Women have had an enormous impact on the world of fashion, and this women’s history month, we have decided to look into three female style icons from throughout the twentieth century to now that have sparked conversation across households, making their wardrobes well-known even to those who are not invested in the fashion world. 

Marilyn Monroe

As far as fashion icons of the 20th century, there are few that are quite as well-remembered famous as Marilyn Monroe. 

In 1956 Monroe met Queen Elizabeth in a dress that broke all established protocols for meeting royalty. A gold lamé gown probably made her look queenly herself rather than ‘conservative’ in accordance with the established rules. 

One of her most famous dresses was the sheer beige Bob Mackie dress she wore to sing happy birthday to President John F. Kennedy. Aside from the white pleated dress she wore over a subway grate, this was probably her most famous outfit of all time. The impact of this dress can still be seen in nowadays in Kim Kardashian’s controversial choice to wear the exact same dress to the Met Gala a few years ago. Just like all actresses from Golden Era Hollywood, Monroe’s life was filled with just as many scandalous outfits as it was real life scandalous moments. 

– Robyn Srikandan 

Princess Diana

Princess Diana was more than just a royal – she was an undeniable, influential force in the fashion world. Her style was radical, often breaking royal protocol with her iconic, effortless combinations of oversized sweaters paired with cycling shorts. Her relatable fashion choices were bold, ultimately cementing her status as a trendsetter, and her revolutionary casual style continues to inspire today’s generation. High-profile celebrities like Bella Hadid frequently mimic Diana’s signature aesthetic, proving that her influence over fashion remains strong. Even after her passing, Diana’s fashion legacy endures – the mark of a true fashion icon. 

Though she was celebrated for her off-duty style, perhaps Diana’s most iconic fashion moment was her renowned Revenge Dress: a striking, off-the-shoulder black gown worn the same night Prince Charles publicly admitted to his infidelity. With this dress, Diana not only radiated sophistication but also made a compelling statement of resilience and independence. This reinforced her status not only as a fashion icon, but as a symbol of female empowerment. 

– Polly Dye 

Zendaya

Zendaya’s celebrity status extends far beyond her on-screen presence as an actress. With the help of her stylist, Law Roach, she has cemented herself as a cultural force in fashion. 

Her style evolution has been as powerful as it is intentional. Following Giuliana Rancic’s offensive remarks about her dreadlocks at the 2015 Oscars – where she stunned in a white off-the-shoulder Vivienne Westwood gown – Zendaya has continued to champion Black hair, ensuring its representation remains a central conversation in the industry. 

Recently, she has seamlessly melded her acting and fashion careers through her mastery of method dressing, with standout moments in her Challengers-inspired novel tennis ball shoe heels and her Dune-inspired Mugler robot suit. 

Zendaya embodies a sense of “cool” that can’t be manufactured. It is not about the look, but boldness she emulates in her unapologetic expression of fashion. 

– Charlotte Ward 

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons