Transformative figures in personal style who altered my perspective
Sigourney Weaver, Diane Keaton, Kelly Rutherford, Lee Radziwill, and Anne Hathaway stride as fashion icons, setting trends with every step
You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it. —Edith Head
I wanted to kick off this blog post with a delightful quote from Edith Head which really speaks to me because people on the outside don’t know you and when you dress a certain way sometimes it can open doors or close them very quickly. Frequently, I receive comments about being overdressed for the occasion or the classic "Are we heading to a business meeting?" when I opt for a more sophisticated or business-like attire even to go grocery shopping or to the airport. However, dressing in such a manner makes me feel more composed and confident, similar to those who feel empowered by makeup. For me, fashion is that source of confidence, and I draw significant inspiration from the five remarkable women I've mentioned in the sub header. In this post, I'll delve into two distinct looks for each of them, explaining how and why they inspire me both in terms of fashion and on a personal level as a woman. Hope you enjoy :)
Let's kick off this extensive list with my personal favorite fashion icon, whom I recently had the pleasure of meeting at a small event in Nyack, supporting the ArtsRock Foundation for the Arts. That individual is Sigourney Weaver. I've curated a Pinterest board featuring several of her re-worn fashion items, hoping to incorporate some of them into my own collection due to their remarkable versatility. Sigourney appears to favor designers like Dries Van Noten, Tod’s, Roger Vivier, Pamella Roland, as well as renowned names such as Prada and Valentino. What particularly captivates me about Sigourney’s style is her love for re-wearing and repurposing her wardrobe. She embraces accessories and statement pieces to change things up. Personally, I find myself inclined towards investing in quality pieces over trends that only last a season.
The coat showcased in the first image below, crafted by Dries Van Noten (currently on my radar in the second-hand market), is truly a statement piece that seamlessly complements any ensemble. With its vibrant fire-red hue expertly balanced with black accents, its sophisticated and has versatility. Its soft/shiny texture adds to its allure. Sigourney has worn this coat on multiple occasions, each time radiating a stunning presence. It effortlessly transitions from casual to formal attire, allowing for various styling options. Whether opting for a bold red-themed ensemble or keeping it sleek with an all-black look, as Sigourney has done with her leather double buckle belt and dangling earrings, the result is undeniably captivating.
Sigourney also demonstrates a love for shades of green, which complements her style impeccably. I stumbled upon this image from the Goya Awards, primarily focusing on the shoes, but she had previously worn this suit at the Call Jane Premiere as well. While I can't confirm the brand without a visible tag, I would assume it can be purchased at Bloomingdales, Saks, or Bergdorf’s. However, her shoes, crafted by Roger Vivier, steal the spotlight. Renowned for their exquisite leather loafers, Roger Vivier's shoes boast captivating buckle detailing. Sigourney has sported these loafers at numerous events, and they truly make a subtle yet stylish statement. During my time in NYC, I noticed that loafers were a popular choice for both professional and casual attire, highlighting their timeless appeal. Sigourney even opted for a similar style shoe at the event in Nyack.
That's all for now regarding Sigourney. I could easily delve into countless more of her looks, spanning from the Met Gala to various movie premieres. Her fashion sense is truly timeless and consistently breathtaking. What sets her apart is how impeccably her clothes fit her, effortlessly bringing each ensemble to life. It's evident that she wears her outfits with intentionality, and I've truly come to admire that approach.
Next in line among fashion icons is the delightful Diane Keaton. Her sense of style exudes effortlessness yet sophistication. She consistently appears comfortable, and her fashion choices radiate fun. Diane is often seen in a turtleneck paired with either loose-fitting wide-leg jeans or sleek black trousers also wide-leg, both of which I greatly admire. I personally abandoned skinny jeans about a year ago due to their extreme discomfort, and most of the time, unless paired with heels, they tend to create an awkward look with shoes. Let me share with you one of my favorite looks from Diane, captured in the first picture.
She's sporting a pair of cargo-style jeans with an extreme wide leg, paired with sleek black boots and a classic white turtleneck—a signature piece in her wardrobe. Diane seems to really love turtlenecks (I’ve heard Sigourney also wears them often). Completing the look, she's chosen a longer black peacoat, beautifully adding to the overall look. I admire how she frequently covers her neck, which adds a lovely contrast with the occasional addition of a scarf. And let's not miss her "VOTE Bitches” hat—a statement piece that perfectly encapsulates her mood. I'd give this outfit a solid 10/10. It's worth noting that Diane is releasing a fashion book this fall, which I'm eagerly anticipating adding to my collection.
Another striking look that Diane has effortlessly pulled off multiple times is her love for monochrome looks, often paired with a voluminous skirt and a bold, chunky belt. She's renowned for incorporating statement pieces into her outfits, and I find them incredibly captivating. While her looks may not scream extravagance at first glance, they undeniably make a statement—they strike the perfect balance between purposeful intention and simplicity. What truly sticks with me about her fashion sense is how easily it can be emulated with more affordable alternatives. I often find myself browsing through stores like T.J. Maxx, discovering staple items that draw inspiration from Diane Keaton's iconic style, allowing me to create my own rendition. Needless to say, love her fashion and her “costal grandma” vibe during her Nancy Meyers films really shaped that era of fashion.
Next is someone who was born not far from where I live which would be none other than Kelly Rutherford… also known as the reigning fashion queen of Instagram elevator selfies. Many recognize Kelly from her iconic role as Lily van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl. Her character boasted an enviable wardrobe on the show, which seamlessly transitioned to her personal style (she has always had style). One of my morning rituals includes checking her Instagram for her latest selfie. Kelly's fashion sense can be described as refreshingly clean, often centered around a basic color palette or featuring one standout statement piece.
The first post she shared today features a truly timeless outfit. She's wearing a cream sweater paired with what seems to be luxurious cashmere pants. The oversized sunglasses add a chic touch to the look. Kelly's style always exudes an effortless elegance, a quality I aspire to achieve, as I've mentioned before. What I particularly appreciate about Kelly on social media is her inclusive approach—she doesn't gatekeep her looks, making it easy for her followers to replicate them. In this post, she's seen carrying a Tod leather bag, which I previously mentioned in my discussion about handbags—it's definitely on my list before hitting 30. She seems to also be a huge fan of flats/loafers. It must be a New York thing because everyone looks so put together when wearing them lol.
Let's discuss another fabulous look recently showcased by Kelly—a delightful matching set that truly captivates. This ensemble, crafted by the brand Rouri, is both simple and elegant, embodying sophistication. The coordinating scrunchie adds a charming touch to the outfit. The addition of the belt elevates the top, particularly with the charming puff sleeves, adding a dimensional flair. I see this look paired with a cozy white trench coat for winter, but also being transitioned very easily to a spring/summer wardrobe also as we see here.
Next up is the eternally iconic Lee Radziwill, who holds a special place as one of my favorite fashion icons. While she gained initial fame within the Truman Capote circle, she forged her own distinct path when that dissolved. Lee Radziwill's fashion is often described as embodying the essence of classic, timeless American style, a sentiment with which I agree.
Lee's fashion sense mirrors that of her older sister, Jackie O, leaning towards a casual yet effortlessly chic vibe. In the photo below, Lee is seen in the foreground while her sister Jackie is pictured in the background. Lee's ensemble features a cream-colored corduroy pant cinched with a substantial black belt, accompanied by a stylish leather tote bag with a wonderful shape. She completes the look with a textured blue sweater, adding subtle depth to the outfit. It’s giving going out to the fruit market on a weekday and i’m here for it.
The next look shows a stark difference from the previous one, serving as a inspiration for statement jewelry/accessories. Lee had a penchant for incorporating vibrant pops of color into her otherwise neutral palette of whites, beiges, browns, and blacks. In the photo below, she elegantly dons an all-black ensemble accentuated by a gold blazer with a very large buckle. The color of the blazer truly elevates the outfit, while her accessories tastefully complement rather than detract from it. I am assuming this photo was taken in the 90’s, the photo showcases exquisite detailing with leather gloves and oversized earrings (love those). Lee's status as a fashion icon was established early in her career and persisted until her passing in 2019. She graced the front rows of major fashion shows exuding timeless glamour—a legacy truly deserving of the hashtag #iconic.
The final person on this vast list… If you held on this long your a damn trooper. That person would be none other than Anne Hathaway. We have seen Anne’s fashion change quite a lot during her time but one thing stay consistent and that is her ability to slay any outfit. i’m sure you’ve seen the Devil Wear Prada… well… before my teenage years I dressed like baby Andrea and once I saw that transformation to boss girl Andrea I said alright time to make a change in this before it gets out of hand lol. Anne Hathaway’s fashion has been changing since the 2000s and I think a lot of my inspiration is pulled from her outfits especially as of late with her stylist giving us a lot of insider details.
This look was a tribute to the movie and when I tell you I LOVE this look on her. Anne like the rest of the fashionista’s in this article tend to stick to one solid color as their base and accessories based off of that. This allows a look to remain clean but add statement items to really change the vibe of the outfit. She seems to be wearing a black dress with a very high turtleneck (again love this look) paired with some classic black Louboutin’s. This jacket is also so stunning. It adds a nice texture mix to the look and I think it compliments her complexion very nicely.
Let's delve into the final standout look on Anne, featuring a fabulous denim-on-denim. Anne's stylist has a keen eye for tailoring, ensuring that each garment fits her impeccably—a detail that truly elevates her looks. From what I've observed, tailored clothing not only enhances the overall look but also tends to last longer, instilling a sense of confidence. Personally, I prioritize shirts that offer some coverage for my stomach (if you want to show your stomach more power to you #popoffqueen). I'd consider swapping out the shirt for a white button-down with a larger collar to further enhance the outfits sophistication. The denim blazer paired with wide-leg pants creates a truly remarkable shape. Additionally, the choice of bag serves as the perfect accessory—a wide shape to balance the look, with a gold chain handle that enhances the gold jewelry perfectly.
Alright, folks, I've typed away until my fingers have fallen apart—I even managed to finish this after tackling my school paper (talk about a glutton for punishment!). Thank you all immensely for taking the time to read this article. I genuinely hope you found the information both interesting and useful. And if not, well, at least we had a fun chat, right? If you want more fashion insights, feel free to subscribe to the blog. It's completely free and your support means the world to me and my slightly obsessive hobby of writing fashion articles. Cheers!
Chat Soon!
-Taylor