WHY TRACEE ELLIS ROSS IS THE LEADING LADY OF TRUE STYLE
WRITTEN BY SHARRA GREENE
I remember being a preteen, tuning into the hit sitcom Girlfriends with my mom, and being in awe of Joan Clayton’s refined, elegant, yet relatable aesthetic on the show (shout out to costume designer Stacy Beverly, who is responsible for the characters’ stunning fashion moments on the series). Learning that the woman whose style I was admiring was Tracie Ellis Ross, daughter to undeniable fashion icon Diana Ross, made all of the sense in the world to me. Her regal presence made each look come alive, and I thought “like mother, like daughter.” Little did I know that in the years to follow, as social media became a hub for style inspo, that Ross’s fashion choices off screen would influence me, and so many other women just as much, if not more.
As a stylist who services today’s powerhouse women, it’s hard to miss her impact. I can’t count how many mood boards I’ve been sent with a TER look on it, how many Pinterest links my clients have sent me that feature a street style moment of hers, or how many women I’ve been in conversation with, that mention her style with ultimate excitement when we’re talking fashion. I’m all about giving folks their flowers in real time, so let’s unpack just a few of the reasons why the brilliant actress is also fashion force to be reckoned with.
She’d Serve in Any Decade
… and while we can’t put her in a time machine to prove it, the material speaks for itself. Ross can give us a groovy 70’s moment, an 80’s editorial look that takes us back, or a 90’s school girl ensemble that makes us want to watch Clueless for the 200th time. She always pulls it off, seemingly, with ease and finesse.
She’s A Consistent Risk Taker
One thing about Ross: she has no fear of being edgy or avant-garde. Whether it’s juxtaposing different aesthetics, embracing an oversized silhouette, or rocking a mullet with a cool factor you can’t teach, she’s done it all, ten times over.
She Has a Signature
Or should I say several? Sexy plunging neckline? Check. Blazer that’s tailored to perfection? Check. Wide leg trousers that add just the right amount of drama? Check. While the actress is never afraid to switch things up and explore different silhouettes, she also has an arsenal of alluring elements that she constantly refers to and makes her own, and they always seem to steal the show.
She Knows That Great Hair Helps Make The Outfit
While many fashionistas tend to let their clothes do all of the talking, Ross shows us that putting just as much thought into your hairstyle can be a key component in having a memorable look. Not to mention, the woman has range. I always look forward to seeing what ‘do she sports next.
She Doesn’t Skimp On the Details
The actress is no doubt, an accessories gal. While her garments mesmerize her audience time and time again, her accoutrements certainly deserve an homage as well. She’s mastered the art of accessorizing in a way that grabs our attention, without it being overkill. Raiding her jewelry closet would definitely be a fashion fantasy come true.
Need I say more? It’s pretty evident that the style icon has mastered the art of personal style. Which TER look is your fav?
Image Sources: Instagram, Marie Claire, Homme Girls
