Iconic fashion moments don’t just disappear — they become woven into our style consciousness, resurfacing across generations. From noughties-era ballet flats making a comeback to my mum’s suede jacket from her twenties — now a timeless staple in my own wardrobe — these pieces reflect how style evolves, reappears and becomes part of our personal story. These moments evolve with us, influencing the way we dress and express ourselves.
Transcending their original context, they become enduring staples — reinterpreted with each new era and embedded in both personal and cultural style legacies. That emotional connection — the nostalgia tied to well-worn favourites — is part of what makes us want to preserve them. Caring for your clothes, especially investment pieces, is key to maintaining their longevity. And it all starts with your wash and dry routine.
After all, while fashion is ever-evolving, certain looks continue to resonate far beyond their moment in time. The fashion archives are well and truly overflowing with iconic moments, but these 10 are the ones that have influenced our wardrobes the most, shaping how we define everlasting style.
Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress.
Decades on, the little black dress (LBD) still clings to a hanger in nearly every woman’s wardrobe. Dragged out for engagement parties, lent to a friend in a “fashion emergency”, it remains the default “I have nothing to wear” option — a quiet testament to its timelessness.
The Givenchy number Audrey Hepburn sported in Breakfast at Tiffany’s wasn’t just a black dress; it embodied elegant simplicity.
Crafted from black Italian satin, the sleeveless silhouette featured that signature wide boat neckline, gracefully framing her shoulders. The dress showed who she was: understated chic, delicate yet strong — with the LBD capturing this enduring grace, distilled into fabric.
Jackie Kennedy’s pink Chanel suit.
Jackie Kennedy’s pink Chanel suit is seared into the global consciousness as a defining ensemble. While not universally owned like the little black dress, its bold pink and classic Chanel silhouette have undeniably made an impact on how we dress now.
It helped pave the way for embracing brighter shades in formal and professional wear, moving beyond traditional neutrals.
We see this pop of colour in the popularity of statement suits and separates in a variety of colours. This suit’s elegance proves that well-crafted items go beyond short-lived trends, inspiring us to invest in eternal styles that inject personality and playful tones.
Bianca Jagger’s tailored pantsuit.
It was in the 1970s that the pantsuit truly broke into the mainstream of high fashion and became a powerful symbol of female empowerment. It marked the changing of societal roles, a movement championed by style icons like Bianca Jagger.
Her signature white trouser suits were the embodiment of female confidence, leaving a lasting influence on how women embraced tailored clothing. From sharp, power-dressing versions seen on runways by designers like Tom Ford, to more relaxed and fluid interpretations from brands like Stella McCartney and Gucci, the influence of the 1970s pantsuit is undeniable.
It signifies confidence, sophistication and a breaking down of traditional gendered clothing norms.
Jane Birkin’s capsule wardrobe.
In 1974, Jane Birkin — yes, that Jane Birkin, the very inspiration behind the renowned Hermès Birkin bag, cemented her status as the epitome of effortless cool with her signature uniform of a simple white t-shirt, trench coat and classic blue jeans.
In the modern day, we call this a capsule wardrobe — the ultimate solution for simplifying your closet and getting more out of what you already own.
Think of it as the art of outfit formulas, where every piece has a purpose and can be mixed and matched effortlessly. This understated look, a guaranteed way to look stylish, has transcended fleeting trends to become the consistently relevant “cool girl” aesthetic in contemporary fashion. What began as practical workwear and was later popularised by Marlon Brando and James Dean, gained a new layer of sophistication through Birkin’s styling.
This iconic mix continues to inspire our love for laid-back elegance, making quality denim, a trench coat and a well-cut white tee essential pieces in our wardrobe that can be dressed up or down.
Diana Ross’s effortless look at Studio 54.
That image of Diana Ross, radiating pure joy in her simple jeans and ripped tee at Studio 54, is my “Roman Empire”. It perfectly captured a rebellion against the expected glamour of 1979 and arguably, her fit is even more stylish.
Fast forward to today, and we’re seeing a real resurgence of this look. There’s a clear shift away from overly styled outfits towards something more authentic.
The cyclical nature of fashion ensures distressed, lived-in pieces always find their way back. Brands like Golden Goose have cleverly capitalised on this style, making that worn aesthetic their brand identity. For someone like me, who leans towards casual but enjoys dressing up occasionally, this sentiment shows up in my worn-in Converse, boyfriend jeans and thrifted tees — taking zero effort and somehow always working.
Princess Diana’s “Revenge Dress”.
Decades have passed since Princess Diana’s “Revenge Dress”, that now-legendary off-the-shoulder black cocktail number, made its debut. The figure-hugging silhouette, paired with the sheer nerve it took to wear it at the time, redefined feminine expression.
Her bold departure from traditional royal decorum, choosing a form-fitting design, paved the way for a greater acceptance of sensuality and personal agency in women’s clothing. It was pure “look at me now” energy, marking her transition to independence — a woman who used style not just to be seen, but to make a statement.
We see echoes of this newfound freedom in the silhouettes gracing red carpets and evening wear collections from designers like Versace, known for their empowering and glamorous aesthetics.
It’s also reflected in the daring necklines and cutouts of modern cocktail attire — designs that are both powerful and undeniably sexy.
The dress’s allure and the story behind it also solidified the idea that clothing can be a form of non-verbal communication, capable of conveying strength and even defiance.
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s timeless ensemble.
In 1999, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy was photographed in her signature minimalist style, often wearing the quietly powerful designs of Yohji Yamamoto. Her laid-back aesthetic — a sophisticated blend of Calvin Klein’s clean lines and Yamamoto’s refined elegance — defined a key aspect of 1990s minimalism.
Her influence is still evident today, especially in the rise of the “quiet luxury” movement in 2024.
Kennedy’s preference for understated style — simple silhouettes in monochrome, quality fabrics and a lack of obvious branding — has reshaped how we approach fashion. It’s encouraged a shift away from moving trends towards thoughtful curation and investment in pieces with lasting appeal.
Britney and Justin’s double denim moment.
More than 20 years have passed since pop royalty Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake made their now-iconic appearance at the American Music Awards in matching head-to-toe denim. The daring double-denim moment — unforgettable, if polarising — became a defining image of early 2000s red carpet fashion.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Canadian tuxedo is experiencing a full-scale revival. Kendrick Lamar’s recent Grammys look cemented its return, giving the trend a new wave of cultural relevance. I’ve embraced the comeback myself, investing in a matching denim set that’s quickly become a staple in my wardrobe.
This resurgence taps into the ongoing fascination with late 1990s and Y2K fashion — an era now being reimagined with a blend of irony and genuine nostalgia, proving that even the most divisive trends can be redefined.
Kate Hudson’s backless, effortless glamour.
In 2003, Kate Hudson glided onto screens in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days wearing that yellow silk gown — a look that redefined effortless glamour for a new era. With its fluid silhouette and transcendent elegance, the dress stood in stark contrast to the more embellished, high-shine styles dominating the early 2000s.
The moment sparked a shift in evening wear, ushering in a wave of softer lines, open backs and pared-back colour palettes. Today, silk slip dresses — a staple for wedding guests (myself included) — continue that legacy of simple, universally flattering design.
And those buttery yellow tones? They’re still appearing on runways and in wardrobes, season after season.
Zendaya’s vintage blazer moment.
Just last year, Zendaya made waves when she wore a vintage grey Ralph Lauren double-breasted blazer as a mini dress on Jimmy Kimmel Live. This bold move highlighted a shift towards conscious styling — one that values longevity and rewearing over short-lived fashion phases.
Her reimagined blazer showcased the versatility and enduring appeal of circular fashion, subtly encouraging a more sustainable approach to buying. I’ve seen this trend gaining momentum, with both celebrities and TikTok creators embracing the reworking of ageless pieces, opting for long-lasting vintage over fast fashion.
Zendaya demonstrates how second-hand clothing can be revitalised into something fresh and exciting — without compromising on style or the planet.
To care for your much-loved pieces, check out Miele’s range of washing machines and tumble dryers.