A Look at the Top Five Most Iconic Fashions Over the Decades

How does that saying go, "wear the clothes, don't let the clothes wear you?" Well, to that, I have to say that there are some fashions that have far exceeded mere functionality or visual appeal, and have become iconic symbols in themselves. Here are a few of the iconic fashions that have emerged over the last few decades.

Marilyn Monroe's Seven Year Itch White Subway Grate Dress

Yes, I actually do call it the subway grate dress! No woman could have looked more alluring and effortlessly glamorous than Marilyn Monroe did in that classic moment captured on film. This flowing white A-lined shaped dress has inspired countless formal and casual-wear knock-offs.

Audrey Hepburn's Little Black Dress

Of course I am speaking of the famous little black dress that Audrey wore in Breakfast at Tiffany's. You almost can't picture the dress without picturing her staring through the Tiffany's window with extra long gold cigarette holder in hand. To my mind, the little black dress could not have possibly taken on such significant importance to women's style without this iconic image.

Katharine Hepburn's Sailor Pants

You just can't discuss one Hepburn without the other. While Audrey Hepburn covered the simple yet classically chic category, Katharine was known for representing a strong professional style image, and that couldn't be seen more than in her frequently worn sailor pants. In many of her movies, Katharine Hepburn is featured sporting a silk button down shirt and sailor pants. For those who aren't familiar with the term "sailor" pants, that simply refers to pants that are pleated at the hips and gradually come to a wide flare at the bottom.

Katharine Hepburn's favored style gave rise to the 9-to-5 attire that we modern women have come to know and love. It sure is nice to know that there is no longer an inherent social expectation that women always exit the house wearing a dress.

Thank you Katharine.

Cher's Bare Mid-riff Shirts and Bell Bottoms

I'm talking the vintage 70's era Cher, ah-la her variety show, of course. No one could wear a bare mid-riff shirt and bellbottoms like Cher, and cheers to her for being able to pull off a look that most women can't past the age of 22.

Pamela Anderson's Little Red Baywatch Bathing Suit

This swimsuit has become known around the world. There probably isn't a person alive, 30 yrs old or over who doesn't know exactly what swimsuit I'm talking about. Designed simply and functionally, this swimsuit showcased Pamela Anderson perfectly, and as such, has become directly equated with her.

These five iconic fashions have become so widely known and appreciated, not only for their design appeal, but for the celebrities who wore them, and for the time in which they were worn. These fashions represented a moment in culture, a shift in style and taste that will always be remembered.