When you look at photos of Sophia Loren in the '50s, '60s, '70s, and onward, there are two things that are clear. First, she is a beautiful woman with a real sense of style. Second, her style is utterly timeless and would fit right in with today’s fashion. This stunning italian actress made a name for herself in movies, but it’s her everlasting sense of fashion that makes us want to emulate her to this very day. Here are nine ways Sophia has influenced the fashion world and its worshippers.
- She’s evidence that sexy and classy go hand in hand.
If anyone can teach us that it’s possible to sexy and classy at the same time, it’s Sophia Loren. She’s known worldwide for being a complete sex bomb, yes even in her 80s, but also for being intelligent, fashionable, and talented. Her effortless, immortal style is a testament to the sexy-classy combo. - She’s the ultimate makeup muse.
Over the years, Loren’s makeup look has remained consistent and flawless. We've come to expect winged eyeliner to compliment her unforgettable eyes, strong lip colors to show off her pout, and clean foundation to share her italian complexion. It’s a look that has not only been appropriate for everything, but also reinforced the battle against neon eyeshadow and lipstick. - She shows us how to show off cleavage the right way.
We’re bombarded by images of celebrities who don’t step out the door unless an outfit is sheer, spandex, or missing large chunks of fabric. (A certain family of K's comes to mind.) On the other hand, Loren knows how to do sexy and revealing without actually being revealing. Form-fitting dresses, low-cut necklines, and swishy skirts are all it takes to show your best assets. Now, that’s not to say she doesn’t also appreciate a good set of lingerie, because she absolutely does. - She’s an advocate for the perfect dress.
Loren knows just how valuable a good, fitted dress is in a woman’s wardrobe. After all, she once said, “A woman’s dress should be like a barbed-wire fence: serving its purpose without obstructing the view.” Many of her most memorable looks have centered around dresses that accentuate her tiny waist and reveal her abundant curves. She always appears confident, powerful, and independent in these pieces, and that, my friends, is why we all search high and low for that one special dress. - She’s the real definition of “brows on fleek.”
Long before we had that wonderful catchphrase, Loren was rocking the strongest brow game. She fully embraced her dark, thick brows and let them frame her unmistakable eyes. Her brows are expressive and 100% her. - She embraced color blocking before it was cool.
Loren has never been a stranger to color. She’s been mixing colors and color blocking for decades. Color combos have been a big part of fashion for as long as some of us can remember, but they're not something all women are brave enough to wear. Loren is though, and she does it with class befitting royalty. - She shows us that pattern should be embraced.
Patterned pantsuits, rompers, and sets are all the rage these days. While they might seem adventurous to us now, they’ve been constants in Loren’s wardrobe from day one. She understands the power of wearing a strong pattern, whether it be a funky geometric, the classic polka dot, or a wild animal print. She wears them with a clean look and her head held high. - She rocked over-sized glasses so we could too.
Oversized glasses have always been a sign of a bonafide glamour queen. We can thank Loren for that and the attitude we unintentionally assume when wearing them. Wide-brimmed hats and oversized sunglasses were her signature look in the '60s, and chances are you can find this timeless combination in your wardrobe today. - She’s proof fashion is for all ages.
You can be fashionable no matter your age. When we talk about fashion influences, we almost always mention younger individuals, celebrities who look extremely young, or icons when they were young. But Loren is proof that you can still be a fashion icon for what you’re wearing in your 70s and 80s. Loren still looks stunning in every gown and ensemble she throws on, despite her age. She posed in the 2007 Pirelli calendar when she was 72 for crying out loud. Style is ageless. If you disagree, go check out Loren.
