The 1920s to 1950s was a significant era in the makeup, hair, and fashion world. Fashionistas of this time embraced sophisticated robes, draped bias-cut gowns, statement jewelry, and perfectly curled and waved hair.
This glamour was known as the old Hollywood style. It was a blend of femininity, elegance, and personality.
Individuals picked luxurious fabrics such as satin and silk and added intricate details to their dresses, like statement jewelry, beading, sequins, and classic accessories. Makeup was soft skin complemented with winged eyeliner, bold red lips, and soft waved or pin-curled hair.
The style has resurged in popularity today. Many people find it romantic and inspirational, and even celebrities have incorporated it into their appearances on the red carpet.
Key Takeaway
- Old Hollywood glamour from the 1920s to 1950s is defined by elegant silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and timeless accessories like pearls, diamonds, and gloves.
- Iconic stars like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, and Rita Hayworth shaped this era’s fashion with their signature styles and beauty routines.
- To channel Old Hollywood, focus on key elements such as soft curls or waves, winged eyeliner, bold red lips, and glamorous statement jewelry.
- Vintage stores, online marketplaces, and contemporary designers offer opportunities to recreate this classic and sophisticated look today.
Iconic Old Hollywood Stars and Their Signature Styles
Old Hollywood produced some of the most unique and unforgettable films and stars. Some fashion icons of this era include:
Marilyn Monroe
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Marilyn Monroe was a beautiful woman associated with old Hollywood glamour and beauty. Years after her passing, her charm still persists.
She’s an enduring icon who wore blonde hair and had gorgeous and attractive features. But beneath this captivating exterior was an innocent and sensual woman who perfectly displayed vulnerability on set.
Recreating Monroe’s look might be challenging, but it’s not unachievable. Key elements of her style are:
- Soft and voluminous curls or iconic Hollywood waves on the hair. You can use rollers or a big curling iron for this look.
- Winged eyeliner and false eyelashes accompanied with red or soft pink lips make your skin complexion dewy.
- Wear fitting dresses, pencil skirts, or blouses with sophisticated designs. Monroe loved white, but you can experiment with other colors.
- Accessories with pearls or diamond jewelry and accompanied with a gorgeous handbag.
Audrey Hepburn
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Audrey Hepburn’s style featured elegance, femininity, and sophistication effortlessly. She inspired and continues to inspire fashion trends even today. Some tips for recreating her look include:
- Opt for classic silhouettes and minimalist design.
- Choose neutral colors like black and white and/or pastels and jewel tones.
- Wear pearls, sunglasses, and classic gloves.
- Do a classic bob, winged eyeliner, and a natural lip.
Some of her looks include:
- Little Black Dress
- Capri pants and ballet flats
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s includes a tiara, a black Givenchy dress, and oversized sunglasses.
Elizabeth Taylor
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Elizabeth was known for luxury and opulence. Her signature style was violet eyes, inspiring many fashionistas today. She loved lavish fabrics, exquisite jewelry, and furs. She wasn’t afraid of wearing bold colors, especially the jewel tones matching her eyes.
Understanding the key elements that defined Taylor’s look will help you embody her old Hollywood style perfectly. You can incorporate her iconic look into your wardrobe by:
- Investing in luxurious fabrics like velvet and silk.
- Incorporating bold colors like sapphire blue and ruby red.
- Wearing statement jewelry like a chunky bracelet, a bold necklace, or dazzling earrings
- Opting for fitted dresses, flowing skirts, and garments that display your curves.
- Doing dramatic makeup like false lashes, red lips, and winged eyeliner.
Rita Hayworth
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This Hollywood icon was known for her beauty, charming screen presence, and captivating character. Rita blended sophistication and sensuality into her style, which most people of this era imitated.
She emphasized femininity with her red hair and smoldering gaze. Her style was elegant, often including glamorous silhouettes and high-end fabrics. To recreate her look:
- Wear red hair. If you don’t have natural red hair, you can choose from many red hair dyes.
- Create soft curls using rollers or a large barrel curling iron.
- Create a winged eyeliner and wear red lips for a dramatic effect.
- Opt for dresses with details defining the waist, like belts or peplum styles.
- Invest in luxurious fabrics like velvet, cashmere, and silk.
- Go with neutral colors like black, white, and cream.
Old Hollywood for You
Old Hollywood glamour exudes elegance, sophistication, and a hint of mystery. Here’s how you can bring this iconic style to life:
The Dress
Choose a dress that flatters your body type while effortlessly reflecting elegance. Classic silhouettes include:
- A-line
- Mermaid or trumpet
- Sheath
Look for high-quality fabrics and pay attention to details like:
- Strapless or one-shoulder designs
- Beading or embellishments
- Halter necklines
- High slits
Fabrics, Colors, and Accessories
Prioritize luxurious fabrics such as velvet, satin, and lace. Stick to a neutral palette with black or white, or add richness with jewel tones like emerald green.
To elevate your outfit from simple to glamorous, accessorize with:
- Classic pearls (necklaces, earrings, or bracelets)
- Diamonds (cocktail rings, drop earrings, or bracelets for timeless elegance)
- Statement pieces with rhinestones or crystals
- A sleek handbag or clutch
- Opera-length gloves for that old-world touch
Hair and Makeup
Complete the look with soft curls or glamorous waves. When it comes to makeup:
- A bold red lip is a must, but nude tones also work beautifully.
- Winged eyeliner is essential.
- Apply a foundation that matches your skin tone, finished with translucent powder for a flawless base.
- For added drama, false eyelashes are the perfect final touch.
With the right combination of dress, accessories, and beauty, you can channel the unforgettable allure of Old Hollywood.
Find Your Dream Dress
Finding the perfect dress to recreate the Old Hollywood glamour can be exciting. Here are some places to look:
Vintage stores are treasure coves for old Hollywood glamour. If you don’t get authentic vintage pieces, look for beautifully recreated vintage styles. Thrift stores can also be hidden gems, and you can find unique dresses there, too.
In addition to local vintage boutiques, you can search online on websites like Etsy and The RealReal. These offer a variety of vintage dresses.
Alternatively, you can look for contemporary designers who include vintage elements in their collections. Opt for brands with a reputation for designing feminine and elegant styles. If all the above options fail, you can go the DIY route. There are many online courses where you can learn to sew. Though it will take some time, the best part about this option is you’ll design a unique dress specifically for you.
Embrace Your Inner Starlet
The Old Hollywood glamour continues to be an inspiration for many fashion enthusiasts. It has stood the test of time and continues to be relevant today, with people who want to look effortlessly charming and flawlessly embrace it.
Sophisticated styles of this era are still popular choices among fashion icons, some wearing them to modern red carpets. Joan Crawford, Josephine Baker, and Humphrey Bogart are just some of the other names that left a mark on this history and are filled with elegance.
And by looking at their style, you can get some ideas on what you’ll need and how to get that Hollywood glam.