What makes style icons, well, iconic? They are people whose fashion sense is instantly recognizable—and entirely unique to them. Over the years there have been a handful of such celebrities who have proved to be extremely dedicated to their inimitable taste over the years. We’re talking A-listers who have never strayed from their iconic look, keeping away from the hottest fashion trends or looks of the moment in favor of a more individualistic approach to dressing. Why be a victim to passing fads when you can develop a standard uniform that will stand the test of time?
These celebrities make the case for finding your perfect wardrobe staples and then sticking with them. On the red carpet, for instance, Beyoncé has consistently stuck to her glitzy body-con gowns; Jennifer Aniston has kept things more minimal, always managing to find the perfect ’90s-style LBD (her stylish Friends character, Rachel Green, would approve). Other stars have kept bold go-tos in the rotation, such as Grace Jones or Diane Keaton, who rarely step out without a statement hat.
These fashion plates prove that having a distinct point of view reigns supreme—and that, sometimes, it’s best to rebuke rules and to march to the beat of your own drum. Consider them the perfect inspiration points to add to your style mood board this spring. We say it’s time to develop your very own signature look too
Below, 13 style icons with enduring taste.
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Photos: Getty Images1/13Grace Jones
Style signature: Tight spandex catsuits—and always a statement chapeau. It wouldn’t be a Grace Jones look without her bold, unabashed attitude to go with it, though.
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Photos: Getty Images2/13Jennifer Aniston
Style signature: Sleek minimalism, built around the perfect LBD. Just like her character Rachel Green on Friends, Aniston can’t help but rock a classic black ’90s-style dress.
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Photos: Getty Images3/13Avril Lavigne
Style signature: Pop-punk looks heavy on the tartan, studs, sequins, and tulle. Lavigne may sing “Complicated,” but her approach to fashion is anything but. When in doubt, go for plaid.
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Photos: Getty Images4/13Beyoncé
Style signature: Classic glitz and glamour—heavy on the shine. Beyoncé’s penchant for metallic body-con gowns on the red carpet is as consistent as her otherworldly voice.
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Photos: Getty Images5/13Jennifer Lopez
Style signature: Cozy tracksuits, but make it glam with a fabulous bag and shades. These days Lopez is all about pairing her sweats with a giant Hermès Birkin bag. You know, casual!
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Photos: Getty Images6/13Britney Spears
Style signature: Disco ball dressing. As our pop princess who ruled the 2000s, Spears has always loved a diamanté look. Just watch her “Toxic” music video, hello!
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Photos: Getty Images7/13Chloë Sevigny
Style signature: Eccentric downtown-meets-uptown sensibility. She perfectly exemplifies what unique cool-girl style is all about.
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Photos: Getty Images8/13Diana Ross
Style signature: Sequins, sequins, and more sequins—and maybe a feather trim too. Ross’s maximalism never shines brighter than when she performs in it onstage.
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Photos: Getty Images9/13Lisa Bonet
Style signature: Crushed-velvet capes and free-spirited floral dresses. With the help of a sleek shoe or tailored overcoat, her 1970s-style getups never feel dated.
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Photos: Getty Images10/13Diane Keaton
Style signature: Black-and-white outfits with a big—huge—hat. Keaton has long been one of Hollywood’s most eccentric dressers, and her chapeau collection is unmatched.
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Photos: Getty Images11/13Joan Jett
Style signature: All-black punk-rock looks, ranging from leather biker jackets to pinstriped suits. With the help of a smoky eye and shaggy mullet cut, it’s the signature Joan look.
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Photos: Getty Images12/13Janet Jackson
Style signature: Sleek tailoring with major menswear influences. Jackson has for decades loved a tailored two-piece suit, be it single- or double-breasted. Some things never go out of style.
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Photos: Getty Images13/13Stevie Nicks
Style signature: Bohemian—and slightly witchy—dresses that are meant to move and flow onstage. Don’t forget her signature tambourine and fringed microphone.
This post was originally published in Vogue.
