Fashion is an ever-changing landscape, and one of the most significant influences on what people wear comes from celebrities. These public figures possess the power to shape and shift trends simply by choosing what to wear. From red carpet events to casual outings, the clothes, accessories, and hairstyles of celebrities can set off a wave of trends that ripple through society. But how exactly do celebrities influence fashion trends? The relationship is fascinating and worth exploring.

The Power of Visibility

Celebrities are constantly in the public eye. With social media, TV shows, movies, and magazines, their every move is documented and shared widely. This high visibility means that when a celebrity wears something new or unique, it gets noticed by millions of people almost instantly. Whether it is a stunning gown at an awards show, a quirky outfit snapped by paparazzi, or a simple story on Instagram, these fashion choices quickly become the talk of the town.

For instance, Beyoncé released Cowboy Carter in March 2024, the second album in her trilogy that began with Renaissance. This new album marks her first venture into country music, and her style reflects this shift. On the album cover, single covers, her social media, and recent photoshoots, Beyoncé has embraced cowboy fashion. She has been seen wearing double-denim outfits, chaps, and cowboy hats.

The impact was immediate. After Beyoncé mentioned ‘denim on denim’ in one of her new songs, the popularity of double denim fashion increased. In the week following the album’s release, Levi Strauss & Co reported a 20 per cent boost in store visits¹ across the US and a 20 per cent jump in their stock price². Likewise, following the release of her singles ‘16 Carriages’ and ‘Texas Hold ’Em’, which featured her in cowboy hats, sales of cowboy hats went up by 18 per cent in February.

Social Media, Press Tours, and the Speed of Trends

Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have amplified the impact of celebrity fashion. A single post from a well-known celebrity can reach millions of followers within minutes. When celebrities share their outfits, their followers often want to emulate their style. This can lead to a rapid spread of trends as fans seek out similar clothes and accessories to replicate the looks they admire.

For instance, when a celebrity posts a picture wearing a particular brand or style, it can lead to a spike in sales for that item. Brands often capitalise on this by sending free products to celebrities in the hope that they will wear and promote them to their massive audiences. This strategy can be incredibly effective, as the endorsement of a celebrity can lend a sense of credibility and desirability to the brand.

An interesting trend emerged with the release of Zendaya’s new film The Challengers in April 2024³. The movie, about a tennis player-turned-coach and her complicated relationships, inspired Zendaya to wear tennis-themed outfits during her press tour. With the help of her stylist Law Roach, her consistent tennis-inspired looks led to an 80 per cent rise in the popularity of tennis fashion.

Red Carpet Influence

Red carpet events are another major arena where celebrity fashion choices have a significant impact. Events like the Oscars, the Met Gala, and various film premieres are highly publicised, and the outfits worn by celebrities are scrutinised and celebrated. Designers often use these events as opportunities to showcase their latest creations, knowing that a high-profile celebrity wearing their design can generate enormous buzz and influence future fashion trends.

For example, the ‘naked dress’ trend, characterised by sheer, body-hugging gowns, gained popularity after celebrities like Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian wore such dresses on the red carpet. These bold fashion statements pushed boundaries and inspired designers and fashion enthusiasts to experiment with similar styles.

Naked dresses are making a strong comeback and continue to be popular. There are many ways to wear them, from sequined styles to sheer shirts, boots, and pants. Celebrities like Elle Fanning, Kim Kardashian, and Doja Cat wore them at the Met Gala, while Charlize Theron, Jennifer Lawrence, and Florence Pugh sported them at the Oscars.

Another trend is the resurgence of vintage glamour. Celebrities like Lupita Nyong'o and Emma Stone have worn classic, old Hollywood-style gowns, bringing back timeless elegance. Their red carpet appearances have sparked a renewed interest in vintage-inspired fashion.

Additionally, accessories seen on the red carpet can become trends. For example, when Lady Gaga wore a Tiffany diamond necklace at the Oscars⁴, it drew a lot of attention to statement jewellery. This led to more people wanting to wear bold, eye-catching accessories. In short, red carpet events are key moments where celebrity fashion choices can launch new trends and influence what people wear.

Street Style and Everyday Influence

While red carpet events are important, the everyday fashion choices of celebrities are equally influential. Street style, or what celebrities wear in their day-to-day lives, is a significant source of inspiration for many people. These looks are often more relatable and easier to emulate than the glamorous outfits seen at formal events.

Casual outfits worn by celebrities, such as jeans, T-shirts, sneakers, and even loungewear, can quickly become trends. For instance, when celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner started wearing athleisure—comfortable athletic wear as everyday clothing—it sparked a global trend. Suddenly, yoga pants and sporty tops became not just acceptable but fashionable to wear outside the gym.

Collaborations and Endorsements

Another way celebrities impact fashion trends is through collaborations and endorsements. Many celebrities collaborate with fashion brands to create their own clothing lines or limited-edition collections. These collaborations often sell out quickly due to the star power behind them. Collaborations and endorsements are powerful tools that allow celebrities to influence fashion trends, introduce new styles, and drive sales, further cementing their impact on the fashion industry.

For instance, Rihanna's collaboration with Puma and her own brand, Fenty⁵, has been hugely successful. Her influence has helped shape the fashion industry, making bold and inclusive designs more mainstream. Similarly, Kanye West’s Yeezy line with Adidas has been a major trendsetter, with its unique designs and high-profile endorsements driving its popularity.

Celebrities also endorse various brands by wearing their clothes and accessories in public or on social media. When a celebrity is seen wearing a particular brand, it can boost the brand’s popularity and sales. For example, when Meghan Markle wears a certain dress or coat, it often sells out within hours, a phenomenon known as the ‘Meghan effect’⁶. This effect is not a new phenomenon; royal style icons have always set trends, from Queen Alexandra of Denmark to the elegant yet bohemian Princess Margaret.

The Influence of Iconic Figures

Certain celebrities become iconic figures in the fashion world, setting trends that last for years or even decades. These style icons are often remembered for their unique and influential fashion choices that define an era.

Audrey Hepburn, for example, is still celebrated for her timeless style, particularly her little black dress and pearl necklace look from Breakfast at Tiffany's⁷. Similarly, Princess Diana’s fashion choices in the 1980s and 1990s continue to inspire modern trends, with her casual chic and elegant evening wear still being emulated today.

Other iconic figures include Marilyn Monroe, whose glamorous and bold fashion choices are still admired, and David Bowie, whose unique and eclectic style challenged gender norms and inspired countless artists and fashion designers.

The Role of Fashion Critics and Influencers

Fashion critics and influencers also play a role in amplifying the impact of celebrity styles on fashion trends. Fashion critics provide commentary and analysis on celebrity outfits, often highlighting the best and worst looks from major events. Their opinions can shape public perception and influence which trends gain traction.

Influencers, on the other hand, often serve as a bridge between celebrities and the general public. Many influencers gain their following by emulating and promoting celebrity styles, making these trends more accessible to everyday people. When influencers adopt and promote a celebrity-inspired look, it can further popularise the trend.

For instance, Masoom Minawala⁸, an Indian content creator for over a decade, former CEO of an e-commerce startup, and advocate for women’s empowerment, is one of the pioneers in the fast-growing global influencer industry. She is known for transforming the fortunes of smaller Indian brands through her endorsements.

Diversity and Representation

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on diversity and representation in fashion. Celebrities from diverse backgrounds are using their platforms to challenge traditional beauty standards and promote inclusivity. This shift is influencing fashion trends by encouraging brands to create more inclusive and diverse collections. Fashion shows and campaigns are increasingly featuring models of various ethnicities, ages, and body types. This broader representation helps people see themselves reflected in fashion, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance.

Overall, the push for diversity and representation in fashion is making the industry more inclusive and reflective of the world’s diverse population. Celebrities play a crucial role in this movement, using their platforms to inspire change and promote a broader definition of beauty.

For example, celebrities like Lizzo and Billy Porter are known for their bold and unapologetic fashion choices that celebrate body positivity and gender fluidity. Their influence is pushing the fashion industry to become more inclusive and representative of different body types, genders, and cultures.

Additionally, celebrities like Rihanna, with her Fenty Beauty line and Savage X Fenty lingerie brand⁹, have set new standards for diversity by offering a wide range of shades and sizes. This inclusivity has resonated with a broad audience and pressured other brands to follow suit.

The Feedback Loop

The relationship between celebrities and fashion trends is a dynamic feedback loop. While celebrities influence fashion trends, they are also influenced by them. Designers and stylists often look to emerging trends when creating outfits for celebrities, and celebrities, in turn, bring these trends to a wider audience.

This feedback loop creates a constantly evolving fashion landscape, where trends are continuously being created, adopted, and reinvented. It ensures that fashion remains fresh and exciting, with new styles and ideas constantly coming into the spotlight.

Conclusion

Celebrities have a profound impact on fashion trends. Their visibility, amplified by social media, allows their fashion choices to reach and influence millions of people. From red carpet events to everyday street style, celebrities set trends that shape the fashion industry. Collaborations, endorsements, and the influence of iconic figures further amplify their impact. Additionally, the growing emphasis on diversity and representation is pushing fashion towards a more inclusive future.

Ultimately, the relationship between celebrities and fashion is a dynamic and ever-evolving one. As long as celebrities remain in the public eye, their fashion choices will continue to shape and inspire the way people dress. Whether one is a fashion enthusiast or someone who simply enjoys following the latest trends, it is clear that celebrity styles will always have a significant influence on the world of fashion.