UNLIKELY ICON : ASHLEE SIMPSON-ROSS

Ashlee Simpson is a name that conjures up teenage memories of black eyeliner, overly straightened hair and low-slung cargo pants. Her aesthetic and angsty pop were the antithesis of the bubblegum perfection of the time. She offered an alternative version of female cool that was far more attainable and wearable (see the belly tops of Britney and those Xtina chaps) than her contemporaries. 

I liked Ashlee, but I was a fan from afar. I listened to her songs but didn't know the words; I watched her reality show, but didn't notice when it was cancelled. And then SNL happened and Ashlee faded from the collective pop culture radar. Recently, however, the New York Times asked if Ashlee was 'under appreciated?' and to frame her downfall in today's climate (see Mariah Carrey's shakey vocals and Adele's less than stella Grammy performance) it's a question worth exploring. 

Fast forward ten years, two children, a divorce from Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz, a marriage to Evan Ross and an E! reality tv show and the haste at which Ashlee's career nosedived into irrelevance, looks set to experience the same momentum on the way back up. And I am excited, namely about the rebounding style of Ashlee. 

Just as her layered vests and studded belts inspired my tween self, her sequin trousers and gold hoops offer ample inspiration now. The reality show follows Ashlee in various settings of 'normality' and with that, the outfits that go along with these scenarios. Her playdate outfit is cool-girl baggy jeans and Gucci loafers. Her gym-wear is topped with a structured, black coat. Her date night outfit is a gold, sequinned mini dress, with messy bun. The accoutrement to every outfit is an insouciance honed from a clear confidence of personal style. 

Her aesthetic is a mix of high/low, smart/casual, boheme/rocker. The dichotomy of style is kept consistent with the essence of nonchalance evident in both noughties and present day Ashlee. What continues her appeal is the very relatable stylistic progression. The basic principles remain the same but with the finesse that comes with the refinement of age. In a world of chameleon-like pop stars reinventing themselves more often than the Kardashian's experience a family drama, the aesthetic consistency of Ashlee is both comforting and relatable. She is recognisable for her ever smudgey eye liner and studded attire. However now, her smokey eye is paired with a polished red lip and her studs have been relocated from her low-slung belts, to her glimmering hooped earrings.

And whilst on this newly invigorated Ashlee hype, I developed quite the interest in Evan's attire too. Yes, he of Diana Ross lineage, has quite the style. During an Evan themed party, Ashlee describes the dresscode as: 'hats, blouses swimming pants, grandma vests, faux fur'. His style is decadent, visually interesting and quite literally mad hat. Together they are the embodiment of creativity, clashing in perfect synergy. Jointly, their kimono collection is one worth selling a kidney for. There's pleather, vinyl, feathers and that's just their casual wears. 

After binging the entire show, an in depth stalk on instagram and an album download, I am practically a mega fan. Though Nylon magazine are calling for a comeback, I wonder if Ashlee ever really went away. Her music may have quietened but her style has long been roaring and I am definitely chanting along.

(Photos via : Popsugar.co.uk, latimes.com, dailymail.co.uk & papermag.com)