Nicole Richie Talks About Her Own Style Evolution

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It's hard to remember Nicole Richie as anything other than the fashion forward demure designer she is now, but Richie tells Fashionistaetc, "Yes, my style has changed."

To be clear, let's take a look at her style evolution in-a-nut-shell. Richie bust onto the reality scene as one half of The Simple Life duo. Cut-off denim shorts, wife beaters, and bikini tops were go-to style pieces. She then went into her boho-chic phase, tying scarves around her forehead and wearing everything about 4 times too large. Now, Nicole Richie is the creative director of her clothing and accessories lines Winter Kate and House of Harlow 1960, and boasts a glamorous and refined style that would gasp if ever shown a photo of herself circa 2003.

Richie admits she's come a long way from playing Paris Hilton's best bud, "I have changed," says Richie, "It's the natural process of becoming a woman. It's not stopping here."

However, she does admit one fashion faux pas, "I went through a serious choker phase," says the design star. "I have a feeling they are going to be making a comeback very soon. Mark my words!"

For everyone's sake, I hope that is so untrue. Chokers, along with belly bracelets (I'm looking at you Mariah Carey) and tube tops (Still looking at you, Mariah Carey) are several items that should never come back in style ever.

Richie was recently named "Influencer of the Year" by the Accessories Council and says it's because of her motto that accessories make an outfit.

"Accessories speak volumes when it comes to a person's wardrobe. Especially when one is dressed down in jeans and a T-shirt," says Richie.

But her ultimate fashion rule is, "there are no rules - so have fun with it!" That's bad advice for anyone with zero fashion sense, otherwise you end up with someone dressing like a low-rent Lady Gaga claiming, "But Nicole Richie told me to?"

FashionEtc asked what accessory she'd love to receive as a gift and her response might surprise her husband.

"Hmmm...Maybe some arm candy. Johhny Depp will do."

Hey, her hubbby Joel Madden is hot...sort of.

While many "celebrity fashion lines" aren't taken seriously, Richie says that doesn't bother her at all.

"It’s not about proving myself to anyone. At the end of the day, you can't please everyone. You have to do things for yourself. I have had many moments in life where I haven’t gotten credit for the work I’ve done. And that's okay with me. My process is still the same. I work very hard, and am serious about my work. That stays true whether anyone recognizes it or not."