How to get her signature oversized earrings right. The secret behind her leotard and tights combination. Her exact makeup formula for those smoky eyes. Where to shop for affordable pieces that capture her essence.
I’ve spent years studying vintage fashion and helping people find their personal style. My approach is simple. Take what worked for Edie and make it work for your life today. This guide gives you everything you need. Step-by-step instructions. Shopping lists. Real styling tips you can use right away.
Ready to channel your inner Factory girl? Let’s start with who Edie really was.
Who Was Edie Sedgwick?
Edie Sedgwick was the “It Girl” of 1960s New York. Born into wealth in 1943, she became Andy Warhol’s muse and the face of his underground films.
But here’s what made her special, She didn’t just wear clothes. She created a whole new way of being fashionable. Edie took ballet tights and wore them as pants. She turned children’s T-shirts into high fashion. Her approach? Mix the unexpected with the refined.
She practiced jazz ballet for hours every day. This helped calm her mind. Most of her outfits came from this habit. She’d throw a big coat or loose men’s shirt over her leotard and tights and go out like that.
The fashion world had never seen anything like her.
She made being different look glamorous. And that’s exactly why her style works so well today.
Defining Elements of Edie Sedgwick Style
Want to capture Edie’s magic? Focus on these key pieces. Each one tells a story about her fearless approach to fashion.
Oversized Statement Earrings
Edie’s earrings were huge. Think chandelier size. She wore them with everything. They used to call them “shoulder-dusters” because they would touch the wearer’s shoulders. Edie usually wore no other jewelry when she had these on.
Here’s why they worked:
- Drew attention to her pixie haircut
- Added drama to simple outfits
- Created movement when she danced
The bigger, the better. That was Edie’s rule. I learned this lesson when I first tried her style. Small earrings just didn’t have the same impact. Your earrings should be the first thing people notice about your outfit.
Leotards and Tights as Outerwear
This was new in the 1960s. Edie took what dancers wore in class and made it street style. She’d pair a black leotard with opaque tights and call it a complete look.
Why it worked:
- Showed off her dancer’s physique
- Created clean, modern lines
- Was comfortable enough to move in
Today? This combination is everywhere. But Edie did it first.
Striped Turtlenecks and Mod Mini Dresses
Edie loved patterns and textures. Especially stripes. She’d layer a striped turtleneck under a mini dress. Or wear it alone with statement jewelry. Boatneck styles were her favorite.
Her mini dresses were geometric. Angular. Very mod. They were always short and close-fitting.
The formula: Clean lines + patterns + unexpected combinations.
Smoky Eyes & Pale Lips: Her Iconic Makeup Look
Edie’s makeup was just as important as her clothes.
Her signature look:
- Heavy black eyeliner on top and bottom
- Lots of mascara or false eyelashes
- Sometimes she would even draw on fake lashes
- Pale pink or nude lipstick
- Barely-there foundation
- Often included a beauty mark on her cheek
The contrast was striking. Dark, dramatic eyes. Soft, natural lips.
She often did her own makeup using drugstore products. After she spent her inheritance, she even used watercolor paints as eyeshadow. I find this inspiring because it proves you don’t need expensive cosmetics to create an iconic look.
Modernizing Edie Sedgwick’s Look
You don’t need to copy Edie exactly. Take her ideas and make them yours. I’ve helped many people adapt her style for today’s world.
Instead of full leotards, try:
- Bodysuits with high-waisted jeans
- Form-fitting crop tops
- Sleek tank tops tucked into skirts
Modern statement earrings:
- Geometric shapes in gold or silver
- Colorful resin designs
- Vintage-inspired chandeliers
Updated mini dresses:
- A-line silhouettes in solid colors
- Shift dresses with interesting textures
- Wrap dresses in prints
The key? Keep the proportions interesting. If your top is fitted, let your earrings be oversized.
Where to Shop the Edie Sedgwick Look
You don’t need designer prices to get Edie’s style.
For budget-friendly options, head to Uniqlo for basic turtlenecks and tights, Target for statement earrings, and H&M for mini dresses and bodysuits.
If you want to spend a bit more, try & Other Stories for original pieces, COS for minimalist designs, and Anthropologie for statement jewelry.
Consider investing in a quality black bodysuit, well-made opaque tights, and one perfect pair of statement earrings. These pieces will last and form the foundation of your Edie-inspired wardrobe.
When I shop vintage, I look for 1960s pieces at thrift stores. You might find authentic mod dresses or vintage jewelry that Edie would have loved. Check eBay too for those hard-to-find shoulder-duster earrings.
Styling Tips from Edie Sedgwick’s Philosophy
Edie had rules. But they weren’t boring rules.
Rule 1: Mix high and low Pair expensive earrings with a basic T-shirt. Wear designer shoes with drugstore tights.
Rule 2: Comfort comes first If you can’t move in it, don’t wear it. Edie was always dancing.
Rule 3: Make one thing the star Big earrings? Keep everything else simple. Strong pattern? Let it shine alone.
Rule 4: Confidence is your best accessory Edie wore unusual combinations because she believed in them. That confidence made everything work.
Rule 5: Break the rules The most important rule? There are no rules. If it feels right, wear it.
Your Edie Sedgwick Starter Kit
Ready to try this style? Start small.
Week 1: Add statement earrings to your usual outfits
Week 2: Try the smoky eye makeup look
Week 3: Experiment with a bodysuit and high-waisted bottoms
Week 4: Find your perfect mini dress
Remember: Edie’s style was about feeling free. Don’t overthink it.
The most important thing? Have fun with fashion.
Edie Sedgwick proved that style isn’t about following trends. It’s about creating your own rules and wearing them with confidence.
So go ahead. Be different. Be a little bit Edie. After all, the most authentic fashion statement you can make is being yourself.
Conclusion
You now have everything you need to channel Edie’s look. Start with one piece. Maybe those statement earrings. Or try the smoky eye makeup tonight. The key is taking action. Edie didn’t become a style icon by playing it safe.
She experimented. She took risks. She mixed things that shouldn’t have worked together. And they worked beautifully. Your style story starts now. Pick one tip from this guide and try it this week.
Remember what made Edie special. It wasn’t just her clothes. It was her confidence. She wore what made her feel amazing. And that energy showed in everything she did. You can do the same.
Start small. Build confidence. Soon you’ll be creating your own fashion rules. The Factory girl look is waiting for you. All you have to do is take the first step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What body type did Edie Sedgwick have and can anyone wear her style?
Edie had a petite, dancer’s build, but her style works for all body types. The key is adapting the proportions to flatter your shape while keeping the confident attitude.
How expensive is it to recreate Edie Sedgwick’s look?
You can start with just $50 for basic pieces like tights, a bodysuit, and statement earrings from budget stores. Edie often mixed high-end jewelry with simple, affordable clothing pieces.
What makeup products can I use to get Edie’s exact look?
Start with basic black eyeliner and mascara from any drugstore brand. For the beauty mark, try MAC Liquid Eye Liner in Boot Black. When she ran low on money, Edie even used watercolor paints as eyeshadow.
Can I wear Edie Sedgwick style to work or formal events?
Of course! Tone it down with smaller earrings, a blazer over your bodysuit, or a midi dress instead of mini. Keep the smoky eye but make it softer for professional settings.
What’s the difference between Edie Sedgwick style and regular 60s mod fashion?
Edie’s style was more daring and personal than typical mod fashion. She mixed ballet wear with street clothes and wasn’t afraid to repeat outfits or break traditional fashion rules.
