Put simply, Kate Moss [1] just knows how to wear clothes. Never succumbing to trends that don't suit her rock-chick-meets-vintage-boho style, she's carved out the perfect wardrobe for herself, taking inspiration from '60s fashion icons, her favourite musicians, and the designers she calls her close friends.
Since Kate's catwalk debut at Dolce & Gabbana's Spring 1992 show, we've watched her style evolve into many, fabulous forms. In the '90s, she was known for slinky, spaghetti strap dresses and her expert pairing of second-hand pieces with haute couture [2]. Then, her party girl lifestyle ushered in the rock chick aesthetic [3] that we know and love her for. And when she isn't looking effortlessly edgy, she's floating around in beautiful, vintage inspired dresses. But a commentary on Kate's style would be incomplete without mentioning her go-to outfit combo — a simple, well-tailored suit, preferably in black.
We love how Kate's style has transformed from the heyday of the grunge aesthetic in the '90s, to her sophisticated, dynamic red carpet looks of today, while always staying true to what she loves. Ahead, we've come up with 14 reasons why Kate's become such an icon, accompanied by some of her most statement outfits.
She's Bold on the Runway
Kate wears an asymmetrical, one-shoulder scarlet gown to Cannes Film Festival in 2016.
Kate wears an opulent silver gown to the Met Gala in 2019.
She's Isn't Afraid to Repeat a Winning Look
Kate wears the same black, feather-trim midi dress to Coty's 100th Anniversary Celebration in 2004, that she wore to Frank Sinatra's 80th birthday celebration in 1995 (which she attended with boyfriend at the time, Johnny Depp [5]).
Kate wears a black knee-length dress with an ostrich feather trim to Frank Sinatra's 80th birthday in 1995.
She Milks A Good Photo Op — and a Spaghetti Strap Dress
Kate poses with fellow supermodels of the decade Naomi Campbell [6] and Christy Turlington, wearing a pale yellow spaghetti strap dress at the Met Gala in 1995.
Kate wears a slinky white spaghetti-strap gown to Cannes Film Festival in 1998, but while it's sexy on top, the hem is long and quite demure. She poses alongside fellow '90s super, Claudia Schiffer.
She's a Fan of A Well Tailored Suit
Kate wears a chic black suit to the Saint Laurent Womenswear Spring/Summer 2020 show in Paris.
At the very first VH1 Fashion Awards, Kate teamed a sharp trouser suit with dramatic eye makeup and poker-straight hair.
She's As Fierce As Her Favourite Animal Print — Leopard
Kate wears a sultry, iridescent leopard-print dress at Paris Fashion week in 2019.
Kate wears her favourite leopard print coat while leaving Claridges Hotel in 2015.
She Can Rock Floral, As Well As Head-To-Toe Black
While we know and love Kate for her rock-inspired and edgy vintage ensembles, she's also skilled at a softer look. Picture above, Kate wears a modest, dusty pink silk-satin dress to the Business of Fashion 500 Gala in 2016.
Kate wears a purple floral-print dress to the V&A Summer Party in 2016.
She's A Pro at Proportions
Kate wears her absolute favourite colour — black, but keeps her dress interesting by cinching it at the waist.
Kate wears a sheer black dress with velvet embroidery to the Fashion Media Awards in 2019 — notice the belt that's cinched at the waist.
She's Well Versed in the Art of Layering
Kate wears a layered look of tonal blues and greens while strolling around Paris in 2018.
Kate wears black-and-white layers of sheer, vintage lace while out-and-about in London in 2009.
She Was Rocking Puff Sleeves and Prairie Dresses Before It Was Cool
Kate wears a head-to-toe blue look, matching with fiancé at the time Jamie Hince.
She's Mastered Corporate Chic
Kate wears a silver-grey button-up blouse with slate-grey trousers at the Dior Spring/Summer 2020 show in Paris.
She Leads, She Doesn't Follow
Long before Miley Cyrus [7] made a Met Gala statement in a very similar dress, Kate tried Marc Jacobs's punky mesh maxi on for size. This was her look of choice for the 2011 British Fashion Awards.
She's Effortlessly Rock 'N Roll
Kate wears a casual oversized denim shirt, rolled up at the sleeves with black trousers and black, pointed-toe boots to the 2016 Dior fashion show in Paris.
She Knows Her Colour
Kate wears a black couture gown featuring an intricate corseted design to Naomi Campbell [8]'s Fashion for Relief Gala in 2017.
Kate wears a black leather dress to Miu Miu's Spring/Summer 2010 show in Paris.
She's Got Mega Hat Game
Kate wears a black jumpsuit paired with a chic Gambler's hat alongisde pal Stella McCartnery, while attending the mass of Italian fashion editor Franca Sozzani.
Kate wears a black sequin dress with a matching sequin beret to British Vogue's December issue party in 2017.