From understated flapper dresses to flamboyant frocks, the stars' fashion throughout almost 100 years of Academy Awards continues to inspire.
As stars and movie fans gear up for 2024’s Oscar ceremonies on March 10, look back at some of the attire worn at the earliest Academy Awards ceremonies through the 1970s, featuring fashion favorites such as Audrey Hepburn and Diahann Carroll.
And because Edith Head and Givenchy aren’t designing custom creations for the masses, we’ve rounded up a few dresses inspired by the glamorous ladies of Old Hollywood so you’ll always be ready for your close-up!
Audrey Hepburn in 1965
Audrey Hepburn lived up to her elegant reputation in this white satin Givenchy-designed gown at the Academy Awards ceremony in 1965, where she was a presenter. “My Fair Lady,” in which she starred with Rex Harrison, won for best picture. (Photo: Getty Images)
A dress inspired by Hepburn’s …
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Audrey Hepburn in 1954
So nice, she's on the list twice: Almost a decade earlier, Hepburn dazzled crowds and the Academy with her fashion and performance in 1953’s “Roman Holiday.” She not only took home “most fashionable” by fans for her white lace dress, but also the best actress Oscar. (Photo: Hollywood Reporter)
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Elke Sommer in 1966
German actress Elke Sommer was a fashion figure of the 1960s and 1970s. The star of “A Shot in the Dark” and “And Then There Were None” walked the red carpet at the 1966 Academy Awards in a beaded one-shoulder dress.
A dress inspired by Sommer’s …
Vivien Leigh in 1940
Vivien Leigh wowed crowds with her fashion forward look at the 1940 Oscar ceremony. She also wowed the Academy, taking home the best actress award for her iconic role of Scarlett O’Hara in 1939’s “Gone with the Wind.” (Photo: Hollywood Reporter)
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Olivia de Havilland in 1947
Olivia de Havilland (pictured with Ray Milland) picked up the first of many awards for best actress at the 1947 Oscars for her work in 1946’s “To Each His Own.” Her floral strapless evening gown conveyed both sophistication and simplicity. (Photo: AMPAS)
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Elizabeth Taylor in 1970
Elizabeth Taylor was always a stylish presence, especially when she wore blue to accent her eyes as she did with this Edith Head-designed evening gown for the 1970 Oscars. (Photo: AMPAS)
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Mary Pickford in 1930
At the second ever Academy Awards ceremony, powerhouse Mary Pickford picked up the best actress Oscar for her role in “Coquette” while decked out in a very elegant ensemble. (Photo: AMPAS)
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Ava Gardner in 1960
Ava Gardner sparkled in her figure-hugging evening gown at the 1960 Oscar ceremonies. Her look may be from more than 70 years ago, but the style is timeless. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Diahann Carroll in 1969
Performer Diahann Carroll cut a stylish figure on stage and off, and her fashion forward sense always made a statement. Her flowing gown at the 1969 Oscars ceremony was a modern classic. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Luise Rainer in 1938
Luise Rainer won back-to-back best actress Oscars in a simple but elegant gown at the 1938 awards for her role in “The Good Earth.” She’d taken home the prize the year before for her work in “The Great Ziegfeld.” (Photo: AMPAS)
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Bette Davis in 1939
Bette Davis proved feathers make any evening gown more festive with her dress at the 1939 Oscar ceremony. She picked up the best actress award for her work in “Jezebel.” (Photo: AMPAS)
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Sophia Loren in 1963
Sophia Loren, a presenter at the 1963 Academy Awards, picked up the feather mantle more than 20 years later with her all-white creation. (Photo: Getty Images)
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More Old Hollywood-inspired fashion ideas
If you are feeling inspired and pining for some Old Hollywood glamour yourself, check out these evening wear ensembles that can help you feel like a star from the Golden Age.
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