From the 1950s to the Present: The “It” Girl From Every Decade
Being the “it” girl is more than just being a celebrity. It’s about having a certain je ne sais quoi, a star quality that sets you apart from the pack. It’s about being the one everyone is talking about, the one who’s always on the cover of magazines, and the one who’s always in demand for the hottest roles.
It’s also about being a trendsetter and a fashion icon. The “it” girl is always ahead of the curve, and she always knows what’s hot. She’s the one who inspires other women to dress like her and to wear her hair and makeup like her.
But being the “it” girl isn’t just about looks. It’s also about having a personality that people love. The “it” girl is charming, funny, and relatable. She’s someone that people want to be around and someone that they want to know.
In today’s world, social media has played a big role in creating “it” girls. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have given young women a platform to showcase their talents and build a following. As a result, many of today’s “it” girls are social media influencers who have amassed millions of followers. With that in mind, here are some of the most legendary “it” girls from each decade from the 1950s through the 2020s.
Marilyn Monroe (1950s)
The “it girl” of the 1950s was undoubtedly Marilyn Monroe. She epitomized the glamour and sex appeal of Hollywood during this era and became one of the most well-known and lasting symbols of charm and fame. Monroe’s rise to fame was marked by her roles in movies like “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (1953) and “Some Like It Hot” (1959). Her attractiveness, vulnerability, and charisma drew audiences all around the world. Her iconic status was cemented by memorable scenes, like the subway grate scene in “The Seven Year Itch” (1955), where her skirt billows up.
Audrey Hepburn (1960s)
Legions of women in the 1960s based their wardrobes on the outfits Audrey Hepburn was wearing in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) and My Fair Lady (1964). The actress was celebrated not only for her acting talent and fashion sense but also for her humanitarian work.
Farrah Fawcett (1970s)
Farrah Fawcett became a fashion icon and a symbol of 1970s glamour and style, especially following her role in the television series Charlie’s Angels. Her haircut was copied by women all over the world and became known as “Farrah hair,” symbolizing the quintessential look of the era. Fawcett’s poster, featuring her in a red swimsuit with her flowing, feathered hair, became one of the best-selling posters of all time, confirming her status as a 1970s pop culture phenomenon.
Princess Diana (1980s)
Married to Prince Charles in 1981, Diana, the Princess of Wales, became an instant media sensation and a beloved public figure. Her style, charisma, and humanitarian efforts captured the hearts of people globally, and she was frequently the subject of intense media attention. No doubt, this woman defined the 1980s in terms of popularity, influence, and cultural impact.
Whitney Houston (1990s)
The Bodyguard might have been a completely forgettable movie, but the lead single of the film’s soundtrack, “I Will Always Love You,” has endured, receiving regular airplay on the radio more than 30 years after it was released. Houston could belt out those notes with the best of them, and when you factor in her stage presence, it’s not a surprise she was the “it” girl of the 1990s who received so much admiration.
Beyoncé (2000s)
It’s easy to forget that before Beyoncé became the most decorated female musical artist of all time, she was just one of a trio that made up Destiny’s Child. Her first step towards legendary status came in the form of her 2003 solo debut, Dangerously in Love, and the rest, as they say, is herstory.
Jennifer Lawrence (2010s)
Rising to prominence with her role in The Hunger Games series, Jennifer Lawrence became known not only for her acting talent but also for her down-to-earth personality, sense of humor, and relatability, traits that resonated strongly with the public and media. Lawrence received critical acclaim and won several awards, including an Academy Award for her performance in Silver Linings Playbook. Her versatility in taking on diverse roles, from blockbusters to independent films, and her consistent presence in the media spotlight, especially her direct and uncensored approach to fame, made her a major figure throughout the decade.
Olivia Rodrigo (2020s)
Olivia Rodrigo’s meteoric rise to fame has cemented her status as an “it” girl of the 2020s. Her breakout hit, Drivers License, captured the hearts of millions with its raw emotionality and relatable lyrics, establishing her as the voice of her generation. But it’s not just her music that has made her an icon. Rodrigo’s fashion sense, characterized by her effortless cool and retro-inspired aesthetic, has also made her a trendsetter. She seamlessly blends vintage finds with modern pieces, creating a look that is both nostalgic and contemporary. With her talent, authenticity, and fashion prowess, Olivia Rodrigo is the epitome of today’s “it” girl.