34 of Rita Hayworth’s Most Iconic Style Moments

Brittany Natale
·7 min read
rita hayworth leans backward on a pool ladder railing as she smiles at the camera, she wears a white outfit with black trim and a black hat
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

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.

rita hayworth smiles at the camera while applying perfume to her neck, she wears a ruffled dress
Getty Images

A Shimmering Shot

The actor held a pensive pose in a shimmery, long-sleeved gown with a plunging neckline.

rita hayworth looks off into the distance with a sad face, she wears a shimmery long sleeve dress and sits on a cheetah print armchair
Getty Images

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.

rita hayworth stands and looks directly at the camera, she wears a floor length skirt, light colored blouse and floor length cape
Getty Images

A Sultry Smoke Session

Hayworth looked oh-so-mysterious dressed in a strapless black gown while smoking a cigarette in a publicity portrait.

rita hayworth smokes a cigarette and stands in a dark strapless dress, she holds a fur jacket by her leg
Getty Images

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.

rita hayworth wears a yellow gown and veil
Getty Images

Flashing a Smile

Hayworth flashed a smile ear-to-ear while wearing a gorgeous velvet long-sleeved dress with a fluffy white fur stole.

rita hayworth sits and smiles into the distance, she wears a red velvet dress with fur trim
Getty Images

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.

rita hayworth smiles and looks left of the camera, she wears a tan fleece jacket, orange scarf, and blue plaid hat and holds two wooden skis
Getty Images

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.

rita hayworth poses for a photo with one leg kicked slightly in the air, she holds her arms out and smiles, she wears a yellow long sleeve blouse, bright blue pants, and copper heels
Getty Images

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.

rita hayworth sits in a silver armchair and smiles at the camera, she wears an orange dress with white lace trim on the sleeves and bust
Getty Images

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.

ed judson and rita hayworth sit at a restaurant table, he wears a suit, she wears a dress with a floral embroidered pattern and at hat, they hold hands and she smiles at him
Getty Images

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.

rita hayworth wears a geometric patterned hat and a light colored blouse
Getty Images

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.

rita hayworth and marlene dietrich walk together, both wear fur jackets on their shoulders, hats, skirt suits and high heels
Getty Images

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.

orson welles and rita hayworth sit next to each other and look to the right, he wears a dark pinstriped suit jacket with a collared shirt, tie, and gray suit pants, she wears all black with a striped collar visible under her jacket
Getty Images

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.

rita hayworth sits on a cushioned stool and looks at the camera, she wears a strapless glittery gown with a necklace and dangling earrings
Getty Images

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.

rita hayworth stands next to a piece of furniture that she holds with one hand, her other hand is on her hip, she wears a sequined outfit with a spider design on the front
Getty Images

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.

rita hayworth smiles at the camera, she wears a feathery top with bejeweled straps and a large matching hat as well as a necklace and earrings
Getty Images

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.

rita hayworth poses with one hand on her hip, she wears a sequin gown with a large feather trim, a matching hat and white gloves
Getty Images

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.

rita hayworth smiles as she looks over her shoulder, her arms are crossed and rest on a chair back, she wears a blue sweater and a blue hair ribbon
Getty Images

Lace and Chiffon

Another look from You Were Never Lovelier was this dazzling lace-embroidered gown with a cascading chiffon hem.

rita hayworth sits in a chair and looks over her shoulder at the camera, she wears a blush floor length dress with flower appliques
Getty Images

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.

rita hayworth stands next to gene kelly who wraps one arm around her waist and kisses her cheek, she wears a ball gown, he wears slacks, a white collared shirt, and a dark sleeveless sweater vest
Getty Images

Picking Wildflowers

Hayworth wore a striped white and brown frock with lantern sleeves and an ivory hair ribbon for a day picking flowers.

rita hayworth smiles as she stands in a field of grass, she holds a basket with flowers and holds a small bouquet in her other hand which rests on her hip, she wears a white and orange striped tea length dress
Getty Images

Glamorous Gilda

How glamorous does Hayworth look in this striking two-piece set with a high front slit, padded shoulders, and an all-over sequin design? The look was for her 1945 film Gilda.

rita hayworth stands for a portait, she wears a light colored matching top and skirt with a high slit, she holds a cigarette in one hand and a fur stole near her legs in the other hand
Getty Images

Brocade at the Beach

The star enjoyed a day at the beach dressed in a sweet pink brocade bathing suit matched with a striped terry cloth teddy bear and towel. Her chiffon hair tie was a nice touch.

rita hayworth sits on sand, she is wearing a pink swimsuit and holding a red, white and blue striped towel in her lap and a red, white and blue striped teddy bear by her side, she has a blue ribbon on top of her head
Getty Images

Bouquet of Flowers

She posed for a photo in a beautiful teal long-sleeved dress with a surplice neckline in 1945. We also love the pinned bouquet at the waist.

rita hayworth leans against a tree, she wears a teal dress with a floral bouquet at the waist and looks to the left
Getty Images

Bleach Blonde

For the 1947 Orson Welles film The Lady from Shanghai, the famous actor donned bleached blonde hair, an embroidered lace gown, and a giant white fur stole.

rita hayworth sits in a white chair wearing a large white fur coat and white and silver top, she smiles and eyes the camera
Getty Images

A Brilliant Ball Gown

The Lady from Shanghai had no shortage of amazing costumes, like this flowy white ball gown with crystal details.

rita hayworth smiiles and stands with her back to a balcony railing that she holds with both hands, she wears a white strapless dress
Getty Images

Sleek and Simple

Hayworth kept it sweet and simple while wearing a structured black gown with a head-turning center bow detail.

rita hayworth smiles and looks right of the camera, she clasps her hands in front of her chest and wears a black dress with a bow in the front and a medallion necklace
Getty Images

The Loves of Carmen

During a scene of The Loves of Carmen, Hayworth was glowing in a purple off-the-shoulder dress with layers of colorful beads.

rita hayworth smiles and looks left of the camera, she wears a mauve top with a purple scarf wrapped around her shoulders as well as a multistrand beaded necklace and large dangling earrings, she holds a card as she sits at a table with several other cards facing up
Getty Images

Polka Dots with the Prince

Hayworth attended the Epsom Races with her then-husband, Prince Aly Khan, wearing a magnificent black and white polka-dotted hat.

aly khan and rita hayworth stand behind a wall, he wears a suit with a tie and top hat, she wears a polka dot hat with a coat and gloves
Getty Images

A Warm Welcome Back

After taking a three-year hiatus from entertainment, the superstar posed for a photo outside her Columbia Studios dressing room on her return. She wore a strapless tulle gown for the occasion.

rita hayworth stands in the door way of a dressing room, she wears a strapless ballgown and a sign on the open door behind her says welcome home rita
Getty Images

A Tennis Lesson

The Hollywood actor took a tennis lesson dressed in an all-white ensemble with matching canvas shoes and a baseball cap.

rita hayworth sits on a chair and holds two tennis rackets next to her, she wears a baseball cap, tshirt and shorts, she smiles and looks left of the camera
Getty Images

Affair in Trinidad

The glittery dress, the oversized shawl, the strappy satin shoes, what’s not to love about this glamorous look? The outfit was custom made for the 1952 film noir Affair in Trinidad.

rita hayworth smiles and poses for a photo in a sparkling dark purple evening gown and matching shawl, she wears black high heels, one hand is on her hip and one hand rests on top of her head
Getty Images

At the Dorchester Hotel

The star sat with fellow Hollywood greats Jack Lemmon and Robert Mitchum in a chic fur stole, strapless gown, and three-strand pearl necklace.

rita hayworth, jack lemmon, and robert mitchum look to the right, hayworth and mitchum are seated next to each other and lemmon stands behind them, she wears a dark fur wrap, triple stranded pearl necklace and pearl earrings, lemmon wears a gray suit and dark tie, mitchum wears a dark suit and tie
Getty Images

A Sweet Straw Hat

Hayworth chose a wide-brimmed straw hat, a crisp white blouse, and a pair of statement earrings for her 1957 trip to Trinidad.

rita hayworth wearing hat and smiling, she also has on a white collared shirt and large earrings
Getty Images

You Might Also Like