Style

Old-Hollywood Inspired Holiday Outfits For The Christmas Season

Nobody did holiday style like the Old Hollywood starlets. I can guarantee nothing else will make you feel more glamorous.

By Nicole Andre3 min read
christmas hollywood

The world has changed a lot since the days of Old Hollywood. And that includes fashion. The world is much more casual with jeans and athleisure replacing the suits and dresses of days gone by. And at no time was fashion ever more glamorous than the holiday fashions of the Old Hollywood era. 

Fashion is cyclical, so we’ve taken the holiday outfits of Old Hollywood starlets as inspiration and found some similar modern alternatives. This holiday season dress like your favorite Old Hollywood actress!

Elizabeth Taylor

Image via Flickr.

Elizabeth Taylor was not only known for her many husbands and prodigious collection of custom jewelry, but also her Hollywood royalty glamour. Recreate her elegant Christmas look with a sparkly red dress and a fur wrap that will have everyone's eyes on you.

Lulu's Win Your Heart Off-the-Shoulder Dress

This flirty off-the-shoulder number would be adorable paired with dark nylons (for the cold) and a pair of sparkly shoes.

Buy Now - $49

Lulu's Upscale Style White Faux Fur Stole

Don't forget your cozy cover up!

Buy Now - $48

Rosemary Clooney

Via IMDb.

If you’ve never seen White Christmas, then you’re missing out. Trust me on that. But whether or not you’ve seen it, take notes from the beautiful Rosemary Clooney and wear a black sequined dress this holiday season.

Express Sequin Cowl Neck Slip Dress

Obviously, Rosemary wore a gown, but this shorter black sequined dress is much more wearable.

Buy Now - $59

Baltic Born Barcelona Off Shoulder Sequin Gown

Black, sequined, full-length, off-the-shoulder – the perfect modernized version.

Buy Now - $129

Janet Leigh

Via Flickr.

How darling does Janet Leigh look in this red striped dress? I promise one like it will be a total hit at the holiday party you have coming up.

Unique Vintage Burgundy Velvet & Gold Stripe Devon Swing Dress

This gold and red striped dress is perfect for a swinging good time at the party!

Buy Now - $98

Audrey Hepburn

Via Pinterest

How perfectly classic is Audrey’s outfit here? Luckily there are lots of modern designs taking inspiration from this vintage fashion.

Macy’s Le Suit Blazer and Skirt Suit

This workwear is perfect for the office (and grabbing a bite to eat afterwards). Just add a white collared shirt underneath and some black pumps, and you’ll rock a modern version of Audrey’s look.

Buy Now - $200

Mia Farrow

Via Pinterest

The adorable Mia Farrow of the ‘60s series Peyton Place makes the case for beautiful wool coats this time of year.

Ledin Stand Collar Double Breasted Woolen Coat

Every girl needs a beautiful feminine coat for throwing over whatever she happens to have on. 

Buy Now - $208

Aran Super Soft Cable Stitch Headband 

And you can’t have the look without a cute matching knit headband in “Classic Aran,” an updated version to the knitted cap Mia wore in this Christmas episode.

Buy Now - $35

Grace Kelly

Via Pinterest

Technically, Grace Kelly was already the princess of Monaco in this picture, but as a former bonafide Old Hollywood starlet and one of the most elegant women ever, I had to include her on this list. 

Ann Taylor The Mock Neck Shift Dress 

This LBD has a very similar cut to the one Grace was wearing as she wrapped presents. No reason you can’t take notes and wear this little number as you do your own wrapping this year. 

Buy Now - $149

Madewell Padded Headband 

To complete the look, you’ll want to have a thick black headband like Grace accessorized hers with. The great thing about a simple LBD is you can play around with accessories so much each time you wear it for a totally new look. 

Buy Now - $18.50

Ingrid Bergman

Via Pinterest

Ingrid Bergman is just stunning, and the metallic sheen of her brocade patterned dress is perfect for the holiday season. 

Antonio Melani Camilla Banded Collar Long Sleeve Metallic Organza Dress

The pretty pattern of this dress is a nice modern version of Ingrid’s dress. Since the silhouette and fabric are more flowy, it can be worn much more casually.

Buy Now - $169

Rita Hayworth

Via Pinterest

Rita Hayworth just glows in this red velvet dress. The bow makes it extra sweet, and the sweetheart neckline puts it over the top.

Zapaka Velvet Short Party Dress 

Try another red dress with velvet fabric for a Rita-inspired look this holiday season. 

Buy Now - $50

Baltic Born Esmerelda Velvet Wrap Maxi Dress

What's red and velvet and elegant? This classy gown, of course!

Buy Now - $123

Ava Gardener

Via Pinterest

Embrace an emerald and off-the-shoulder style like Ava Gardener (with or without the Christmas trees).

Dressever Women's Vintage A-line Printed Pleated Flared Midi Skirt

Pair this winter scene skirt with a red or white blouse for a more casual party outfit.

Buy Now - $23

Baltic Born Caroline Lace Maxi Dress

Go all emerald and lace in this pretty holiday dress.

Buy Now - $99

Closing Thoughts

Thank goodness Old Hollywood glamour will never go out of style!

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