Old Hollywood Glamour Dresses

Today's post Old Hollywood Glamour Dresses from VintageDancer.com.

Today’s article will explore styles of old Hollywood dresses and the new gowns inspired by this iconic time. Perhaps no other era in the history of film held as much influence as Hollywood’s Golden Age. From Rita Hayworth’s ‘Put the Blame on Mame’ gown, to Marilyn Monroe’s ‘Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend’ shocking pink dress; old Hollywood produced a plethora of fabulously memorable styles.

Veronica Lake sizzles in ‘This Gun For Hire’. 1942

When it comes to glitz and glamour, the styles of classic old Hollywood definitely fit the bill. The medium of film has become an almost universal language, reaching recognition and influencing cultures across the globe. Of course, the visual language of film would not be complete without clothing and costume. Whilst movie directors, film studios and their actors all received accolade in abundance, the masters of costume design were less likely to receive such acclaim.

This Nordstrom Adrianna Papell gown is perfect for a classic old Hollywood style.

Of course, we now have specific awards and categories to recognize the talents of costume designers in film. As to when the actual Golden Age of Hollywood commenced (and ended), is very much a matter of opinion. Some say the Golden Age started with the end of the silent movie era, others root its beginnings in the 1930s. Generally, the time period of 1930 to the late 1950s is thought to be the key era of old Hollywood.

1930s Old Hollywood Dresses

Jean Harlow, 1930s, velvet bias cut evening gown. Old Hollywood Glamour!

Jean Harlow, 1930s, vlevet bias cut evening gown

By the 1930s, Hollywood had established a number of studios. These studios were producing movies audiences could find escapism in, perhaps away from the reality of daily life and the effects of the Great Depression. As the film industry was by this time still relatively new, censorship and ratings had yet to be enforced. The Hays Code was adopted in 1930, but not rigidly adhered to and enforced until a few years later.

This gown from ASOS is perfect for a slinky 1930s inspired style.

1930s old Hollywood style evening gowns with exposed backs

Sexy, slinky, silk satin gowns

The Hays Code was a set of rules and restrictions, setting out guidelines as to what was (and was not) appropriate to be seen in movies. Movies of the period from around 1928-1933 were not restricted by the code; therefore today attract a fan base of Pre-Code Movie fans.

While daywear fashions of the 1930s were simplistic in cut, practical yet demure, evening gowns were unabashedly glamorous. Perhaps no other era quite epitomized glamour as the 1930s did. The female form was celebrated, clearly outlined in gowns of thin, tactile silks. The bias cut clung to every curve, shoulders and backs were exposed – evening gowns of the 1930s were sensual delights, displaying yet concealing the form simultaneously.

This Collectif gown available from Top Vintage is perfect for a 1930s inspired Hollywood style.

To create an old Hollywood style evening look, choose a floor length gown of satin or velvet. Cowl necklines, exposed backs, bias cut skirts, geometric paneling all represent the era perfectly.

1930s old Hollywood glamour dresses available to buy.

Create a 1930s style with these old Hollywood glamour dresses available to buy. 1. Lulus Drape Gown 2. Siren Dress 3. Electra Dress $. Lulus Rose Gold Gown 5. Goldwyn Gown

Shop more 1930s formal dresses.

Old Hollywood Glamour Dresses Available to Buy – 1940s

1940s formal dress with gathers, draping, sleeves and shoulder pads

Evening gowns of the 1940s moved away from the unstructured styles of the 1930s, to a more defined silhouette. Lingerie of this period created a gentle cone shape in the bustline, as opposed to the diaphanous styles of the previous decade. Due to advances in technology allowing more structure to be utilized in lingerie, we begin to see strapless styles becoming fashionable.

1946 ballgown

In the 1946 movie ‘Gilda’ we see Rita Hayworth singing in a strapless gown, complete with matching opera gloves. Old Hollywood gowns of the 1940s could feature various bodice details – cut out sections to expose the waistline, gentle pleating across the bustline, or plunging V necklines. All of these features would be teamed with a long skirt. The skirt portion of the evening gown may be straight, as evidenced in Rita Hayworth’s ‘Gilda’ gown, or full to create movement.

Where sleeves were employed, gentle shoulder pads were also utilized. This reflected the general fashion of the decade, the strong, masculine influenced silhouette.

Unleash your inner screen siren with this selection of Hollywood glamour dresses for sale. 1. Reception Dress 2. Poplin Sash 3. Red Carpet Dress 4. London Lace Insert Maxi

Shop more 1940s formal dresses.

1950s Old Hollywood Dresses

1954 gold lace ballgown

Evening gowns of the 1950s seemingly had no limits when it came to embellishment and visual impact. After the rationing and hardships of WW2, designers and couturiers were suddenly allowed to once again explore all manner of creative possibilities. By the 1950s, Dior’s New Look became an accepted line of fashion. Nipped-in waistlines served to enhance the juxtaposition of voluminous full skirts.

This gown Grace Kelly is seen wearing perfectly epitomises the femininity and glamour of the 1950s.

This gown Grace Kelly is seen wearing perfectly epitomizes the femininity and glamour of the 1950s.

Some of the most memorable gowns of the period include Marilyn Monroe’s ‘Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend’ gown, worn in the 1953 movie ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’. The gown was designed by William Travilla, and presented Marilyn almost as a confection, waiting to be unwrapped. Incidentally, the crystal studded gown Marilyn wore to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to John F Kennedy, recently sold at auction for $4.8million, view the gown here.

Many female stars of the era evoke the classic old Hollywood style. Audrey Hepburn wore creations by Givenchy, not only through many of her films, but also to accept her Oscar award in 1954 for ‘Roman Holiday’. Givenchy’s designs perfectly suited Audrey, with their classic understated yet fashionable silhouette.

If the 1950s are more your style, how about this selection of vintage inspired gowns? 1. La Femme Gown 2. Eliza J Ballgown 3. Blithesome Dress 4. Heiress Dress 5. Ruched Cross Front Dress

Shop more 1950s formal gowns.

To recreate a 1950s influenced old Hollywood style, look out for formal dress styles with structured, defined bodices. Full skirts billowing with yards of fabric were also a quintessential element of the 1950s look. Complete the look with accessories – gloves, a matching purse, shoes, and of course sparkling costume jewelry!

Opt for black accessories that add sparkle and glamour to an Hollywood inspired dress

Opt for black accessories to add understated sparkle and glamour to an Hollywood inspired style. 1. Cape 2. Earrings 3. Beaded Bag 4. Viviene Heels 5. Collar Necklace 6. Opera Gloves 7. Gatsby Clutch

Old Hollywood Glamour Dresses -Red Gowns and Dresses

1930s old Hollywood formal red or gold gowns

1930s formal red or gold gowns

As movies became available in color, this opened up new possibilities for costuming. Red in particular stood out on the screen, evoking danger, glamour and sensuality. Even modern-day movies acknowledge the influence of Hollywood’s Golden Age – who could possibly forget Jessica Rabbit in her show stopping red gown of 1988s ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’?

1950s red ballgown

Be the belle of the ball in these fabulous Golden Age of Hollywood style gowns. 1. Sash Tie Shirtdress 2. Vespertine Dress 3. Seen in Sequins (sold out) 4. Electra Cowell Dress 5. Goldwyn Gown in Burgandy (plus sizes too)

Of all the old Hollywood glamour dresses available to buy, perhaps this one from Top Vintage is the most show stopping!

Of all the red old Hollywood glamour dresses available to buy, perhaps this one from Top Vintage is the most show stopping!

To create an impact, red is the perfect choice. Choose from this selection of old Hollywood glamour dresses and accessories to recreate the perfect vintage inspired style.