There’s really nothing wrong with it. Some might say you’re just mimicking, or you’re just an imitator. But the truth is even those that knock you for ‘mimicking’ and ‘imitating’ are actually doing the same thing without knowing it. Whatever your personal style is, you automatically derive part of your style from some of the things you see in entertainment–think things like Audrey Hepburn, Rita Hayworth, Cindy Crawford, Iman, and other style icons. They’re icons for a reason, you know?
The same goes for any other kind of medium–be it art, writing, even music. Everyone has inspirations that help develop their own personal styles–whether you’re a musician, a poet, or even an architect, it doesn’t matter. The point, though, is you recognize your inspirations and appreciate them and don’t let anyone else knock you for having them. Because everyone has them.
Some style icons, though, are timeless–and some are not. You definitely, in personal opinion, don’t want to emulate the likes of Marilyn Manson or Lady Gaga! Those styles are reserved for those who have originally adopted them–or else they won’t be unique! That’s part of their charm–is that they’re ‘unique’! What you need to look for in a style icon is something that is so popular that it promotes a positive look no matter the year. Black dresses do that, for instance. Certain styles of hats do that. White also does that. Wearing a standard heel with a pop of color will always be in!
You have to know that it’s still you in all its glory, and the clothing doesn’t make you. It makes a part of you.
Whatever style you emulate from whatever era in history–whether it’s the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, or the new millennium–know that as long as you make such choices your own, pairing it with some small items that signify the person that is you–for instance, a certain choker, or bracelet, or necklace, or ring, or barrette, or headband, or whatever–you’ll always bring to the table some bit of innovation even though you’re banking on an inspiration that you love.