Fashion
Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Princess Diana among top fashion icons since the 1960s, study says
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Ever mimic your favorite celebrity style? From a new hairdo to a trendy fashion choice, most of our style choices comes from celebrities we love and admire, according to a new study by Boohoo.com fashion experts.
The online fashion retailer declared pop culture’s most fashionable icons of the last seven decades from a pool of 200 women who made headlines from the 1960s to present day.
The team of experts identified the most popular celebrities average monthly search volume against six keyword terms, such as “style” and “fashion,” between April 2020 and March 2024. The search volume was ranked from highest to lowest.
“Their fashion sense can inspire us to try something new, become more ourselves, and really shape how we choose to dress and express ourselves,” experts at Boohoo said.
Top 5 style icons of the 2020s
The study found that Taylor Swift is the most popular style inspiration of the 2020s. She had an estimated 78,725 average monthly searches relating to her style according to the report.
“Taylor Swift’s fashion truly reflects her evolving music and growth,” Boohoo experts said. “In her first ‘era,’ she was often seen in country dresses and boots. Then she nailed the preppy-chic aesthetic, and even went on to style edgier, glam styles. Recently, she’s been turning heads in high-fashion gowns when hitting the red carpet — but true to herself, often keeping her iconic red lip.
“Her ever-changing wardrobe keeps things fresh and inspiring, giving fans plenty of style ideas to resonate with their own sense of style,” they continued. “Whether heading to a casual coffee date or a night out, it is clear fans love to take inspiration from the star and channel their inner Taylor.”
Here’s the top 5:
- Taylor Swift
- Billie Eilish
- Kendall Jenner
- Kim Kardashian
- Rihanna
Top 5 style icons of the 2010s
The study identified Ariana Grande as the most loved style icon of the 2010s. She had an estimated 21,976 monthly searches related to the singer’s style, the report stated.
“Ariana’s relaxed-yet-effortlessly-stylish streetwear made her a major trendsetter in the 2010s, and her signature hairstyles really made her iconic look,” BooHoo experts said. “One of her standout outfits of the decade was an oversized sweatshirt worn as a dress, teamed up with knee-high boots. Anyone taking inspiration from this was guaranteed to be considered the ‘best-dressed’ among their friends at the time.”
Here’s the top 5:
- Ariana Grande
- Lady Gaga
- Kate Middleton
- Meghan Markle
- Kylie Jenner
Top 5 style icons of the 2000s
The study found that multi Grammy winning singer Beyoncé is the most iconic style icon of the decade, with an average monthly search volume of 9,551 related to her fashion sense.
Queen Bey embodied the decade’s style by mixing glam with streetwear,” the fashion experts said. “She’d rock tank tops and denim or chic matching sets and accessorized with high heels, bold jewelry, and even oversized sunglasses.”
The top 5:
- Beyoncé
- Megan Fox
- Jennifer Lopez
- Hilary Duff
- Paris Hilton
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Top 5 fashion icons of the 1990s
The most iconic style inspiration of the 1990s is Princess Diana with an average monthly search volume of 20,033, the report stated. As one of the most influential icons of all time, it continued, her style remains at the forefront of fashion trends even 30 years later.
“Princess Diana was a total fashion risk-taker, with a bold personal style accented by fabulous jewelry choices and cool androgynous pieces like structured blazers and pantsuits,” BooHoo experts said. “She also nailed the off-duty look, pairing biker shorts with oversized varsity sweatshirts. Even today, her outfits are the perfect example of the ultimate ‘cool girl’ vibe.”
The top 5 of the 1990s:
- Princess Diana
- Victoria Beckham
- Jennifer Aniston
- Janet Jackson
- Shania Twain
Top 5 fashion icons of the 1980s
Widely regarded as the “Queen of Pop,” Madonna is also the most popular fashion influence from the 1980s, according to her online interest of 3,826 monthly searches relating to her wardrobe.
“The ’80s was all about avant-garde influences and bold fashion choices, and Madonna fit right in,” the experts said. “She is famous for turning lingerie into outerwear, adding fishnet fabrics, layering jewelry, and accessorizing with edgy elements like biker jackets — blending all the major styling choices of the era to create her popstar appeal.
The top 5:
- Madonna
- Cyndi Lauper
- Diana Ross
- Whitney Houston
- Iman
Top 5 fashion icons of the 1970s
Music legend Stevie Nicks is the most popular style icon of the 1970s with an estimated 10,530 searches made every month seeking inspiration from her signature style.
“Stevie Nicks is the ultimate queen of ’70s bohemian style, with her dreamy and romantic vibe,” experts wrote. “Her looks effortlessly create laid-back glamour by pairing flowy, layered skirts and blouses, with statement jewelry and edgier touches like leather and fringe. Her style is still on-trend even today, especially when festival season rolls around.”
The top 5:
- Stevie Nicks
- Cher
- Dolly Parton
- Jane Birkin
- Diane Keaton
Top 5 fashion icons of the 1960s
None other than he original “blonde bombshell,” Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most influential style icons in the world. Monroe had an estimated 45,623 monthly searches seeking her iconic style inspiration.
“Perhaps Monroe’s most iconic look was the white cocktail dress she wore in 1955’s ‘The Seven Year Itch’ — and the famous scene of the dress billowing up, which was pretty daring for its time,” experts said. “Monroe had a way of exuding sensuality and embracing her femininity with simple yet standout pieces, which made her truly unforgettable.”
The top 5:
- Marilyn Monroe
- Audrey Hepburn
- Priscilla Presley
- Tina Turner
- Brigitte Bardot.