Marie Antoinette Had Quite the Fashion Sense

Some historical figures are remembered for their contributions and controversies, but also their impeccable style and fashion sense. It's hard to think of Oscar Wilde and Josephine Baker and not conjure images of their wardrobe and swagger. Here are 20 historical figures with impeccable style. 

The New York Public Library on Unsplash

1. Cleopatra VII

Cleopatra was the last pharaoh of Egypt, and is remembered as much for her political leadership as she is for her style. She was adorned with gold jewellery, elaborate headpieces, and beautifully flowing gowns. Her signature kohl-lined eyes are legendary. 

Fox Film Corporation on Wikimedia

2. Marie Antoinette

Antoinette was the controversial Queen of France. Her fashion sense was more adored than controversial, though, as she transformed Versailles into a fashion mecca. She wore impressive wigs, wide pannier gowns, and exquisite fabrics like silk and lace. 

After Jean-Baptiste André Gautier-Dagoty on Wikimedia

3. Henry Paget

Paget was a statesman and called the Dancing Marquis". He had a distinctive style best described as elaborate, opulent, and flamboyant. His gender-bending fashion style included wearing jewel-encrusted clothing and exotic costumes. 

Jayson Hinrichsen on Pexels

4. Beau Brummell

Brummell was a close friend of King George IV and is often cited as the father of modern men's fashion. He hated the ornate and flamboyant styles of the 18th century and preferred tailored simplicity. He popularized crisp white shirts and well-fitted trousers. 

Brennden Colbert on Unsplash

5. Empress Elisabeth of Austria

Elisabeth of Austria was a style icon. Her impossibly thin waist was achieved through a tight corset, and she wore elaborate gowns with lace and jewels. Her most notable fashion trait was her ankle-length hair, which was often braided. 

Emil Rabending on Wikimedia

6. Oscar Wilde

Wilde was a famous Irish playwright, author, and poet, yet he is mostly revered for his wit and style. He was a fashion icon of his era, favoring velvet jackets, silk cravats, and embroidered waistcoats. He often had a flower in his lapel. 

The New York Public Library on Unsplash

7. Josephine Baker

Baker was an American-born entertainer who built her career and legacy in France. She dazzled in bold outfits, including her famous banana skirt. Her sleek dresses and look embodied the popular fashion trends in Paris during her time. Her fearless style is still replicated to this day.  

Rudolf Suroch on Wikimedia

8. Coco Chanel

Chanel remains one of the most influential fashion designers in history. She revolutionized women's wear, creating comfortable clothing that was still elegant. Her style was all about monochromatic outfits, pearls, chain-strapped bags, and chic hats. 

Unknown authorUnknown author Original uploader was Calliopejen1 at en.wikipedia. Later version(s) were uploaded by Ww2censor, Facarroll at en.wikipedia. on Wikimedia

9. James Dean

During his short life, Dean became a stylish icon of rebellion. His style was casual and sharp, and redefined how teens should look in the mid-20th century. Dean was the symbol of American cool with his t-shirts, leather jackets, and jeans. 

In-house publicity still on Wikimedia

10. Marlene Dietrich

Dietrich was a German actress and singer whose glamour was the envy of most. She wore tailored suits, top hats, and tuxedoes, all of which made bold fashion statements in her time. She also confidently wore floor-length gowns and loved furs and satin gowns.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa on Unsplash

11. Duke Ellington

A legendary jazz musician, Ellington's style was impeccable and heavily replicated. He wore double-breasted jackets, silk ties, and shiny shoes. His style was classically tailored and offered subtle flair. His elegance reflected the sophistication of the music he played.

Koeppen~commonswiki on Wikimedia

12. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Jackie Kennedy was the wife of John F. Kennedy and a global fashion icon. Her clean and elegant wardrobe was truly head-turning. She famously wore pillbox hats, pastel suits, and large sunglasses. Her look was created by Oleg Cassini and Givenchy, who blended American simplicity with European elegance.

Robert Knudsen on Wikimedia

13. Princess Diana

Diana captivated the world with her style and grace. She was one of fashion's biggest trendsetters in the 1980s and 1990s. Her bold shoulder pads and pastel suits ushered in a new fad that many women wore. Even her casual wear redefined chic. 

Provincial Archives of Alberta on Unsplash

14. Salvador Dali

Dali was a surrealist artist with a very unique style. He loved a good cape and had a famously sculpted mustache. He was theatrical and flamboyant, and often blended styles.

Zbigniew Kresowaty on Wikimedia

15. Imelda Marcos

Marcos is the former First Lady of the Philippines and had a daring and extravagant style. She owned a vast collection of shoes and loved butterfly sleeves that were made from rich fabrics. She infused her wardrobe with national pride and a dash of couture. 

Imelda-alone.jpg: * Trikosko, Marion S. Derivative: 23prootie derivative work: Octave.H on Wikimedia

16. Prince

Prince mixed a heightened sense of flamboyance with elegance to create one of music's more unforgettable fashion statements. He wore ruffled shirts, sequined suits, and bold colours. His high-heeled boots also left an impression. 

jimieye from flickr.com - https://www.flickr.com/photos/jimieye/ on Wikimedia

17. Audrey Hepburn

Hepburn was a popular actress and humanitarian who was revered for her timeless elegance. She was synonymous with the little black dress and also wore cropped trousers, ballet flats, and stunning accessories. 

Paramount-photo by Bud Fraker on Wikimedia

18. Frida Kahlo

The famous Mexican painter transported her bold art into her fashion sense. She embraced traditional Tehuana dresses, floral headpieces, and embroidered shawls. Every piece of jewelry she owned made a statement, and she was unapologetic about her style. 

Guillermo Kahlo on Wikimedia

19. Miles Davis

This jazz legend revolutionized music and how to dress with flair. Davis was constantly reinventing his style, which went from sharp in the 1950s to flamboyant in the 1970s. He was known for wearing leather pants, bold prints, and cool aviator sunglasses. 

Rvb on Wikimedia

20. David Bowie

Bowie was a master of creating and reinventing his persona through fashion. As Ziggy Stardust, he wore glittering jumpsuits and platform boots, but was just as comfortable in sharp, tailored suits. 

Heathen_Tour_Sterling_Campbell.jpg: Mark Jeremy derivative work: JD554 (talk) on Wikimedia