Style is eternal: fashion tips from vintage movie stars
Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly - all movie goddesses who lit up the silver screen, but it wasn’t just their acting prowess that made them stand out from the crowd. It’s time to take a step into the past and discover timeless fashion tips from ten vintage style icons!
Image source: Friday
The star: Audrey Hepburn
The style: Little black dress
Audrey Hepburn was undoubtedly a fashion queen, but if there’s one thing she’ll be most remembered for it’s the little black dress.
We’ve all seen Audrey’s classic sheath dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s and there’s a serious fashion lesson to be learned from this: the LBD is a style staple and every woman should have one. It can be simple and casual on its own, or you can dress it up for a formal do with those classic Hepburn pearls.
The star: Grace Kelly
The style: Vintage curls
If you’re keen to channel retro style but can’t afford a whole new wardrobe, take a leaf out of Grace Kelly’s book and get those gorgeous pinup waves.
This look isn’t too difficult to pull off: put rollers into semi-dry hair and leave them for as long as possible, then, when your hair has dried, take out the rollers and brush your hair into loose curls. Don’t forget to add some hairspray: no self-respecting movie star would be seen with a single hair out of place!
The star: Marilyn Monroe
The style: Curves
Are you a woman with curves? Then you’re in good company! Marilyn Monroe was known for her dramatically feminine figure and she certainly wasn’t afraid to show it off. The important thing is to neither hide nor exaggerate your curves, but to flatter them.
If you’re a lady with wide hips then emphasise your waist with nipped in blazers and jackets, and balance your top half with padded shoulders. For the bustier among you, choose tops with square necklines, or be daring with a plunging v-neck! As long as you wear clothes that fit you well, you can’t go too far wrong.
The star: Ingrid Bergman
The style: Hats
If you’ve seen Casablanca then you’ll know all about Ingrid Bergman’s gorgeous fedora in the final scene, but that’s not the only hat she wore in the movie or during her celebrity years. Bergman donned plenty of luxurious headgear in her time, but the humble hat often goes unnoticed when putting together an outfit.
Whether you’re finishing off a winter outfit or adding a little extra glamour with a fascinator, don’t underestimate the effect a beautiful hat can have.
The star: Elizabeth Taylor
The style: Jewellery
Who doesn’t love a bit of bling? Elizabeth Taylor certainly did! Of course, Taylor also had rather expensive taste, but you don’t need to splash out on diamonds and pearls to get that divine diva look.
Go for chunky beads or multi-layered necklaces with scoop neck tops, and pep up monochrome clothing with bold, colourful earrings. Sometimes the best way to really make an outfit pop is with one or two select pieces of statement jewellery.
The star: Bette Davis
The style: Eyes
Bette Davis was known for her prolific career, daring roles and, of course, her eyes. Featured in countless close-ups, and even the subject of a famous song, in many ways Davis’ eyes were her best accessory, and they could be yours too.
If you have naturally large or striking eyes you’re already halfway there, but anybody can make their most of their peepers with some white eyeliner on the inner rim and thick, black mascara to make your eyelashes pop.
The star: Katharine Hepburn
The style: Trousers
Movie star style isn’t just about looking pretty - you can also channel the confidence and intelligence of women like the Katharine Hepburn. So how do you go about getting this formidable lady’s best known look? It’s all about the trousers.
Don’t be a slave to jeans; instead go for classic wide-leg linen trousers. If you can afford to splash out, get them tailored for the perfect fit and you’ll have this rebellious fashionista’s look in no time. Now go get ‘em, girl!
The star: Marlene Dietrich
The style: Masculine style
If you like Katharine Hepburn’s trousers, then why not take it a stage further and go for all out masculine style, just like Marlene Dietrich? Dietrich was once Hollywood’s highest paid actress, and she could usually be seen wearing androgynous tailored suits, top hats and even bow ties.
You can pull this off too by donning smart jackets and blazers, whilst continuing to express your femininity with wavy hair, immaculate nails and bold makeup.
The star: Ginger Rogers
The style: Shorts
All-singing, all-dancing star of the silver screen Ginger Rogers just loved to wear shorts. If you have a pair hidden away at the bottom of your wardrobe that you haven’t worn in years, it’s time to get them out!
Shorts come into their own in summertime, when you can couple them with blouses, crop tops and bikinis. They’re great for active women, just like Ginger, and they make your legs look gorgeous too!
The star: Vivien Leigh
The style: Lipstick
There’s nothing more sultry and seductive than richly coloured lips, and Vivien Leigh was an absolute master of stunning lip colour. The key is to find a tint that complements your colouring: deep reds work best on paler faces, whilst burgundies and browns are ideal for darker skin.
Look for a colour that’s one or two shades darker than your natural lip colour, and keep the eye makeup light if you’re going for that beautiful Hollywood pout.
If you love vintage style, don’t forget to check out DotComGiftShop, for gifts and accessories to turn your house into a home fit for a classic movie star.