It’s funny how every group of friends will have this one girl who’ll always stand out. She’ll always be the first to know fashion trends, the first to step out with a new hairdo, the first to carry off a stunning new design and much more. Don’t you wonder what makes this breed of people so special? How do they manage to be ahead of others? Let’s find out what it actually takes to be a style icon.

If anyone tells you that you need to have a perfect figure to be a style icon, they’re lying. Age, weight, height and other attributes do not make you a style icon. The first and foremost lesson on your way to style stardom is to know yourself. Remember you are no longer 15 when you are 25, and no longer 25 when you are 40. Wear what’s appropriate to your body type and measurements. A very loose top on a skinny figure does not work, while tight leggings and a sports bra is probably not the way to go if you are on the healthier side. Wearing what suits you age gracefully, is and will always be the ‘in-thing’.

A famous French model was once asked, “What does it really take to be a style icon?” She replied “Buy some boring things. Less is more – white shirt, black jeans, black bag and sunglasses” How true is that ladies? The point here is that you don’t always need those Gucci’s and Prada’s to be the style pioneer. Sometimes it is the boring bits that do the trick. Let me give you a perfect example – Imagine your local coffee shop. Not too fancy, not too dull. On one table you have a pretty face wearing a casual white t-shirt and hot skinny jeans and dull flip-flops. How hot does that look?

Do you watch those skinny models on the ramp and go ‘Wow’? Are you on a mission to erase all the lines from your face? Here’s the truth – No matter how skinny, shiny or fancy the models become, being feminine is always the sexiest style trend. A feminine look portrays beauty and brings out the sexy elements lying within us. I’ll prove it to you by a prime example – Princess Diana. No doubt she was a style icon. What made her a style icon? It was her feminine looks and her lady-like dresses.

Style icons can spot good fashion. Whether you are taking cues from those slim Asians girls with their flawlessly straight hair and supple skin, or from the gorgeous Indian girl in your office with those lovely locks and a dash of oomph in her lovely bracelet; be prepared to learn. Take notes of what the rest of the world is upto. Learn suave and sophistication from the Europeans and sex appeal from the Latin – and incorporate elements of their background into your style quotient.

I’m going to keep it simple with this tip. Pick your favorite fashion magazine and follow the fashion trends from ramps and events around the world. This is where my warning comes in – take note of the trends, but do not imitate! Some clothes and accessories are just meant for the ramp and not for you to carry off on your dinner date. So follow the trends, and keep the latest styles in mind while you do your shopping. It’s best to relate something you see on the shelf to something you’ve recently seen on the cover of vogue. Relate, but do not imitate!

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you see the so-called ‘style icon’ in your group of friends? I bet it is, ‘Oh, how well she can carry it off’, isn’t it? That’s the key ladies! Have a larger than life ‘fashion attitude’. If you’ve made the right choices in your clothes, hairdo, accessories and footwear, there is absolutely no reason holding you back from adding spark in your step. Flaunt the attitude, be confident and put forward a bold style statement that is hard to ignore. The world will watch!

Yeah, I don’t think this is a much of a surprise, is it? Unwanted hair on the face or other places on your beautiful body are a strict no-no. Never will you see a stylish diva with excessive facial hair. Believe me, clean and trim is the way to go. I think this should be step one in every style manual!

Whether we like it or not, people will notice details. After all, everyone can dress elegantly; have a stylish hairdo, get a beautiful nail color and much more. What separates the girls from the divas? Minor details my dear! Wouldn’t you notice immediately if the woman across the floor was struggling to carry off those tight shoes? Or finding it uncomfortable in that tight push-up bra? It is very obvious when there is a fashion disaster! I suggest that you look out for key details when you dress up for that special occasion.
Style Icons are not super humans. A little homework, some fashion sense and some prep time is all it needs to look stunning and vibrant always. So put these tips into practice and be the victim of ‘awws’, ‘gazes’ and ‘stares’ whenever and wherever. Bring out the style diva in you!