Fashion is fluid and we all have our personal takes on what looks good and what doesn’t. Whilst individuality is to be applauded, many of us freely admit to taking sartorial inspiration from celebrity trailblazers — but who are they and how do you emulate their near flawless looks? Here, we take a look at 2018’s most iconic women to discover what their fashion says about them and how you can replicate their most famous outfits.
MEGHAN MARKLE
A soon-to-be royal and constantly in the spotlight and under the media microscope, Meghan Markle is under more pressure than ever to look, and dress, the part. Young, stylish and confident, Miss Markle has long been a style icon for women across the world. However, possibly the most interesting aspect of her outfit choices is how they’ve transformed.
During the actress’ Suits days, we’d often see her donning high heels, bandeau dresses, skirts with high hemlines and more daring cuts, such as low v-necks and slit detailing. In 2018, she’s pushed these to the back of the wardrobe in favour of something more elegant; long, belted coats and simple ankle boots to achieve a casual-chic vibe.
Overall, Markle’s dress sense hasn’t only become more sophisticated and reserved, but has also evolved from all-American girl to British fashionista. Gone are the graphic tees and straight leg jeans; in their place are tailored blouses and laced midi dresses that evoke a sense of royal-appropriate sophistication. Then again, when she attended the Invictus Games with Prince Harry, she chose to wear simple jeans with a plain shirt, perhaps showing the world that she can still incorporate dressed-down looks despite her impending title. Versatility, then, is her watchword.
HOW TO STEAL HER STYLE
The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to dress prim and proper 24/7 when you’re emulating Meghan Markle’s look. Although her style has certainly matured and reined itself in to a degree, there are still bursts of chic provocation. Her braless, gold-embroidered tulle and silk gown which she wore for her engagement portraits is just one example of her ability to infuse formal events with contemporary fashion.
Inject just a touch of the risqué when replicating the Meghan Markle style to keep it interesting. Team shirt-dresses with low heels, off-the-shoulder tops with plain skinny jeans and flats, and low-cut blouses with cigarette trousers and a tailored blazer.
RIHANNA
Even before Rihanna received the CFDA Fashion Icon Award in 2014, her looks were a huge part of her celebrity status. The star’s ability to predict and pioneer styles, no matter how revolutionary, has propelled her to the highest echelons of celebrity fashion, which makes her one of the world’s top style icons, and one women around the world wish to emulate.
Since fashion is evolutionary, it stands to reason that Rihanna’s style has also transformed since she rose to fame in 2005. Reflecting on Rihanna’s early fashion choices, many of her outfits gave the impression of a young, confident, sweet girl — think strappy dresses, rara skirts, crop tops, and boyfriend jeans. Within a few years, Rihanna edged her style to a more rebellious side, designed to enhance her ‘bad girl’ status. During this period, we saw bralettes paired with hot pants aplenty.
In time, RiRi updated her look again — this time blending her edgy façade with nuances of high-fashion. Enter, the famous naked dress of 2014. Made of nothing but Swarovski crystals and fishnet fabric, the design of this iconic gown was overtly high fashion.
Clearly, Rihanna’s eye for sartorial credibility hasn’t faltered. Her fashion line, FENTY PUMA, is forcing back the boundaries of standard sports styles and taking athleisure into uncharted territory, creating a high-fashion offshoot of feminine sportswear.
STEAL HER IDEAL STYLE
Throughout her style-icon life, Rihanna has always advocated the use of vibrant colours and fabrics. Over the years, we’ve seen her in everything from feather-embellished bejewelled bikinis to silk emerald tracksuits for women. To replicate it, you need to harness her confidence and sense of adventure.
Combine stiletto heels with denim playsuits or tracksuit bottoms, then dress for the evening in something feminine but outlandish, like the lilac tulle mini dress she wore to Fenty Beauty’s launch party.
Rihanna adores wearing shirts and coats that hang off her shoulders, putting a fresh twist on the cold-shoulder fashion movement. So, incorporate strapless tops and bralettes into your look to ooze the same level of seductive sophistication.
MARGOT ROBBIE
Australian actress, Margot Robbie, has experienced a rapid rise to fame and success. In just two years, Robbie went from Neighbours cast member to global film star, throwing her talent, character and style into the world’s harshest spotlight.
What we find most interesting about Robbie’s look is how, despite some transformations, it has retained a laid-back vibe synonymous with her home country. Robbie blends casual-chic daytime attire with Hollywood-ready evening outfits effortlessly, which means emulating her style opens a world of possibilities.
The plunging, gold slit dress she wore this year to the LA premier of I, Tonya, compared to the long-sleeve, crew neck frock she donned for the Wolf Of Wall Street premiere in 2015; highlights a growth in sartorial confidence, and possibly, industry acceptance.
Robbie’s style is feminine, yet eclectic. From sultry lace jumpsuits and conservative high-neck gowns, to girly polka dot dresses and sophisticated belted tapered trousers, the essence of Robbie’s style poses the idea that each occasion has a dress code, and it is up to the individual to infuse it with their preferred style.
HOW TO STEAL HER IDEAL STYLE
Let the tone of the event guide your choices if you want to incorporate Robbie’s style. Sneakers, logo tees and denims give off her signature, laid-back, Aussie-girl vibe when the occasion is suitably low-key, while plain playsuits, kimonos, sandals, and asymmetric skirts reign supreme during dressed-up day events.
Channel your inner celebrity diva by incorporating a selection of these stars’ staples fashion pieces into your everyday look.
