Get the Look: 5 Style Icons of Colour
1. Rihanna
If I were to describe Rihanna in one word I would pick ‘mutable.’ The good girl, gone bad has changed her look almost as many times as she’s changed her hair. Whether she’s channeling the sweet island girl within, or a rocker with an elegant edge, one thing that remains constant is her ability to wear each style with ease and confidence. To nail Rihanna’s tough-girl look without going over the S&M edge try luxe studded accessories.
Forever 21 Ring, $4
Simons Necklace, $22
SPLURGE: Noir Jewelry Bracelet, $314
2. Solange Knowles
Being the little sister of that international superstar is no easy feat but Solange Knowles handles the challenge just fine. She has asserted her individuality, unique from that of her glitzy sister (and the rest of the human population), by embracing a unique aesthetic that is entirely her own. To achieve Solange’s quirky, earthy look opt for bright colours and mixed prints with an earthy undertone.
ASOS Lipsy Dress, $89
Boxing Kitten Skirt, $79
Old Navy Blouse, $25
3. Grace Jones
Before there was Rihanna, Lady Gaga, or even Madonna there was the often-imitated but never duplicated Grace Jones. The Jamaican-born singer, model and actress wore her strength, sexuality, androgyny and eccentricity like a badge of honour and took no prisoners. To get her fierce look opt for sunglasses with an attitude.
Nasty Gal Sunglasses, $40
Urban Outfitters Sunglasses, $14
Le Château Sunglasses, $18
4. Josephine Baker
For a woman who is best known for the clothes she didn’t wear the burlesque dancer and singer Josephine Baker sure managed to leave a lasting impression on the fashion elite. Miuccia Prada is one of her high fashion fans and for her Spring 2012 collection for Ms. Prada took inspiration Baker’s infamous banana skirt from her performance at The Folies Bergère in France. Avoid looking like a over-stocked fruit bowl by wearing an artful mix of produce inspired accessories.
Juicy Couture Bracelet, $98
Ring Aldo, $12
Necklace Mango, $20
5. Diana Ross
While the first lady of the Supremes has proved herself to be a veritable style chameleon over the years she is best known for her glitzy glam goddess look. Ms. Ross never met a draped flowing gown or sequined jumpsuit that she didn’t like and we love her for it. While her mane of loose curls is difficult to achieve, her sultry look is a little more attainable. Go for floor-length, Grecian-inspired gowns and lots of sequins.
ModCloth Dress, $60
Le Château Dress, $190
SPLURGE: BCBG Max Azria, $296
Septembre Anderson is a passionate journalist, blogger and fashion
enthusiast who lives, works and shops in Toronto, ON. Her work has
appeared on FASHIONMagazine.com, FILLERMagazine.com, HuffingtonPost.ca,
and in Sway magazine. Read her posts every Wednesday on Slice.ca.
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