Costume Inspiration: Old Hollywood Glamour

Every Halloween I have to look at the past before I can feel inspired for the future. That’s why I love old movie stars so much. They continually inspire me to dress up, wear outfits I would have never imagined and be fashionable even when it rains or snows.

Here is my list of the top five most influential Hollywood stars who help get me ready to dress up. I hope they can help you too.

  1. Audrey Hepburn – Funny Face, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, My Fair Lady, the list goes on! Her petite frame could wear almost anything, and her boy-short locks are just darling. I love to get short hair ideas from her because I think she always looked elegant and daring. But, even with her long hair there are no substitutes for cute and chic.
  2. Grace Kelly is so elegant she became a real life princess. Her iconic blonde look is what most women think of when they imagine what it is to be glamourous. Her dresses, while full skirted, always had a tiny waist. And her platinum hair was perfectly styled. Betty Draper from Mad Men is most definitely modeled on her look.
  3. Elizabeth Taylor gave fashion a bold new look. Her black hair and penchant for wearing deep greens and bold reds certainly inspires even the most timid of women. Not to mention the jewelry. If only I could be so bold.
  4. Marilyn Monroe is every curvy woman’s best friend. She could wear plunging necklines and tight pencil skirts, and so can you. Her hair moved naturally, even if the color wasn’t. Don’t forget those cherry red lips!
  5. Rita Hayworth may be the oldest of these beauties, but her looks evoke the 1940s without a second thought. If you want to dress up as a soldier’s girl, a nurse, or anything related to the second world war, Hayworth is your model.

Emma Rae Curtis is a costume/dressing up/makeup & accessories expert. She mainly writes about Halloween but also about all things costume and dress-up related..