20 Celebrities Who Heavily Influenced American Fashion And Started Trends

Fashion is ever-changing, and we are influenced every day by the people around us and their style.

Fashion is something that many people would say is self-expression in the form of choosing an outfit and accessories. For some, fashion might mean finding the best designer pieces, while for others, it might involve creating the most extravagant outfit possible.

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Fashion is a way for people to express themselves, and the individuals we often see using fashion to their advantage are celebrities. Fashion is ever-changing, as the trends and styles that are popular evolve with the times.

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Often, we look to celebrities, models, and fashion icons to see what the next best trends are, and that's what we'll be discussing today. Most of us recognize a few fashion icons, such as Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, who were trendsetters and used their fashion styles to express themselves.

While fashion is typically based on personal look and feel, some of these celebrities have to switch up their fashion tastes frequently if they are acting in a film. We are going to dive into a list of twenty well-known celebrities who heavily influenced American fashion by either setting trends or simply being recognized for their style.

1. James Dean

James Dean is known for his white t-shirt, jeans, and leather jacket. This style became iconic and was embraced by people of all genders.1. James DeanJohn Kobal Foundation/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
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2. Jackie Kennedy

Jackie Kennedy brought a youthful feel to the White House. She was often seen in Chanel suits and monochromatic looks, accessorized with pearls.2. Jackie KennedyMichael Stroud/Express/Getty Images
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3. Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn is one of the most recognized fashion icons. She is infamous for making 'the little black dress' a staple for women.3. Audrey HepburnParamount Pictures/Courtesy of Getty Images

4. Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe is another name we all know and recognize. She is best known for her look featuring a white, flowy dress with a plunging neckline.4. Marilyn MonroeBettmann/Getty Images

5. Diana Ross

Diana Ross is known for her playful looks, always bringing an elegance to every outfit she wears.5. Diana RossMichael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

6. Cher

Cher is famous for wearing feathers, barely-there dresses, and sequins. Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa continue to keep this fashion style alive today.6. CherMichael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

7. Elton John

Elton John is renowned for his fashion sense, particularly his Los Angeles Dodgers outfit. His style features bedazzled items and outrageous accessories.7. Elton JohnChris Walter/WireImage

8. Farrah Fawcett

Farrah Fawcett was a significant inspiration for 70s fashion. She was one of the first fashion icons to incorporate athleisure into her wardrobe, making brands like Nike a part of everyone's regular style.8. Farrah FawcettABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

9. Prince

Prince is known for many things, but his style is undoubtedly one of the most memorable aspects of his persona. He infused flare, ruffles, sparkles, and color into every outfit.9. PrinceMichael Montfort/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

10. Madonna

Madonna is recognized for many of the infamous outfits she has worn, including the Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra.10. MadonnaGie Knaeps/Getty Images

11. Grace Jones

Grace Jones was the Cardi B of her time. She consistently pushed the boundaries of fashion by wearing extravagant clothing, strappy outfits, and monochromatic looks.11. Grace JonesDave Hogan/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

12. Selena Quintanilla

Selena is a singer who was proud of her body and known for her fashion style as well as her voice. Her most infamous and memorable looks include high-waisted jeans paired with a bedazzled bustier top.12. Selena QuintanillaAP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Dave Einsel, file

13. Mark Wahlberg

Mark is well-known for his fashion sense, having modeled for Calvin Klein. This particular modeling photo has been replicated many times on social media.13. Mark WahlbergRon Galella, Ltd./Getty Images

14. Brooke Shields

Brooke's style took off after she became an advocate for Calvin Klein. She typically wore preppy styles of clothing, figure-accentuating items, and button-ups.

14. Brooke ShieldsJon Ragel/NBCU Photo Bank

15. Aaliyah

Aaliyah was one of the first women to truly showcase her streetwear style. This R&B singer also loved to accessorize with anything she could, including sunglasses, jewelry, and bandanas.15. AaliyahSal Idriss/Redferns

16. Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani is known for her daring style and unique combinations. She is never afraid to push the boundaries of fashion.16. Gwen StefaniGeorge De Sota/Getty Images

17. Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga is known for her outrageous and unique outfits. From bright-colored clothing to meat-inspired ensembles and crazy accessories, Lady Gaga has shown us what fashion is all about.

17. Lady GagaFrederick M. Brown/Getty Images

18. Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton is recognized for her style. She tends to rock a more dainty, girly aesthetic and has been seen wearing tracksuits, delicate dresses, and literally anything pink.18. Paris HiltonAmy Graves/WireImage

19. Rihanna

Rihanna has been seen sporting streetwear styles, dramatic red carpet looks, and high-fashion designer items.19. RihannaMike Coppola/Getty Images

20. Billy Porter

Billy Porter is known for pushing the limits of fashion and wearing statement pieces that carry meaning. Clearly, Billy is not afraid to break the 'rules' of fashion.20. Billy PorterFrazer Harrison/Getty Images

Fashion is a remarkable phenomenon and could arguably be considered entertainment, given how we judge red carpet outfits. We are fortunate to have had some truly amazing fashion icons in our time, as they have made a significant difference in fashion and body positivity, which continues to resonate today.

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