I've never really had a certain style. I like all genres of clothing. I have no particular preference of any either. So naturally my closet and drawers are a mix/match of various designs, lines, colors, and trends.
But I've been trying to hone in on a few more professional pieces and looks for future employment. And I've found women who I just ADORE in their style choices. They are some of my inspiration! Check out 4 of my favorite style inspirations.
1. Sarah Jessica Parker-not only do I love her confidence as both a mother and an actress but I L-O-V-E her style. SJP and her most popular character, Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City, are closely tied with style and fashion. What was also pretty cool was that SJP was able to help in shaping Carrie's personal style and SJP was able to keep the entirety of the SATC Carrie closet after production! Whether or not you love the show or the women, you've got to admit that the fashion was
fierce. But one awesome thing about SJP is her unique way in which she blends the classic with the modern.
Just look at this Alexander McQueen dress from 2010. Simple elegant shape but with a wonderful funky color and pattern. I LOVE it.
Below are some Carrie style choices that are also pretty amazing and SJP pulls them off flawlessly.
I just love the awesome textures, pops of pattern, and boldness of these 3 looks. Very unique but pretty wonderful. Although SJP has shown a lot of Carrie flare post SATC, she is also known for a more laid back style and line.
The versatility and simplistic looks she has are impeccable and I want to draw more inspiration from her in her confidence in style choices and colors.
How does one get looks like SJP/Carrie? ACCESSORIZE! Flair for accessories is what both SJP and Carrie are known for. Quirky
hair pieces,
bold detailing, and
sassy shoes are what
make a SJP outfit.
2-Kate Middleton-the Duchess of England has definitely evolved into some amazingly classic and understated pieces making her looks timeless and elegant. Known for her dresses Kate purposefully seems to blend colors that match her to a T and lines that work with her toned and slim physique.
Notice the simple shape and the muted gray/blue tones in both the jacket and shoes. Classic and chic.
Here we have subtle detail and elegance. Again she goes with a muted tone seemingly both proper and respectful for the benefit she is attending. I ADORE this dress for its line and strap/bead-work detail.
These 2 looks below show the chic and casual Kate that is not often focused on although they both still pull together grace and modernity.
She gets bold with patterns here and pops of color making these looks modern and a bit more playful.
This last look shows again muted tones but a flirty shape and pattern while Kate attends a Polo match.
How do you dress like Kate? DRESSES, DRESSES, AND MORE DRESSES! Once you find a line that works with your shape (Kate's seems to be mid to quarter length sleeve jacket layered over a cinched waist in knee length) in toned down colors, find accessories that match and bring simplicity and class to each look. Set with a basic curl to the ends of your hair and you've got a Kate-inspired look. If you
really want to make the look perfect, find a
hat that is a bit bold in shape but matches the tone of your colors.
3. Nicole Richie-having come from a famous family and a wild background the mother of 2 and fashion designer has a style with a bohemian flair and relaxed chic look. She brings this casualness into the spotlight although she's not afraid to bring some glam and sparkle either.
Known for the maxi dress Nicole brings a great drapery line that is both comfortable and flattering to her petite physique. A maxi dress automatically provokes thoughts of whimsical summers and walks on the beach. Matches with a great gladiator sandal and simple hand-bands easily complete this look.
The dress above shows Richie's glam rocker side. A great silhouette along with some edgy coloring and cuts definitely add a touch of pizzazz to the more known boho-chic lady.
Below we see the characteristic layering technique Richie is iconic for.
These looks demonstrate a great way to layer pieces, mix textures, and combine colors that work for a laid-back and pulled together look for any women.
4. Marilyn Monroe-last but certainly not least, MM has always held a special place in my heart for her brazenness and her beauty. Her curves have helped a multitude of women embrace their shape and opt out of the pencil thin ideal of style and beauty. Marilyn used her curves to her advantage both in her professional and personal life although that life was short-lived with her unexpected death. Her legacy lives on through revamps in fashion and trends in today's style. One unfortunate thing about MM's style is that most seem to think of her style in the
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes get up or the
Seven Year Itch dress. One of the most tragic things about MM is that people equated her to her roles instead of separating the two, an unfortunate mishap that sometimes happens with actors. So here, I want to discuss her owns style, not her characters.
This dress embodies everything MM. Curves, a soft glow, and sparkle. This dress was worn when she sang "Happy Birthday Mr. President" to JFK. Iconic as it is it also envelopes sex appeal and luxury.
Below we see the classic black-and-white casual outfit. These colors are classics which can be paired with anything to make it more modern or toned down to keep the vintage flair MM had. It's a simple three quarter length sweater with some white pedal pushers. Both comfy enough to lounge around in or run some errands in.
This last look shown above is from an award show. She brings about her sexiness in this strapless gown along with a touch of class with her fur drape and silk gloves.
So that's it! My inspirations, my fashion muses. I've got more but these are probably my favorites right now.
Do you have anyone who inspires your fashion sense or personal style?
