Before Pinterest boards, before Instagram saved folders, before I could even afford a decent pair of jeans—there were them. The women I watched, studied, and mentally bookmarked as the blueprint. My style didn’t come from trends. It came from icons. The ones who made getting dressed feel like art, seduction, and soft power all in one.
Today, my style is rooted in urban downtown chic. It lives somewhere between Aaliyah’s tomboy edge, Grace Jones’ fierce sex appeal, and Bianca Jagger’s elegant restraint. It’s effortless, or at least that’s the goal. The kind of look that says, I woke up like this, even if it took a steam press and a last-minute outfit change. It’s giving Parisian ease with New York hustle.
I first fell in love with fashion as a kid dressing up Barbie dolls. I didn’t care about their stories—I cared about the fits. Fashion has always been a form of self-expression for me. I didn’t need it for protection or rebellion. I’ve never dressed for the approval of others. I dress because it makes me feel good. Whole. Unapologetically myself.
These days, I splurge on shoes, leather goods, and jewelry because NYC pavement will humble you quickly. But sunglasses? Canal Street’s got me covered. (True story: I once destroyed a $500 pair of Marc Jacobs aviators in the back of a cab. Meanwhile, my $15 downtown knockoffs? Still holding strong.)
And like most things in my life, my wardrobe is influenced by where I come from. In my Caribbean household, presentation was everything. Wrinkles? Not tolerated. A good outfit was a sign of self-respect. These seven women showed me what that looked like—through every heel, hoop, and hair flip.
Bianca Jagger: The Blueprint
Bianca is the icon. That wedding suit—the white YSL with the wide-brimmed hat—shifted the fashion landscape. Her style has always felt like it was made for the future. One look at her and you understood elegance didn’t have to be boring. The gold lamé Halston gown she wore to the 1977 Met Gala still haunts me (in the best way). Her influence in one word? Iconic.
Whitley Gilbert: Southern Belle Meets Black Bougie
Whitley was Black Girl Luxury before it was trending. Watching her on A Different World was my first real exposure to what “bougie” looked like through a Black lens. She reminded me a little of Scarlett O’Hara (yes, Gone with the Wind is problematic—we’re not ignoring that), but hear me out: both women used fashion, femininity, and ambition as their secret weapons. Whitley’s power suits were always saying something before she did. She made it clear: you can be delicate, stylish, and still run the room.
Sade: Simplicity as Statement
Sade taught me that elegance lives in restraint. Her slicked-back ponytail, gold hoops, and red lip became my everyday mood board. I almost exclusively wear hoops now. Her look was quiet, but it never went unnoticed. She mastered the art of letting the aura do the talking.
Aaliyah: My First Fashion Crush
Growing up, Aaliyah was it. She gave us softness wrapped in oversized silhouettes, confidence that didn’t need to shout. I wanted to be her. I even got my first relaxer because she was on the box of the Alternatives relaxer—those bone-straight layers had me in a chokehold. Her tomboy chic defined my childhood and still influences how I mix masculine and feminine today.
Grace Jones: The Risk Taker
When I think of bold, sexy, powerful dressing—Grace. She made androgyny glamorous and showed us how strength could be fashion. Every time I want to wear something risky or show a little extra skin, I ask: WWGD—What Would Grace Do? Her “Island Life” album cover is my favorite visual: flexed, fearless, and fabulous. Grace taught me to never be afraid to own the room.
Naomi Campbell: Runway Royalty
Naomi wasn’t just a model—she was the moment. Her 90s runway era will forever live rent-free in my memory. She had the kind of walk that turned silence into applause. Naomi showed me how to serve presence, even in a plain white tank. Everything was attitude, timing, and confidence.
Fran Fine: The Queen of Color
Fran was fearless. In a city where black is the unofficial uniform, she embraced color like it was a second language. No print, texture, or silhouette was off limits. The Nanny didn’t just give us laughs—it gave us Moschino, mini skirts, and maximalist joy. She made fashion fun again.
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Bringing It Full Circle
These women taught me that fashion isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about how you show up in the world. Their style helped me define mine. Today, I mix Bianca’s tailoring with Aaliyah’s ease, Grace’s edge with Sade’s simplicity. My wardrobe is a living archive of the women who shaped me, stitched together with love, legacy, and intention.
I may not have their fame, but I carry their influence every time I step out the door.
Who helped shape your personal style story? Was it a celebrity, a family member, a fictional character—or a fabulous stranger you once saw on the train? Drop their names in the comments and tell me how they shaped your closet. Til’ next time!
