16 Iconic Old Hollywood & Vintage Glam Costume Ideas
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From Breakfast at Tiffany’s to The Birds, 16 Old Hollywood costume ideas from Iconic classic movies
Looking to pull off the ultimate vintage glam Halloween Costume?
What better inspiration than Old Hollywood, with their iconic wardrobes influenced fashion in 1930s-1960s, and continue to do so today.
There are unique and unforgettable costumes for everyone–whether you are looking for an opulent period costumes, like the lavish sweeping gown of a Southern Belle, or the figure skimming style of a sultry femme fatale, or the unforgettable icy class of a Hitchcock Blonde…
Who better than Old Hollywood fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner, Ingrid Bergman, or Marlene Dietrich to whisper a pointer on how to pull off the ultimate Old Hollywood Halloween costume?
For each of these sixteen looks, we include our top tips on how to recreate them, including what to wear, how to style your hair and make-up, and how to act.
Let’s get started!
Old Hollywood Glamour Halloween Costume #1
Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffanys (Audrey Hepburn)
Steal the show in the most famous “little black dress” ever!
What girl doesn’t dream of channeling Old Hollywood to steal the limelight as Audrey Hepburn’s most iconic character ever? Glamorous outfits, a secret past, an orange tabby cat, chic parties, and a handsome neighbor… what more could a girl ask for?
Oh, and your outfit inspiration was designed by the one and only legendary Hubert De Givenchy (as in the founder of Givenchy). He was also a best friend of Audrey Hepburn’s in real life!
1) What to Wear:
- Choose a classy tea length little black dress with subtle cutouts on the back bodice
- Go crazy accessorizing with strands of diamonds and pearls, including a vintage statement jeweled pendant
- It’s no wonder this dress has been dubbed the “Audrey Hepburn Diamond Dress”, since the glittering jewels appear to be sewn into the dress.
- Style your hair in an fabulous voluminous 60s style chignon (YouTube has tons of tutorials!)
- Add glam accessories, like long black gloves, delicate black kitten pumps, and a sharp purse
2) How to Act:
- Be the life of the party! You stay out late and are full of laughs and stories….
- Talk about how you plan to land a rich millionaire
- At the same time, you are just a bit vague about your past, and are disguising/hiding a hint of underlying sadness
Old Hollywood Glamour Halloween Costume #2:
“The Girl” in The Seven Year Itch (Marilyn Monroe)
The Most Famous & Desirable “Girl Next Door”
What better character than “The Girl” next door to channel for your Halloween party? The scene when Marilyn Monroe stands over a New York City subway grate fighting a gust of wind, in her classy little white dress, is one of the most iconic moments in movie history.
“The Girl” is beautiful and hilarious model who is a magnet for men, but who uses wit and kindness to say no… when romance is out of the question.
1) What to Wear:
- Choose a white halter neck dress with a full pleated skirt in a luxurious fabric
- Old Hollywood Style Secret from Marilyn Monroe: Wear two pairs of white underwear, so when your dress blows up, no one will see too much!
- Pair this with strappy white high heels
- Style your blonde hair in large bouncy curls (or buy a Marilyn Monroe style blonde hair wig!)
- Add vintage coin pearls earrings, surrounded by glittering “diamonds”
- Add red lipstick and dramatic eyes (and a beauty mark!)
2) How to Act:
- Act naive and sweet, and just a bit ditsy
- Use physical comedy, like funny facial expressions, body language and actions to bring your character alive. Like standing over a subway vent!
- Memorize a few hilarious quips from the movie, like your secret to staying cool in the hot summers, “I put my undies in the icebox”
Old Hollywood Glamour Halloween Costume #3:
Seductive Kitty Collins in The Killers (Ava Gardner)
Slinky Sexpot Who is Sets the World on Fire!
Ready to be play the role of the archetypal femme fatale? The beautiful woman who ultimately brings disaster to the men around her and who effortlessly mastermind a major double-cross on all… even the man who took a two year rap for her?
Talk about the “double-cross to end all double-crosses,” no guy is gonna get it over on you!
1) What to Wear:
- Find a slinky figure hugging strapless black dress with a sweetheart neckline
- To add the iconic single strap, you’ll likely need a dash of DIY (or a neighborhood tailor) to sew a strip of black fabric from the center of the dress, over your left shoulder to the back of the dress.
- Add long black elbow length opera gloves and strappy black heels
- Style your hair in luminous retro waves (look on Pinterest for this exact pin curl pattern or find a YouTube tutorial)
2) How to Act:
- Play up your sexuality and apparent vulnerability
- Act sultry and sardonic and… and scheme some fabulous double-cross before the night is out!
Old Hollywood Glamour Halloween Costume #4:
Letty Lynton in Letty Lynton (Joan Crawford: 1932)
Drama and ruffles? What more could a girl ask for?
Joan Crawford was superb in her role of the wealthy playgirl who gets away with murder in this thrilling tale of love and blackmail. Her ruffled “Letty Lynton” gown set off a fashion craze and became one the most copied gown in the 1930s. It was THE dress of the season. Can you imagine half of a million copies flying off the shelves to girls, teenagers, and women?
Ready to have your own evening of fun, as the bold and daring 1930s femme fatale who’s trying to hide her dark past from her new love? Channel this one of a kind vintage glam look with over the top puffed sleeves…. and ruffles for miles.
What to Wear
- A long flowy peplum styled white gown with VERY dramatic puff sleeves. Add a frilly collar, and matching frills to the peplum folds and hemline
- Style your hair in gorgeous 1930s finger waves
- Add a glittering statement bracelet, deep red lips, and dramatic lined eyes
How to Act
- Bold, charming and manipulative
- Confident and in control
- Sticky sweet to your new lover
- A schemer — calculating on how to get rid your old boyfriend
Old Hollywood Glamour Halloween Costume #5:
Lisa Fremont in Rear Window (Grace Kelly: 1954)
Because who doesn’t want to be a gorgeous Hitchcock blonde?
Grace Kelly’s unforgettable character in Rear Window isn’t just investigating a mystery, but she’s doing it in unforgettable 1950s haute couture.
Who doesn’t want to recreate one of the most famous Old Hollywood glam styles of the actress who would ultimately become a real life princess, after her marriage to the Prince of Monaco?
What to Wear
- Chose a dress with a fitted bodice and black v-neck and full voluminous white skirt (think 1950’s classic styles)
- Pair this with pearl earrings and pearl necklace strand, as well as a statement pearl and gold bangle bracelet
- Add a pair of long white opera gloves
- Style your hair with a retro waves and apply classic 50s make-up, including with red lipstick
How to Act
- Be graceful and poised and twirl often to show off your fabulous outfit
- Act intrigued and helpful, but not too alarmed by anything, even if it’s a murder!
- Deliver your lines with just a touch of icy aloofness
Old Hollywood Glamour Halloween Costume #6:
Gilda in Gilda (Rita Hayworth: 1946)
Because who doesn’t want to be the ultimate seductive bombshell?
Rita Hayworth’s iconic role in this romantic thriller is one of the most seductive and memorable cocktail styles of 1940s Old Hollywood.
Married to a powerful and jealous casino owner, but in love with a small time gambler from America, what will be the ultimate fate of this unforgettable bombshell?
What to Wear
- Wear a strapless floor length black satin dress, with a deep side slit. Opt for one that skims your curves in all of the right places
- Pair this with long black gloves and black vintage sandal pumps
- Style your hair in soft vintage waves, and your makeup with bold lips and sultry eyes
- Bonus points for a contrasting fur stole and cigarette (!)
How to Act
- Move with grace and confidence — knowing how irresistible you are
- Deliver your seductive one liners with a hint of seductive mystery
- Perform her infamous “almost striptease” to “Put the Blame on Mame,” as you try (and succeed!) in making your hot ex-boyfriend jealous
Old Hollywood Glamour Halloween Costume #7:
Cora Smith in The Postman Always Rings Twice (Lana Turner: 1946)
Caution: Deadly, but angelic femme fatale!
Lana Turner was the ultimate femme fatale in this thrilling 1940s film noir. Unsuspecting men — beware — of the inbound danger!
Her sleek, all-white swimming loungewear and piercing gaze is the perfect costume to embody dangerous Old Hollywood elegance.
What to Wear
- Wear a swimming turban, retro crop top, and tailored vintage shorts — all in white
- Pair these with matching white 1940s peep-toe pumps
- Add classy retro 40s style makeup to define your eyes and lips
How to Act
- Speak in a low, seductive tones, and with a mysterious aura
- Give long smoldering looks from under your lashes
- Walk with a seductive gait and the confidence, knowing that you’re gorgeous and have the upper hand
Old Hollywood Glamour Halloween Costume #8:
Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz (Judy Garland)
Pay lots of attention to the girl… with the sparkly shoes!
“I’ll get you my pretty, and your little dog too!” — The Wicked Witch
Why not dress as one of the most legendary characters in cinema history? Add a little magical fairy dust, nostalgic, whimsical charm, and you are ready for a sparkling adventure.
What to Wear
- Wear a blue gingham apron dress, layered on top of a white blouse with puff sleeves
- Pair this with sparkly red heels and white socks
- Style your hair in braided pigtails, accessorized with matching blue ribbons
How to Act
- Skip and twirl, as you follow the yellow brick road to adventure
- Show wide-eyed wonder at anything and everything — there’s so much magic to discover!
- Remember to click your heels together often. Say with glee, “There’s no place like home”
Old Hollywood Glamour Halloween Costume #9:
Ginger Rogers in Top Hat (Ginger Rogers: 1935)
It’s showtime with lavish splendor!
Looking for a glitzy style to show off your impeccable dancing? What better option than the most famous bias-cut 1930s style dress that reigning dancer of Old Hollywood wore? Ginger Rogers’ legendary dress clings to the body provocatively and echos the fluidity of a woman’s shape.
Talk about the perfect dress for dancers, as it ensures the audience doesn’t miss a single body movement!
What to Wear
Warning! You’ll need to break out your mad DIY skills to pull of this opulent Art-Deco style!
- Wear a figure skimming bias cut evening gown with a high front and low back, which you will madly accessorized with ostrich feathers
- Add a glittering statement broach jewel at your neckline
- Pair your dress with strappy heels and a retro updo
- Keep your jewelry at a minimum (only a simple bracelet), as the focus is on your lavish evening gown!
How to Act
- Glide through the evening gracefully and break into dance whenever possible
- Add a playful and sing song banter to your conversations
- Remember to keep your dancer’s posture throughout the night, so tall and elegant, with no slouching!
Old Hollywood Glamour Halloween Costume #10:
Cleopatra in Cleopatra (Elizabeth Taylor: 1963)
Rule the kingdom (if only for one night!) in glittering gold opulence!
In one of the most legendary love triangles in history, the gorgeous Cleopatra (Elizabeth Taylor), the queen of ancient Egypt, manipulates the powerful Julius Caesar and Marc Antony as she tries to save her empire from the Roman conquerers.
If you’re looking to rule the Halloween party in unforgettable opulence, what better costume to wear than Gold Gown that Cleopatra wears on her entrance to Rome?
What to Wear
Caution! This is another costume that requires mad DIY skills (and ideally a laser cutter), or a tailor.
- Wear a shimmering gold lamé dress inspired with intricate regal eagle detailing — to mirror that of a eagle body and wings
- Pair this with a dramatic gold headpiece
- Ask a creative friend with a laser cutter to make this for you, or find a merchant on Etsy.
- Go crazy with thick, winged eyeliner and bold, dramatic eyeshadow
- Remember that these designs are straight up 60’s fashion with an Egyptian flair added
How to Act
- Command attention with authoritative and correct posture. Stand tall with your shoulders back and head held high — you’re the queen of the Egypt after all!
- Exude seduction with subtle comments and a mysterious aura
- Use a deep sultry voice and deliver your lines calmly and icily, with a touch of playful teasing
Old Hollywood Glamour Halloween Costume #11:
Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With The Wind (Vivien Leigh: 1939)
Beware! Fiery Southern Belle inbound!
Scarlett O’Hara’s vintage glam, and oh so lavish, Southern belle outfits are iconic and unforgettable.
Fun fact:
The talented Vivien Leigh won the Academy Award for Best Actress in her role as Scarlett O’Hara. Gone with the Wind went on to win a whopping total of eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
What to Wear
- Wear a a voluminous hoop skirt dress with a vintage white and green floral pattern, and deep v embellished with matching ruffles. Accenture your feminine silhouette with a dark green sash
- Pair this with an oversized sunhat with a matching hunter green sash
- Add white gloves and a parasol (you just can’t have too much sun protection as a Southern belle)
- Style your hair with the iconic 40s style waves
- Apply subtle 40s style make accentuating your eyes and lips
How to Act
- Speak with a overtly dramatic Southern drawl
- Act spoiled and very dramatic — anything and everything sets off a passionate temper tantrum
- Act regal and swirl a lot showing off your gorgeous voluminous hoop skirts — which are so perfect for twirling and flirting!
Old Hollywood Glamour Halloween Costume #12:
Jane Russell in Paleface (Jane Russell: 1948)
Sassy and Gorgeous Outlaw… whose sharpshooting skills are the legend of Old West!
Looking for a unique costume that blends classic Old Hollywood glam with 1940s Western flair and more than a hint of attitude? This is the perfect sexy and tough glam look.
What to Wear
This look will require the DIY skills from your bestie to pull off!
- Wear a strapless Western themed retro body suit, with ruffles and ribbons accentuating your sweetheart neckline, waist, and legs
- Add old school Western holster and two cap gun pistols (and cowboy boots!)
- Style your hair with dramatic ringlets and add some classic red lips and a touch of eye make-up
How to Act
- Be sassy, bold, and quick to deliver witty comebacks
- Sashay through the night with confidence, always on high alert, and flip out your pistols often, ready for danger!
Old Hollywood Glamour Halloween Costume #13:
Melanie Daniels in The Birds (Tippi Hedren: 1963)
The Ultimate Hitchcock blonde… sizzling with class and hidden seductive fire!
Tippi Hedren’s character in The Birds is one of the most iconic thriller styles from Old Hollywood.
Add some blood and scratches to your gorgeous (and slightly disheveled) 60s inspired outfit for even more suspense!
What to Wear
- Wear a a classic 1960s style fitted green skirt suit, and define your feminine silhouette with a matching belt
- Style your blond locks (or wig) in a messy 60s inspired blond updo — remember lots and lots of volume!
- Add fake costume blood and attach some fake birds to your clothes or hair for extra thrills
How to Act
- Act cool and reserved, but began to grow more edgy as the night progresses
- Look around nervously, and scream dramatically, swatting the air, as if birds are attacking
- Act icy towards men — confident that they’re undeniably attracted to you
Old Hollywood Glamour Halloween Costume #14:
Amy Jolly in Morocco (Marlene Dietrich: 1930)
Who says girls can’t sizzle in tuxedos?!
Marlene Dietrich’s role as the sultry cabaret singer in Morocco is an iconic 1930s style that sizzles with magnetic feminine charm. This costume is ideal for those girls who want to ooze Old Hollywood glam, but also wear comfy flats all night!
What to Wear
- Wear a sleek black tuxedo with a contrasting white tuxedo shirt
- Pair this with a dramatic black top hat, white bow tie, and classy black oxfords
- Style your hair in soft 30s style waves, and add a fake cigarette
- Embrace the 1930s chic make-up by framing your face with dramatic pencil thin eyebrows, and adding a touch of classic eye and lip make-up
How to Act
- Speak in a deep low and seductive voice
- Break into random cabaret numbers
- Walk with bold swagger and lots of confidence — you’re sexy and you know it!
Old Hollywood Glamour Halloween Costume #15:
Ilsa Lund in Casablanca (Ingrid Bergman: 1942)
“Here’s looking at you, Kid…!”
Expect to hear this line all night from the men around you, just as Humphrey Bogart couldn’t resist telling his love in this classic thriller.
And it’s no wonder he couldn’t keep his eyes off her! Talk about a polished and timeless Old Hollywood glam look.
What to Wear
- Wear an impeccably tailored 1940s style skirt suit, layered on top of a white button up blouse
- Pair this with an oversized fedora style hat with a cloche style brim that tilts towards your face
- Add classy white gloves and a pert black clutch
- Style your hair with classy retro waves and apply tasteful retro make-up
How to Act
- Speak slowly and deliberately, with the slightest hint of a Swedish accent — This was one of the early English movies for gorgeous silver screen Swedish actress, Ingrid Bergman
- Straggle to control deep emotions (especially for a certain man!) behind your classy and polite exterior
- Give longing looks and fall silent often, as if you’re reminiscing about your past love
Old Hollywood Glamour Halloween Costume #16:
The Second Mrs. de Winter in Rebecca (Joan Fontaine: 1940)
The Ultimate Haunted Beauty who’s surrounded by mystery and ghosts!
Joan Fontaine’s role as the timid and beautiful Mrs. de Winter in this classic thriller is the perfect choice for a mysterious and subtle Old Hollywood inspired Halloween costume. The blend of soft femininity and an eerie unease makes it hauntingly perfect.
What to Wear
This is another Old Hollywood style that requires hunting for vintage pieces at your local thrift store and some mad DIY skills to pull off.
- Wear an over the top Victorian styled gown, with a fitted bodice, princess v waist, and full voluminous skirts. To recreate the opulent vintage splendor of this style, add over the top frills, ribbons, and fake flowers to your gown
- Add a matching wide brimmed hat with fake flowers and a fan
- Style your hair in tightly curled updo
- Go with minimal makeup — lightly accentuate your lips and eyes
How to Act
- Act timid and uncertain — you’re nervous and unsure of yourself
- Move demurely on the outskirts of the party, trying to blend in, and not draw attention to yourself
- Stutter with uncertainty, as you keep looking over your shoulder for ghosts from the past
This post was all about the best Old Hollywood costumes, starring the bold and iconic women of Old Hollywood.
Which silver screen Hollywood stars and main characters did you find most inspiring… or nostalgic?
Which vintage Halloween costume ideas were your favorite?
More Vintage Halloween posts you might like:
1950s Halloween: Vintage Costumes, Photos, & Ideas
5 Breakfast at Tiffanys Costumes | Holly Golightly Costumes from Amazon
Your 1950s Halloween Movies Guide: 26 Top 1950s Horror and Sci-Fi Films
