When Style Is as Simple as a Smile

Last week we brought up the subject of style icons. With so much attention being paid to what celebrities wear, we wondered which of today’s stars you consider bastions of sartorial splendor. Do they pale in comparison to stars of the ‘40s and ‘50s, such as Lauren Bacall, Fred Astaire, Grace Kelly and Cary Grant? Lastly, we asked you to weigh in on celebrities starting their own fashion lines--would you buy, and why? Here’s what you said:

“My style icons are Rita Wilson and [sports commentator] Howie Long. She always looks great, and Long always looks good, too--solid, dependable, ready for anything and too smart to wear a necktie. I dress like him when I think about what I’m going to put on. The most important thing they have in common isn’t what they wear, it’s how they wear it. They both look like they’re always ready to have a good time. It’s like they choose clothes that show they’re happy, instead of dressing to try to make themselves happy. Celebrities with their own clothes lines always seem kind of desperate and silly to me.”

“There are no fashion icons today. Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn, with their style and grace, their beautiful clothes and pearls, their demeanor and the way they carried themselves, are gone. Nancy Reagan and her impeccable suits and pumps are no longer in the spotlight. Unfortunately, today’s folks in the news--the ones who really could influence stylish, quality clothing--are mistaking class, style, grace and glamour with sex.”

“Actors and singers moving into fashion? I am sure their public relations people said, ‘The public is your cash cow.’ Some--not all--of the public are so gullible and will swallow anything celebrities endorse. I am not interested. Let them do what they do best.”

“Both Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe greatly influenced hair and fashion in the past, and their looks seem to be reemerging in popular styles today. Only time will tell which of our current celebrities will have a long-term influence on style, although there may not be as many of them as there were in the ‘40s and ‘50s. In the meantime, ethnic looks (Erykah Badu with her beautiful fabrics and turbans) and period looks (Kate Winslet. , Nicole Kidman) might be fashions to remember. And yes, I would certainly buy a star’s clothes if the look was good and appropriate, it was in my size, and the price was right.”

“Celebrities definitely influence how I look at fashion. They are real, as opposed to the creatures in the fashion magazines. I think today’s celebrities are better than ‘Old Hollywood’ because they are not afraid to appear in public undone. Here are my icons:

* Charlize Theron : Perfect balance of simplicity and elegance.

* Nicole Kidman: Glamorous when dressed up but looks great in her casual look, too.

* Kevin Costner: Always looks elegant, even in casual wear.

* Tiger Woods: He always wears those black pants, which are very smart--he doesn’t waste time with something else. Smart minimalism.

* Brian Williams (newscaster): A work of art--total elegance, and he looks comfortable in those very expensive suits and ties.”

“Jennifer Lopez does not have a unique style. The only style of clothing she seems to prefer is the one that most reveals her body. Style isn’t defined by how small the article of clothing is; rather, it is the unique characteristic that is specific to every person’s choice of apparel. To me, Meg Ryan is definitely a style icon simply because she is always smiling, and no matter what the situation, she remains cool and unruffled. She dresses properly--a black pantsuit with a blue blouse, short skirt with heels and matching bag. She doesn’t need to wear outfits that are too revealing because she doesn’t need to prove herself or draw attention. Celebrities who feel they have enough style to do their own clothing lines probably have a bit more ego than necessary. Would I judge them on their individual merits? Yes. I may knock their intentions, but not their taste.”

Thanks for your responses. We’ll keep the dialogue going.

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Write to Fashion Police, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, fax to (213) 237-4888, or send e-mail to socalliving@latimes.com.