Some of the most stylish women to emulate for your own personal style may be a surprise. Some of the most stylish women to emulate are not the thinnest, wealthiest, or most glamorous. But that’s not what true style is, is it? Style is something that comes from within, and exudes out to the world.
1 Rita Moreno
If you don’t know who this is, or not well enough, run, jump, and leap to your Netflix, RedBox, or good old DVD rental store right away. As one of the main scene-stealing actors in West Side Story, Rita Moreno is a powerful singer, graceful and energetic dancer (think of a Puerto Rican female Gene Kelly), lyrical actress, and one of the most phenomenal women to emulate. Moreno is also one of only a handful of performers in the world who are EGOTs: an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony winner. More than this is Moreno’s personal style. She is classy, vibrant, intelligent (her memoir is hypnotizing), and has an energy which draws you in, even through the lens of a camera. Moreno is also age-defying. At 80+, she is still working for the love of her art, and is in better shape than many half her age. Here’s to the octogenarians!
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2 Tina Fey
There’s nothing funny about how seriously Tina takes her work. Behind the camera or in front of it, she is a talented woman in charge, and also (gasp) well-liked. Tina’s path from improv to sitcom to movie star is a testament to her brains, and her focus on her goals. All the while she is taking names and making huge salary numbers, her hair, dresses, and makeup are perfection. How does she do it? She’s a mom. They’re good at multi-tasking like that. If you’re looking to emulate a funny, hard-worker who makes it look like it’s no work at all, Tina is your mentor.
3 Duchess Catherine (Middleton)
For Duchess Kate to be called a commoner is like calling mile high apple pie drizzled in homemade caramel sauce “just dessert.” The Duchess has worn her smile (and a lot of hats) for the past few years as she has filled the holes in many a heart who miss beloved Princess Diana. But she is not just a successor to the People’s Princess. Whether in a field hockey uniform or haute couture, Duchess Kate stands on her own very nicely. She is an accidental feminist, as shown on the day when little Prince Georgie made his debut. Duchess Kate was not too self-conscious the day after giving birth to show her rounded belly to the masses. Rather than keep it hidden in restricting undergarments and overflowing dresses as others have done before her she stood proud and relaxed, as she and Prince William shared their new son with the world. Her style is approachable yet serene, comfortable, yet put together. Certainly something to strive for!
4 Michelle Obama
FLOTUS, aka The First Lady of the United States, is truly a woman for the 21st Century. While she has the physical stature, world stage, and pocketbook to wear designer duds every day, she openly boasts of regularly dressing her and her daughters in much less flashy J. Crew. Her shopping sensibilities are only the tip of the iceberg for this Princeton- and Harvard-educated lawyer. If that’s not enough, her sense of humor is well-known, and her commitment to being the “First Mom” is admirable. While she acknowledges the achievement of being the first family of color in The White House, she is most interested in helping the American public to live healthier lives, and receive the education they desire.
5 Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
What more is there to say than this icon’s name? Images of Chanel suits, pill box hats, a Mona Lisa smile, and grace under pressure come to mind. Jackie O was a ground-breaker of her time as well, assisting her husband with foreign diplomacy through her fluency in the French language and her magnetic demeanor. Let’s not forget her skills as a photographer and editor later in life too. Mrs. Kennedy Onassis is one of the greatest examples of the adage about it not being how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get back up again. Although not a public person, she lived a public life. Through her strength and determination, she gave her children a happy and somewhat normal childhood. Mrs. Kennedy Onassis is the epitome of courage, grace, and fortitude.
6 Adele
Who doesn’t love a cockney girl who can swear like a sailor and knock the socks off of you with her pipes? Her classic 60’s style, unapologetic positive view of her curves, and heart-wrenching lyrics make men and women alike sit up and take notice. Adele may be considered an overnight sensation, but her talent is timeless. Now if we can just get her to release a new album soon…
7 Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie came of age in Hollywood during the era of one word horror wonders like “Carrie” and “Halloween.” But she is anything but scary! Jamie has devoted much of her life to raising her two adopted children, and raising awareness for others as well. She is a staunch and active supporter of the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and other philanthropic causes. Jamie hides very little about herself, baring her un-touched swimsuit photos in a national magazine to show readers what celebrities really look like—us! Her cropped, no-fuss grey hair frames her strong face perfectly too. Jamie is a prolific author of children’s books, and as her youngest child turns 18, has begun to act again recently. She’s a great example of the many phases of a woman’s life, and how to live all of them with abandon, and no fear!
There are many women beyond this list, famous and unknown, who can guide ourselves to be our best self. Who are some of your favorite female influences?
