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Vintage Old Hollywood Staples Your Wardrobe Needs, Per a Stylist

Ten timeless pieces to elevate your style and channel classic glamour.

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dorothy dandridge wearing evening gown
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Today’s fashion often revolves around fleeting micro-trends and fast fashion, but there’s a certain allure to the enduring elegance of Old Hollywood. Think of Dorothy Dandridge’s timeless pearls, Audrey Hepburn’s chic trench coat, or Marilyn Monroe’s iconic red lipstick. These are powerful statements of glamour, confidence, and sophistication that still resonate today. The magic of these pieces lies in their surprising versatility and ability to elevate any modern look.

If you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe, you don’t need a movie star budget or a time machine to capture this classic charm. The secret is knowing which key items to incorporate into your existing wardrobe. From a simple pencil skirt to a patterned silk scarf, these staples have stood the test of time for a reason: they are effortlessly chic and universally flattering. With the help of Atlanta-based style expert Emily Loftiss, we're revealing vintage Old Hollywood staples you need to add to your wardrobe.

1

Leather driving gloves

vintage old hollywood staples
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Leather driving gloves can be worn with a casual ensemble, like a white tee and bomber jacket, or with a formal outfit to add a layer of sophistication for a night out. “Leather driving gloves ooze confidence,” Loftiss says. “Think Grace Kelly cruising the French Riviera. They’re the kind of accessory that announces you before you even speak.” A pair in a neutral color like black or brown complements nearly any outfit, or consider going with pink or red pair for a bold look.

2

A pillbox hat

vintage old hollywood staples
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The pillbox hat has a simple, elegant shape that pairs well with a tailored dress or a matching skirt and pants set. Loftiss says, “The pillbox hat, made legendary by Jackie-O in the 1960s, is the ultimate statement topper. Its structured silhouette screams power and polish.” If you’re looking to put the final touches on a Sunday brunch outfit or you're dressing for a posh afternoon soiree, consider a pillbox hat to bring your look together.

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3

A brooche

vintage hollywood classics
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You probably have a family member, maybe your mom or grandmother, who wore brooches on a cardigan or blazer. These decorative pins were initially used as garment fasteners to hold a cloak or tunic together, but they've evolved into a glamorous fashion accessory. “Brooches are back and better than ever,” Loftiss says. “Pin them to jackets, bags, hats, or even shoes for a burst of personality.” Don’t be afraid to mix and match and combine different styles and sizes for a unique look.

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4

A silk scarf

vintage old hollywood staples
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Women once tied silk scarves around their hair as a practical way to protect it from the wind during travel, a look that has now come to be associated with Old Hollywood style. Today, you can use a silk scarf as a head wrap or wear it bandana-style for a more casual look. “There’s nothing more elegant than a perfectly styled scarf,” Loftiss explains. “You could also tie it around your neck, wrist, waist, handbag, or hat and watch your entire look transform with one unexpected pop.”

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5

Stockings

vintage old hollywood staples
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For Hollywood starlets and everyday women alike, an outfit wasn’t complete without a pair of stockings under a dress or skirt. Stockings are practical: they keep your legs warm in cold weather, but they also add a polished look to an outfit. Today, women have a wide range of stocking options to choose from that can punch up an outfit. “As a former professional dancer, I’ll tell you this: nothing sculpts and elongates legs like stockings,” Loftiss says. “My favorite shades are black, nude, and colored, and I like the ones with seams down the back."

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6

A trenchcoat

vintage old hollywood staples
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If you’re looking to build a timeless wardrobe, consider adding a trench coat to the mix. “The trench coat was turned into a cinematic icon by stars like Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart,” Loftiss explains. "It’s a boss piece, and bonus points if you go bold with a leopard print.” This versatile piece can be worn with jeans and sneakers to run errands or worn over a dress for a pulled-together look.

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7

Cocktail Rings

vintage old hollywood staples
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Another bold accessory that has never really gone out of style is the cocktail ring. These large rings, often set with colorful stones, are meant to turn heads. Though they were originally meant to be paired with evening gowns and formal wear, they can be an accessory to nearly any outfit. Loftiss says, “Cocktail rings are my not-so-secret styling weapon. They pull the eye down to chic nails and feel completely unexpected because why should earrings have all the fun?”

8

A silk robe

vintage old hollywood staples
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Instantly add a touch of glamour to your closet with a silk robe. You can slip one on at the end of the day or playfully pair it with a more casual outfit to feel like a star. "A silk robe is the ultimate ‘I woke up fabulous’ energy," Loftiss says. "Channel Marlene Dietrich in a silk robe with feathered sleeves, or wear a robe over trousers and you’ve instantly romanticized your life.”

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9

A pencil skirt

vintage old hollywood staples
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The all-powerful pencil skirt is often associated with office wear, but this sleek style can also make an impact outside of office settings by playing with different lengths and unexpected fabrics. To update your pencil skirts, consider options like plaid, denim, leather, and silk. "Marilyn Monroe perfected the pencil skirt, which hugs your curves in all the right places,” Loftiss says. “The modern, longer lengths feel impossibly chic and make any look instantly more powerful.”

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10

A matching luggage set

vintage old hollywood staples
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Before travel became more widespread, trips often involved lengthy journeys by train or ship. As a result, passengers often carried more luggage, which was often in the form of matching suitcases, trunks, and wardrobe cases. “Nothing says ‘leading lady’ like arriving with a perfectly coordinated luggage set, which declares your presence before you’ve even touched the door handle,” Loftiss says. While you don’t have to break the bank to purchase designer luggage, consider investing in a matching luggage set to make your next travel experience both stylish and streamlined.

Headshot of Mariette Williams

Mariette Williams is a freelance writer living in South Florida. She covers topics such as travel, culture, books, and wellness, and when she's not traveling, she's lost in a good book.

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