20 Style Icons We Looked Up to in the 80s and 90s
Styles that come back are just as iconic as the wearer.
- Cyra Sanchez
- 4 min read
We couldn’t agree more that 80s and 90s fashion were the ultimate trendsetters. Nowadays, styles just keep coming back and evolving with time. This list of 20 icons rocks their styles, making them fashionable to the present.
1. Madonna
chrisweger on Wikimedia Commons
The ever-transforming “Material Girl” reshaped pop culture with her fearless fashion choices—from lace gloves and crucifixes to conical bras and sharp suits—cementing her status as a style icon.
2. Princess Diana
Imad Abdel-Samad on Flickr
The People’s Princess never fails us with her elegance and relatable style choices. A few of her signature styles are her slip dress, comfortable oversized sweaters, and the iconic revenge dress.
3. Janet Jackson
Rich Esteban on Wikimedia Commons
The Rhythm Nation singer is used to making a statement with her style. She is known for her edgy style, which she wears with leather jackets and signature wide-brimmed hats.
4. Whitney Houston
Novice7 on Wikimedia Commons
The Voice embodied her striking and timeless glamour. Her power suits, elegant gowns, warm turtle necks, and blonde curls make her one of the style icons for generations.
5. Cindy Crawford
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The supermodel redefined beauty standards. Cindy’s signature mole, bombshell figure, and effortless off-duty style make her one of the most recognizable faces of the 90s.
6. Kate Moss
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The waif model pioneered the fashion revolution of minimalist chic and grunge style. Her skinny jeans, slip dresses, and oversized coats are wardrobe staples.
7. David Bowie
Rik Walton on Wikimedia Commons
A master of reinvention, Bowie dazzled with looks like Ziggy Stardust’s glittering jumpsuits. The Thin White Duke’s sleek androgynous suits also leave a lasting legacy in music and fashion.
8. Prince
penner on Wikimedia Commons
The Purple One was a one-of-a-kind. His flamboyant dandy, with ruffled shirts and an androgynous visage, reeled the boundaries of gender and the fashion world.
9. Jennifer Aniston
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The Rachel hairdo became a cultural event. It epitomizes the carefree, effortless look of the 90’s, making Jennifer Aniston an iconic beauty of forever.
10. Sarah Jessica Parker
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Like Carrie Bradshaw, Sarah Jessica Parker made tutu dresses a fashion statement. Also, a picture hat is a must-have, so she inspired women to be as bold as they are.
11. Britney Spears
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The ultimate beacon of youthful rebellion, Spears owned the late 90s with her crop tops, low-rise jeans, and unforgettable schoolgirl ensemble, which captured the imagination of a generation.
12. Christina Aguilera
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The Dirrty singer embraced sex and femininity with lace, leather, and fishnet stockings. She pushed the boundaries of mainstream fashion.
13. Gwen Stefani
jelizen on Wikimedia Common
The No Doubt frontwoman combined this punk, rock, and Harajuku-style maven. She inspired a generation of young women with her very colorful, playful aesthetic.
14. Jennifer Lopez
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Sexy is redefined by Jenny from the Block in low-cut dresses and bedazzled outfits. Her iconic Versace gown made her a style icon for the ages.
15. Beyoncé
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Queen Bey’s style is boundless, from her striking couture on the red carpet to fierce, powerful stage costumes. She inspired generations of women.
16. Victoria Beckham
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From “Spice Girl” to fashion designer and “Posh Spice” to fashion empire, Beckham’s chic fitted designs and dedication to luxury fashion made her an international icon.
17. Brad Pitt
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The heartthrob of the 90s. His nonchalant charm, leather jackets, and messy hair made him a male fashion icon.
18. Johnny Depp
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This enigmatic actor is sure to give a fashion statement. His punk-like fashion, layered garments, and distinctive hats have inspired style for generations.
19. Kurt Cobain
on Flickr
The Nirvana vocalist rocks flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and unkempt hair. This grunge icon symbolized youth rebellion and alternative fashion.
20. Will Smith
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This Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, in his bright suits, bucket hats, and laid-back style. He became a fashion icon to a new generation.