Old Hollywood style tips are iconic and stand the test of time. While some – think Marilyn Monroe shaving a half-inch of one heel to help emphasis a wiggle as she walked – are not quite practical, here are the tips worth knowing.
Use your eyes to seduce
A sexy woman is usually depicted as half-undressed with her body doing the talking. And while our bodies are sexual and sometimes deserve the show, they are certainly not the only way to lure an admirer.
Lauren Bacall famously lowered her head and looked up with her eyes on the set of ‘To have and Have Not’. This was how she managed to control her nerves in front of her future husband Humphrey Bogart.
It soon became Bacall’s trademark known as ‘the look’.
If you love the classic makeup from Old Hollywood, check out my step-by-step on how to make it modern.
Stand out from the crowd
While most consider The Golden Era as a time of long, silky dresses and sophisticated skirts – Katherine Hepburn had other ideas.
Her style is synonymous with collared shirts, trousers and blazers – what we now consider as fashionable work-wear or a chic outfit.
In addition to reportedly having an affair with Spencer Tracy, her overall image made her a screen goddess and arguably in the top category for the most beloved Old Hollywood stars.
Work with your body shape
Audrey Hepburn is the name everyone expects on a list of Old Hollywood style tips. Go through her fashion story and how she became a fashion icon by reading: Audrey Hepburn Style Icon.
It’s said that Audrey didn’t consider herself attractive and couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about.
She was however, aware of her frame and despite not having the desired curves sought after in that period, Audrey worked to emphasis what she had.
Hubert Givenchy was her ideal designer and together they created clothes that flaunted her slim physique.
Flaunt your features
Sophia Loren is the pinnacle of glamour. Fearless enough to ignore showbiz telling her she was not beautiful and required a smaller nose – confident enough to flaunt her curvaceous figure.
Sophia has never been one to shy away from being proud of her body. It shows in what she chose to wear – often a belt or wrap dress that cinched in at the waist.
Choose tailoring
Tailoring can make an ordinary garment become extraordinary. Marilyn Monroe is another bombshell of the era who was happy to display her curves.
Even when she adorned the white, floaty dressed that breezed up from the subway, the tailoring made it feel as though the piece belonged to her.
Don’t forget accessories
Although most of us cannot afford a single item of Elizabeth Taylor’s jewellery collection, we can utilise her skill of mixing colourful accessories with minimal outfits.
What may surprise you is that Elizabeth was also an avid bag collector.
A good hair day is the finishing touch
You couldn’t find another sex symbol more known for her hair – or should I say bouffant? Marked highly on the world’s most beautiful, Brigitte Bardot formed her signature look using beauty as her ultimate tool.
The cat eye, nude lip and golden locks are copied frequently throughout each decade – backcombing brushes have her to thank.
Taking good care of your locks and adding a splash of volume makes a mundane look gain appeal.
What are your favourite Old Hollywood style tips? Who is your ideal Old Hollywood icon and which look have you tried to recreate the most?
Thank you!! I couldn’t agree more. They always inspire me.
That’s very true. Mysteriousness has disappeared for many people. And the paparazzi didn’t follow them 24/7 like now.
Ohhh I love this! Im obsessed with the true glamour that this era has. Bridget Bardot is one of my all time favourites, and full eye make up, nude lip was my signature look throughout my younger years. I just love the classiness of this era.
I adore the glamour from back then. And I’ve always loved Bardot’s makeup. It’s my next fall back if I’m not wearing red lips. xx
Gotta agree Old Classic Hollywood styles were always glamorous! They were always the prettiest. Great post as always girl <3
Thank you my dear friend! They basically created the meaning of glamour and it’s yet to be replicated. x
Loooove this – you always have such great ideas for blog posts!! xx
Thank you! I think you have such a fantastic blogging style. Your posts are like little musings, and as a blogger you really stand out because your posts follow the same style, yet they are each unique and individual. xx
You are wonderful girly, thank you xxx
Thank you for reading and that recommendation! I’m always interested to read or watch anything that relates to that period back then. I’m always impressed by the makeup artists as well because they had much less products to work with. xx
Thank you! I adore Old Hollywood and love incorporating it into my blog. I will say though, they use to wear a ton of makeup. Because there were less products back then like no bronzer, the makeup artists had to work harder and for much longer to produce a natural look.
The makeup was not out there though and they didn’t go overboard with contouring or cut-crease etc. So compare to now the finished look its much lighter.
I loved reading this post on classic styles in the refreshing way you write 🙂
Thank you! It’s one of my favourite topics to write about 🙂
Very welcome 🙂
I love getting style inspiration from Old Hollywood! I think everything they did back then was so classy in terms of style!
They perfected the art of being sexy without showing too much. There was always an element of class right! I find Old Hollywood really inspirational as well 🙂
This was a pleasure to read. I believe many of today’s women often overestimate the importance of clothes in seduction. The way a woman can look at a man can be so more seductive and enchanting. I agree that all the other things you mentioned are important, but I like to think the eyes may play the greatest role.
They say that your eyes are the window to your soul right. I agree – the eyes can do so much! I think sometimes culture portrays seduction as the idea of wearing revealing clothes. But it can definitely be much more than that.
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts!
My pleasure