These Are the 4 Most Stylish Women Ever (IMO), so I Copied Their Outfits

I recently asked my friends what four famous figures they’d choose to be on their personal Mount Rushmore and the results were not all that surprising. Their choices were so consistent with who they are as people that the exercise felt like a personality recipe that when followed, would *ding* and pop my friend out of the toaster. 

When it was my turn to answer the question, I was shocked at how much my top inspirations included aesthetic considerations—each of my four had a distinct personal style. After questioning my vanity for a good two minutes, I now rest assured that this isn't a coincidence and is actually borne from true alignment where purpose and values align in every sense, even stylistically. This, my friends, is the pinnacle of success. 

I’m here today to share my fashion Mount Rushmore with you all and, of course, re-create some of their best looks. The four women below not only look good, but they each also follow a consistent process that ensures every look feels like them. While I like to think my personal style stems from my own unique process, these women constantly inspire me and introduce new ways of looking at things. Keep scrolling to see who I’ve chosen along with some amazing pieces I’m certain they would wear today. Who’s on your fashion Mount Rushmore?

Rihanna

Everybody loves RiRi. Where many celebrities today have stylists and creative directors guiding their image decisions, we can all tell that Rihanna is the one driving the boat. She has the sauce and there is no denying it. I love that she is always trying new things and mixing different inspirations to create something that is uniquely her. Take for example the below outfit which places streetwear inspirations alongside Chanel and pearls. Chef's kiss.

The inspiration:
Stylish women inspirations 2022: Rihanna

Photo:

Backgrid
The interpretation:
Stylish women inspirations 2022: fur coat and bikini

Photo:

@banniakabread; STYLING: Vintage Fur Coat; Levi's 501 Jeans ($70); Justine Clenquet Will Necklace ($42)

I went with a bikini top and fur coat because why not? The combination of the two feels very much "I do what I want" aka very Rihanna. 

I can see Rihanna wearing these with strappy sandals as pictured.

Justine Clenquet does mixed metals better than anyone else out.

Princess Diana

As a kid, I always looked up to Princess Diana's impeccable and classic style. Her ability to push the bounds of her role in the royal family and fashion both make her an icon for the ages. She's pictured below for the first time after her husband publically admitted to adultery wearing a little black number now referred to as the "revenge dress." Again, the story matches the vibes matches the outfit—it's all about alignment.

The inspiration:
Stylish women inspirations 2022: Princess Diana

Photo:

Getty Images
The interpretation:
Stylish women inspirations 2022: Nana Jacqueline dress

Photo:

@banniakabread; STYLING: Nana Jacqueline Nikita Dress ($458); Nana Jacqueline Jade Earrings ($258).

This dress by Nana Jacqueline is equal parts refined and equal parts sexy. A string of pearls and rhinestones wraps around the waist showing the perfect amount of skin and leaves the rest to the imagination.

Photo:

@banniakabread; STYLING: Nana Jacqueline Nikita Dress ($458); Nana Jacqueline Jade Earrings ($258).

I paired the modern-day equivalent of the Revenge Dress with rhinestone earrings from Nana Jacqueline that form the shape of a heart. 

How gorgeous! This feels like it's meant for the Princess of Atlantis.

The ruching makes this covered up number quietly sexy.

Solange

Solange has meticulously curated her stylistic presence to match the vibes of her musical projects, which has really pushed the message even further. She tends to go for more avant-garde designers and silhouettes that help us reimagine the future without bounds. It's rare to see mainstream artists approach fashion so fearlessly and bring to the forefront ideas that usually don't make it into the spotlight. 

The inspiration:
Stylish women inspirations 2022: Solange Knowles

Photo:

Getty Images
The interpretation:
Stylish women inspirations 2022: Armande Hoodie Dress

Photo:

@banniakabread; STYLING: ARMANDE Silk Satin Hoodie Dress ($1,280).

This hoodie dress by Armande is so sick that I knew I had to try it on for the Solange look. It's made from 100% silk that feels so nice against the body and drapes beautifully. I paired it with a cowboy hat and boots because we all know Solange doesn't play about where she's from (Houston, Texas). That's actually one of the things I appreciate about her most—she is true to the culture that makes her who she is today.

Stylish women inspirations 2022: ARMANDE Pajama Pant and Opera Gloves

Photo:

@banniakabread; STYLING: ARMANDE Satin Organza Pajama Trouser ($660); ARMANDE Extended Opera Gloves ($185), Zara Floral Print Shirt.  

This Solange look also features pieces from Armande's Demystified collection, which is purposefully all black to showcase the depth of blackness and allows us to focus on the details. I am wearing the satin organza trousers and the mesh gloves, both of which give an enviable air of self-assuredness. I love how these pieces are understated yet eye-catching, and I feel like Solange would appreciate them too.

Shop similar pieces:

This top is soft and comfy but still sculptural.

These remind me of the chandelier in the Met.

Simple and streamlined, you'll be able to wear this a lot.

Interesting textures make for entirely different experiences, even if the rest is simple.

I love the drama of these straps.

I'm living for three-button blazers lately.

Paloma Elsesser

The newest kid on my Mount Rushmore block is none other than fashion's favorite girl, Paloma Elsesser. When I tell you I love every single thing she wears, I'm not exaggerating. Similar to Rih, she is constantly reevaluating what styles work well together, taps into trends without looking overly trendy, and oozes with cool-girl confidence while doing it. I'm excited to see how her style evolves over the years and will undoubtedly be paying attention to the playbook she's creating.

The inspiration:
Stylish women inspirations 2022: Paloma Elsesser

Photo:

@palomija
The interpretation:
Stylish women inspirations 2022: mini skirt and crop top

Photo:

@banniakabread

As you can see, this look can be re-created in a million different ways, and that's a key lesson in personal style. I've found that all the most stylish women know the silhouettes that look good on them. Another variation of this look that Paloma always gravitates to is the small-top–and–baggy-pants look. 

Shop similar pieces:

Something about this print and color palette makes me so happy.

Gold beads are a fresh alternative to chain jewelry.

This miniskirt is so cool and actually fits close to the body.

This coat is the perfect weight to keep its spot in the rotation all year. Just add warm layers underneath in the winter and wear with a miniskirt in the spring.