Fashion's Greatest Influences and Icons

How many times have you gone searching through your mother's closet in an effort to discover a retro belt or scarf to wrap up your look? Today, we girls strive to rock trends that a handful of iconic women mastered oh-so-many years ago. From bohemian peasant shirts to glam-rock leather jackets (complete with the infamous Ray Bans) to ballet flats and Capri pants; it's all been done. Youthink would like to acknowledge some of the major fashion influences over the decades and praise those who initially embarked on these eccentric trends.

1930s Blonde Bombshell
Jean Harlow was the epitome of sleek and sultry elegance. Platinum blonde hair, bold red lips, a lustrous white dress and a beauty mark were her fashion essentials. Almost 80 years later, this look still works. Women all over the world desire to match Harlow's platinum locks, and a slinky, curve-hugging satin dress paired with diamond drop earrings is still the ultimate in luxurious beauty.

1950s Simply Classic
Starlet Audrey Hepburn's look was undeniably classy as she brought a new meaning to the “little black dress" in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Hepburn's fashion choices were groundbreaking in their day, yet they were ultimately timeless as many of her styles and accessories are now essential to creating today's must-have looks. Her ballet flats and button-down blouses were as practical and pretty then as they are now. Elegantly chic and glamorous Audrey Hepburn continues to be a major influential icon.

1960s Effortlessly Chic
Disreputable at first for her messy, heavily fringed golden hair, bold lips and heavy brows, English-born, French actress Jane Birkin eventually became the embodiment of the phrase “effortlessly chic." In an era known for its new, subversive and radical events and trends, it is not surprising that Birkin's looks were inspired by menswear and a certain carefree essence. Her laid back attitude and her exceptionally modest style resonates with teens, and has claimed her as muse to various rock legends including Bob Dylan.

So give tribute to these vivacious, stylish women! With an array of influential trends from the past, we are able to form our own individual style, and by opting to mix it up we can create our own unique look.