34 of Rita Hayworth’s Most Iconic Style Moments
The glamorous Hollywood legend had no shortage of iconic looks.
Rita Hayworth wasn’t only known as one of Hollywood’s most famous actors but was also considered an ultimate style icon. Her rise to superstardom, however, came as no surprise. Born Margarita Cansino, Hayworth grew up in a show business family—her father and mother were both dancers, and young Rita’s first on-screen appearance was alongside her parents in a short titled La Fiesta.
Read Rita Hayworth’s Biography
After her early years as a dancer, Hayworth went on to act in dozens of films as a leading lady or femme fatale. Nicknamed “The Love Goddess,” she captivated people with her unmistakable talent, undeniable beauty, and fantastic sense of style.
The late star gave us countless breathtaking fashion moments, so we narrowed it down to some of our favorites. From incredible sequined gowns worn on set to elaborate fur stoles sported during photoshoots, here are 34 of Rita Hayworth’s most iconic style moments.
Keep Reading: 11 Rare Photos of Diana Ross Early in Her Career • The Hollywood Icons Featured in Madonna’s Song “Vogue”
Ruffles and Curls
Hayworth sported voluminous curls and a statement-making ruffled dress while posing with a perfume bottle in the early 1940s.
A Shimmering Shot
The actor held a pensive pose in a shimmery, long-sleeved gown with a plunging neckline.
Work of Art
Here, the Hollywood star pulled out all the stops in a structural floor-length cape and high-waisted skirt with a crisp collared top.
A Sultry Smoke Session
Hayworth looked oh-so-mysterious dressed in a strapless black gown while smoking a cigarette in a publicity portrait.
Sequined Snowflakes
The actor wore a show-stopping marigold-colored chiffon dress with a matching veil for a portrait session in the 1940s. The striking two-piece set featured embroidered sequins in the shape of snowflakes.
Flashing a Smile
Hayworth flashed a smile ear-to-ear while wearing a gorgeous velvet long-sleeved dress with a fluffy white fur stole.
Stylish on the Slopes
She even looked chic while skiing. The actor is pictured here wearing a cozy plaid hat, royal blue earmuffs, and a fluffy tan coat. Even better? Her lipstick matches perfectly with her bright red scarf.
Dancing Queen
Hayworth held a pose like a dancing queen in a neon yellow top tucked into a pair of purplish-blue harem pants. Her strappy gold heels sealed the deal.
An Orange Dream
It’s no surprise that even Hayworth’s pajamas were fashionable. The star lounged in a burnt orange embroidered nightgown with a lace-embroidered neckline while sitting for a photo in the 1940s. The outfit popped perfectly against the beige chair and turquoise drapes.
Evening Attire
The star wore a wide-brimmed hat with a lovely floral-printed top while getting a bite out to eat with her first husband, Ed Judson. We can only assume her lipstick matches her long nails to tie the look together.
A Moment for Mesh
Speaking of hats, the Hollywood actor donned an oversized straw hat covered with brown cord mesh in a publicity portrait for her movie Affectionately Yours. Oscar Award-winning costume designer Orly-Kelly created the looks for the film.
With Marlene Dietrich
Hayworth stepped out in style with actor Marlene Dietrich while returning to Hollywood after a work visit to New York. The two wore skirt suits, open-toed sandals, and fur coats over their shoulders while walking into the airport.
With Orson Welles
The actor looked cool and casual in a loose-fitting pantsuit and a swept-up hairdo while sitting with Orson Welles in the early ’40s. The two were married for four years.
My Gal Sal
Hayworth’s 1942 film My Gal Sal had no shortage of amazing, eye-catching costumes. She’s pictured here wearing one of the looks from the flick: a dazzling white sequined gown with a diamond choker and a regal updo.
Spidery Sequins
Hayworth played a glamorous singer named Sally Elliott in My Gal Sal. She’s pictured here wearing yet another intricately-designed ensemble from the movie: a spectacular spider-themed sequined gown with a high neckline and open front.
Fantastic Feathered Fits
My Gal Sal’s costumes, including this fabulous ostrich feather-trimmed one, were designed by Gwen Wakeling. Wakeling was a celebrated costume designer who worked on over 140 films.
More is More
My Gal Sal really kept the looks coming. The renowned actor is pictured here wearing an off-the-shoulder look with elbow-length opera gloves and an elaborate feathered headpiece.
Baby Blue
Hayworth was photographed on the set of William A. Seiter’s musical romance You Were Never Lovelier in a pale blue sweater accessorized with a matching satin hair bow.
Lace and Chiffon
Another look from You Were Never Lovelier was this dazzling lace-embroidered gown with a cascading chiffon hem.
With Gene Kelly
Hayworth starred opposite Gene Kelly in the early ’40s musical romance Cover Girl. The star is seen here wearing a ruffled taffeta gown with a tiered hem and a large rosette brooch.
Brittany is a freelance writer based in her hometown of New York City. She writes about everything from fashion and beauty to food and wellness. When she's not writing, she can often be found at her local library, playing with her cats, or exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
