Lessons in Glamour: The Elizabeth Taylor Style Guide
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Elizabeth Taylor style essentials including her white blouses, dresses, pants, swimsuits and coats.
This post is all about Elizabeth Taylor Style
One of the most recognizable icons of Old Hollywood Glamour, and also known as one of the most beautiful women, the British-born actress Elizabeth Taylor hardly needs an introduction.
Elizabeth Taylor, also known as Liz Taylor was the highest paid movie star in the 1960s.
She drew the public eye in both her professional and personal life.
In addition to her film roles, she was known for her raven locks, striking violet eyes, love of diamonds, multiple marriages, and of course, as a glamorous style icon.
While her style changes throughout the decades, one thing remained constant, her love of glamour.
The classic beauty is stunning in vintage 1950s and 1960s fashion which feel tailor-made for her curves and emphasize her tiny waist.
We gathered some of her stunning styles from the 1950s and 1960s for inspiration on how she combined outfits, both on screen and off, so that we can try to emulate some of that classic style glamour.
With all of her stunning outfits through the years, it’s nearly impossible to narrow them down, but here are a few themes or style guides that seem to stand out.
Elizabeth Taylor Won academy awards for best actress for her roles in Butterfield 8 and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.
Above: the famous Taylor-Burton diamond that Richard Burton purchased for Elizabeth Taylor.
Elizabeth Taylor husbands
Just as famous for her many marriages as her fabulous style, Elizabeth Taylor walked down the aisle 8 times.
Here they are in order, according to People magazine:
#1. Conrad Hilton Jr.
#2. Michael Wilding
#3. Mike Todd
Elizabeth Taylor’s third husband Mike Todd was reportedly one of the loves of her life until his tragic death in a plane crash.
#4. Eddie Fisher
Elizabeth Taylor found solace in Mike Todd’s friend Eddie Fisher after his death. Eddie Fisher was married to actress Debbie Reynolds at the time, before leaving for Elizabeth Taylor.
#5. Richard Burton
Elizabeth Taylor met Richard Burton on the set of Cleopatra where they began their love affair.
Burton would shower her with diamonds including the famous taylor-burton diamond.
She starred in a number of films with her husband Richard Burton including the Taming of the Shrew.
#6. Richard Burton
Yes, she married Richard Burton twice.
#7. John Warner
#8. Larry Fortensky
Above, Elizabeth Taylor’s first wedding to Conrad Hilton Jr.
This was the only wedding that she wore a traditional style wedding dress for.
Who designed clothes for Elizabeth Taylor?
Elizabeth Taylor was fortunate to work with some of the most talented fashion designers during her career including Helen Rose, Edith Head and Hubert De Givenchy.
You’ll see some of the stunning designs they created for Elizabeth Taylor below.
Elizabeth Taylor style guide: White blouse
The white blouse is a wardrobe classic for a reason, it never goes out of style.
Elizabeth Taylor is stunning in how she pairs a white blouse with either slacks or skirts.
Notice how she always wears a more fitted style and tucks the waist in, often emphasized with a belt to accent her feminine figure.
Her blouses also often have feminine detailing on them, like the the all over shirring, or delicate buttons.
Top left
An image of Elizabeth Taylor in a white blouse from her early film National Velvet.
It seems that she discovered the flattering style at a young age.
Top right
Elizabeth Taylor pairs a white blouse with slacks for horseback riding in the film Elephant Walk.
Edith Head was the costume designer for the film.
Bottom left
Elizabeth Taylor pairs a white blouse with a tan skirt for her famous role as Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, costume designed by Helen Rose.
Bottom right
Elizabeth Taylor in a white blouse in the film Suddenly Last Summer.
Elizabeth Taylor style guide: Dresses
Elizabeth Taylor was stunning in dresses, as they emphasized her curvy figure.
She seemed partial to the classic 1950s silhouette.
The 1950s dress style is a natural for her, showing off her tiny waist and emphasizing her curves with a full skirt.
Top right
A simple, yet elegant white gown that Helen Rose designed for Elizabeth Taylor in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
Bottom left and right:
Evening gowns designed by Edith Head for Elizabeth Taylor’s movies A Place in the Sun (left) and Elephant Walk. (right)
Elizabeth Taylor style guide: Pants
Although not as famous for her pants, Elizabeth Taylor can definitely rock a pair of pants.
These styles are a little more on the casual side for her, we don’t see the same level of glam as she is known for.
Notice how she always emphasizes her waist, either with a belt a tucked in blouse, or even a blouse knotted at the waist.
She tended to stick to a cigarette style pant, with a wider cut around the hips and tapering in at the mid calf or ankle.
Simple ballet flats or a pair of heels complete the look.
Earrings take the pants outfit from basic to glam.
Another classic style icon that loved to wear pants was of course, Katharine Hepburn:
The Katharine Hepburn Style Guide – Her Vintage Tomboy Fashion
Elizabeth Taylor style guide: Coats
Elizabeth Taylor again goes for full-on glamour in her choice of coats.
Full length furs and leopard print bring drive home the Old Hollywood Glam vibe.
She tended to wear her coats over skirts, paired with high heels, keeping the look elegant without looking too bulky.
Top image:
Elizabeth Taylor wearing a full length fur in Butterfield 8, costume designs by Helen Rose.
Bottom left:
Elizabeth Taylor and her second husband, Michael Wilding.
Elizabeth Taylor style guide: Swimsuits
Elizabeth Taylor rocked a variety of swimsuit styles from one-piece to vintage style bikinis.
We love her in the sculpted vintage style one piece swimsuits that show off her curves.
Ways to up the glam?
Notice how her hair is always perfectly styled, or even accented with a headpiece.
Looks like she was also one to wear full makeup even to the beach as well!
Other posts you might like:
How to Rock the Vintage Swimwear Aesthetic like an Old Hollywood Glam Star
This post was all about the Elizabeth Taylor style guide
Which Elizabeth Taylor style was your favorite?
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Vintage 1950s Bullet Bras – Behind the Bizarre Trend
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