age better than busy designs.
• Add personality: a scarf, sunglasses or jewellery can become your trademark.
• Wear it with confidence: every icon on this list wore clothes as if they were made for them.

Final Thoughts

These 25 style icons show that timeless fashion comes from personal conviction, good fit and a clear point of view. Borrow a signature piece from your favourite, then mix it with your own ideas to create a look that is uniquely yours.