Rita Hayworth was a woman who oozed style, a lady whose films and snapshots can make us swoon at her beauty, from a time where there was no such thing as PhotoShop or Instagram.
The actress played the ultimate femme fatale in Charles Vidor’s film noir, Gilda, and it soon became her signature role.
She was one of the first actresses to ever agree to changing her hair colour for a film’s role. Soon, the “Rita” look became her long red locks.
At 5 foot 6 and with hazel-brown eyes, Hayworth soon became a style and beauty icon and was the face of MaxFactor in the 1940s. A piece of trivia for you? She was also voted to have the world’s best lips in 1949.
If you need any convincing at all, this famous “Gilda, are you decent?” clip should do it for you…
Inspired by Rita’s 1940s look, we’re here to steal her style…
1. White Out
Rita was a big fan of wearing white, it was a colour that was bound to stand out against the crowd in a black and white flick and emphasised the flaming red of her signature locks.
Be brave with your summer look and opt to add a little white to your wardrobe. Modernise Rita’s look and go for this playful white mesh dress. Wow.
Donna Leather White Mesh Skater Dress, Missguided.co.uk, €30
2. Showing Off A Bit Of Shoulder…
Rita knew to flaunt what she had, and that was a beautiful pair of shoulders and arms.
Add a bit of glamour to your look and stay right on trend with this aztec-style maxi dress, team it with gladiator sandals for the perfect summer evening look. We’re loving the fringe detail…
Megan Aztec Maxi Dress, Boohooo.com, €30
3. High-Waist It
The high-waisted trend has come around once again in the style cycle and this time we’re noting high-waists where we never did before. When was the last time any of us had a high-waisted swimsuit in our wardrobes? Probably never. It’s one for the brave but if you can rock it, you’ll stand out for your style on the beach this summer.
Be inspired by Rita and go for this…
Pink Marble Bikini Set, River Island, €33
4. Mwahhh…
Rita had the best lips of her era. Seriously, it was even voted on. She was the face of MaxFactor in the 1940s and her favourite lip colour was red.
Lucky the statement colour is on trend again this year. Prep your lips with lip liner to avoid any colour bleeding and choose this beauty for your makeup bag…
Diego Dalla Palma Lipstick, M&S Beauty, €20
5. Sparkle And Glamour
The femme fatale exuded glamour in her gowns, but you don’t have to be heading to a black-tie to get the glitter out.
Pair this dress with a black clutch and heels and glam it up for a night out on the tiles!
Boutique Lyla Pastel Sequin Geometric Prom Dress, Boohoo.com, €47
