1. Audrey Hepburn

There's a reason Audrey Hepburn is always featured on any style icon list, and that's because she managed to nail a personal style that transcends time and money. You don't need a huge budget and you don't to be into a vintage look to work it into your wardrobe. Think classics; the LBD, full skirts, espadrilles, black cigarette pants and Breton tops.

2. Marilyn Monroe

If Audrey Hepburn is for the the gamine amongst us, then Marilyn Monroe is her more realistic equal. Her style, although I think just as simple as Audrey's, was more glamorous - wear pencil skirts, dresses made to show off the décolleté and the waist, high-waisted trousers and, of course, a slick of red lipstick.

3. Coco Chanel

Ah, Chanel - I think it's the one label that offers something to appeal to almost everyone. There's something so covetable about Chanel, and it started with Coco. She personified simple, achingly elegant but still practical dressing. To follow her rules, put style before fashion; whatever you're wearing own it - don't let it own you; consider proportions; and, above all, remember that a dress is a dress - it's you that makes it special.

4. Kate Moss

Kate Moss is probably the only person in my lifetime who is still alive yet has managed to join the ranks of women we'll remember forever for their wonderful sense of style. Hers is a look that's hard to pin down but for starters, try leather jackets, skinny jeans, ankle boots, floaty maxi dresses, fur, messy hair and a dusting of sequins.

5. Edie Sedgwick

Edie Sedgwick, sixties icon and Andy Warhol's muse, is the perfect person to explore if you want to add a little sixties style to your own wardrobe. Try dramatic eye make-up, leotards with over-sized coats slung over the top, black opaques, miniskirts, boatneck tees and big, grazing-your-shoulder earrings.

6. Debbie Harry

For the days when you want to look a little more edgy, Debbie Harry's your woman. Wear double denim, camo, black leather, aviators, don't be afraid to go girly, invest in stripes and slogan tees, go all-out on animal print, don't be afraid of block colours and always, always wear it with an attitude.

7. Diane Keaton

You know how we like wearing over-sized shirts now, and 'boyfriend' blazers? Diane Keaton was one of the first women in Hollywood who made it OK - who made it stylish - to dress in a way that wasn't overtly feminine. Instead, her look was cool, surprising and always interesting. Try waistcoats, hats and ties, and wide-legged trousers.

The images that stay with us most are the ones that exemplify style, not fashion. And style tends to be simple - you might not have Givenchy on side, but that doesn't mean you can't have your own Hepburn moment. If you had to pick one person who summed up classic style for you, who would it be?