Old Hollywood Glam Is Back: Bombshell Formalwear & Lingerie Inspired By The Iconic Golden Age
After spotting numerous celebrities adorning elegant vintage gowns to award shows and seeing high-end fashion designers incorporating lacy lingerie into their latest catwalk collections, it’s evident that the glitz and glamour of the Old Hollywood aesthetic is currently having a moment. Delicate styles reminiscent of well-renowned movie starlets á la Marilyn Monroe and Breakfast at Tiffany’s Audrey Hepburn are steadily making their way back into the spotlight. By wearing these retro ensembles to play dress up at your next formal event, you’ll be ready to hit the red carpet in no time!
1. celebrity red carpet style
If a famous star’s gown has captured your eye, chances are that it contains a stunning Old Hollywood silhouette. Stylists often source vintage couture pieces when dressing celebrities, many of which take design inspiration directly from this unforgettable decade. Ariana Grande’s 1966 Givenchy dress paired with opera gloves, Anya Taylor Joy’s archival silk Dior slip, and Zendaya’s custom Louis Vuitton dress with a sweeping taffeta train, all pay homage to Old Hollywood. Additionally, Zendaya’s bouffant bob, along with Addison Rae’s Old Hollywood waves hairstyle and bold red lipstick, are key beauty essentials to achieving a luxurious evening look. With the annual Met Gala event quickly approaching, fashion from the 1920s to the early 1960s is bound to reappear because chic never goes out of style!
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2. runway lingerie
Dolce and Gabbana’s unique Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear line, featuring a black and white editorial shoot, also showcases the increased popularity of the seductive Old Hollywood style. Starring stand-out lingerie-inspired garments, including ribbon bustiers, plush fur shawls, and ruched slinky bodycon dresses, these form-fitting silhouettes are ideal for a late night out or a sultry rendezvous. Opt for sleek but simple separates, like slimming corsets, blush colored bralettes, and slit maxi skirts, to successfully recreate the romantic mood of this collection, or shop sustainably by purchasing a pre-loved piece from TheRealReal. As an alternative to a shawl, you can also wear a feather boa, suitable to drape over your shoulders on chilly evenings.
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3. original golden age glamour
In order to truly capture the timeless allure of the Golden Age, it’s only fitting to revisit notable fashion moments from classical cinema superstars who graced the big screens back in the day. Cue the song “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend!” The original dress designs of this era featured feminine, curve-accentuating gowns flattering to many body-types, which were often pictured on Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Placing an emphasis on defining the waist and collar through strapless or sweetheart square-neck details, this ensured movie stars, like Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor, were a vision of true beauty for their world premieres. Similar gowns from brands, such as Meshki and House of CB, would be perfect to wear as a last minute prom idea.
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4. modern old hollywood trends
Finally, if there’s any further indication that Old Hollywood is experiencing a major resurgence (after all, old is new again!), reimagined elements, such as A-line hems, throwback flapper girl style and velvet fabrics, are popping up in modern-day fashion. If you’re desiring a more casual, playful look or you’re simply not quite ready to dive head first into this trend, these pieces would be ideal to fit into your everyday wardrobe. Dance Moms sisters Brooke and Paige Hyland were recently featured in a campaign for ColourPop Cosmetics wearing trendy Old Hollywood items, including cuff bracelets, bejeweled heels, and sheer lace. Accessorize a going-out outfit with a bright pair of gloves or be flirty in fringe rocking this mini dress from Showpo. Either look you choose, you are sure to evoke a glamorous dream!
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