Audrey Hepburn
I bet you’re not surprised that Hepburn made the top of our list. Aside from being an absolute favorite to watch when we opt for classic films, the British actress was also known for her polished, feminine aesthetic. You would see her flaunting custom-made dresses by Givenchy founder Hubert de Givenchy onscreen, and offscreen, she would wear elegant sailor shorts, bold patterns and simple laidback dresses, most often with an A-line silhouette. More than that, we can’t get over the way she always looked so good with a mini fringe – something not many of us can easily pull off.
Brigitte Bardot
There’s a reason Bardot caught all the Hollywood spotlight in the sixties. Her signature look is mainly defined by major hair volume, dramatic eyeliner and a pout lip, but her fashion sense happens to also be worth remembering. Defining what it means to be ‘French chic’, she would wear floppy hats, button-up pantsuits, square sunglasses and feminine off-the-shoulder tops. In the preface to ‘Le Style Bardot’ by Henry-Jean Servat, Bardot wrote, “I wore elegant dresses from top designers but also lovely unconventional bohemian outfits, things that I found by chance and that were becoming fashionable. I am proud to have created a style that never goes out of fashion since I have never been in fashion.”
Princess Diana
Have you also been diving into ‘The Crown’ on Netflix? Not only has the mystery behind Princess Diana’s private life been the subject of a lot of media attention in recent years, but she is still, undoubtedly, referenced among the top fashion icons of the twentieth century. Aside from her signature spandex shorts and black sheep jumper, we also noted how the princess attended various fashion events after separating from Prince Charles, including the CFDA Fashion Awards in 1995, when she dressed in a gorgeous navy Catherine Walker dress and a pearl sapphire choker.
Jane Birkin
Yes, her last name sounds rather familiar, and it’s because the legendary Hermès Birkin bag was named after her. The embodiment of ‘effortless chic’, Birkin would usually be spotted in ballerina flats, fetching mini dresses and high-waisted flare jeans. Her looks, along with her messy fringe, were an inspiring expression of her carefree spirit, whether she opted for monochromatic outfits or the lived-in vibe, which she once explained as follows, “I buy things often but I sleep in them for two weeks, and then they really look quite rough.”
Grace Kelly
Aside from her awe-inspiring legacy as an iconic Hollywood star turned Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly is also admired for her timeless fashion allure. She would often be photographed dressed in luxurious fur coats, strapless gowns, signature pearls and feminine turbans. We also can’t help but talk about her royal wedding dress, designed by MGM’s Academy award-winning Helen Rose; rumor has it that three dozen seamstresses worked on it for six weeks. There’s no wonder why the great Alfred Hitchcock considered her a muse, providing her leading roles in classics like ‘Rear Window’ and ‘To Catch a Thief’.
