Photo: Retna

From civil rights to civil leaders, women have accomplished so much throughout history. It’s only natural that ladies of all backgrounds and the way that they dress have also influenced the way we view the world. In honor of National Women’s History Month, we’ve spotlighted a few of the most significant style icons and their modern day equivalents. We’re guessing that the world would look a lot different without them.

Fall Fashion Week (or month, rather) has finally come to a close after its journey around New York, London, Milan, and Paris. Now, we’ve taken a vested interest in sifting through hundreds (dare we say thousands) of the most awe-inspiring images from both on and off the runway. While our lust-list may have included Prada’s mod mermaids drenched in paillettes, Gucci’s paint-by-number glamour girls, and Anna Dello Russo’s fierce interpretation of modern Baroque, we were specifically drawn to the want-able, wearable and most importantly, instantly adoptable trends, one in particular being the new prep. Not surprisingly, it was fashion’s elite—editors, models, and designers—who showcased the revival of prep by marrying a collared shirt and crewneck sweater. The result? A charming, playful departure from the previous seasons of punk. And unlike the lifestyles of the preppy, this trend isn’t exclusive or costly. Check out these particularly notable ensembles and you’ll be runway ready in no time.

Whether you’re spending spring break on the beach or the couch, you can re-enter society with a gorgeous sun-soaked glow without frying in harmful rays. And to help plan your pale-to-perfect transformation, we’ve rounded up the top tools to do the job. Fiona Locke, St. Tropez skin expert and celebrity tanning specialist, recommends bringing two things with you on vacation:

Photo: Getty Images

Photo: Getty

Who: Mila Kunis

What: Cosmo’s Fun Fearless Males of 2011

Wear: Boca Negra suit, Christian Louboutin shoes, Ferragamo clutch, Caleo pinch earrings

Leaving the ballet slippers behind, the Black Swan actress paired Louboutins with a svelte all-white Boca Negra suit earlier this week. Despite her choice of a menswear-inspired get up, the 27-year-old actress looked elegant with her hair swept to the side, flashing Caleo earrings. Kunis was awarded Fun Fearless Female at Cosmopolitan‘s Fun Fearless Males of 2011 event stating, “I’d like to think I’m fun and fearless, but I think I have my days where I’m probably really scared and not so much fun. But I’d like to think I take risks and take chances and enjoy my life.” Up next for Kunis: a film with Justin Timberlake, Friends with Benefits, which hits theaters in July.

Past seasons have proven that strong denim pieces are must-have fashion staples that aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. From the the new jumpsuit to the classic jean jacket, denim is an effortless way to feel ultra cool, confident, and comfortable (just be careful not to overdo your denim look lest your friends mistake you for a lumberjack). Take a look at how the all-American trend sized up on the fall runways. Jump for joy:

Denim jumpsuits

Acne, Imaxtree

Photo: Getty

Who: Amanda Seyfried

What: Hollywood premiere of Red Riding Hood

Wear: Lanvin spring 2011 dress and pumps, Tom Binns Design necklace

April cover stunner Amanda Seyfried promoted her newest film, Red Riding Hood, in modern fairytale style last night.  Ditching the predictable crimson for playful purple, the fashion favorite donned a flirty pleated dress and strappy nude heels by the ever-feminine Lanvin.  With an eye-catching multi-strand Tom Binns Design necklace, the look certainly wasn’t glamour shy.  But with natural makeup and a low maintenance ‘do in tow, Seyfried keeps the attention on her.

Bottega Veneta, Imaxtree

Grace Kelly, Tippi Hedren, and Janet Leigh made cameos on the fall 2011 runways—or rather, their Hitchcock heroines’ infamous style did. Trends from the ’50s and early ’60s  swept the shows almost unanimously. But at brands like Jil Sander, Bottega Veneta, and Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, a very specific icy blond took charge with her impeccable ladylike demeanor, sleek lines, and mysterious feminine intuition. One look at the tell-tale beehives at Bottega Veneta was enough to give away the collection’s avion-phobic muse. The slim-cut dresses, silhouette skimming coats, rich fabrics and boxy cardigans captured the prim persona, while injecting a bit of today with metallic accessories and pops of colors.

At Proenza Schouler fall 2011, Patrick McMullan French, funny, and undeniably fashionable with a proclaimed affinity for Topshop jeans, Emmanuelle Alt just made her first rounds of New York, London, Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks as Editor-in-Chief of French Vogue. The stylist quickly became a popular girl in the tents for her easy wit and even easier style—equal parts J Brand and Givenchy, with a whole lot of rock. As her star rises, we’ll be as curious to see what she puts on the page as about what she wears out on the town.

Photo: Splash News

Olivia Munn looked absolutely adorable as she was out and about in NYC last week. We love how she manages to pull off two of winter’s trends to perfection, with a long jersey maxi dress and kitschy snowflake cardigan. A perfect outfit for hanging around town: comfortable, warm, and chic. Of course, the large celebrity-undercover sunnies are optional. Try these pieces for a similar style: