Elizabeth Taylor is synonymous with the word glamour. The iconic star, who got her start as a young child, has acted in dozens of films and even appeared on Broadway. In the ‘80s, she came out with her own line of fragrances, and in 2000, was honored with the title of “Dame” by Queen Elizabeth herself.
Beyond being a talented actress and entrepreneur, Taylor is also remembered as a glamorous fashion icon. Whether walking down a red carpet in an elaborate gown with a matching headpiece or strolling into an airport wearing a chic look, Taylor exuded elegance wherever she went. Ahead, check out some of her most stunning style moments through the years.
1
1946: Signing Autographs
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Taylor wore a ruffled white dress with matching gloves to sign autographs for fans waiting outside a nightclub.
2
1948: Flashing a Smile
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The actress pulled out all the stops for the camera in a dark lip, an ivory dress with pleated detailing, and drop pearl earrings.
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3
1948: A Date with Judy
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Taylor posed for a portrait on the set of A Date with Judy while dressed in an off-the-shoulder black blouse with a floral printed skirt. The outfits for the movie were designed by Helen Rose, an award-winning costume designer who also created the looks for The Bad and the Beautiful and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
4
1948: Pretty in Pink
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The Hollywood star is pictured here sitting in bed while dressed in a pastel pink pajama set. The headboard and comforter complement her outfit perfectly.
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5
1949: With Her Parents in New York City
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Taylor wore a lacy white top with black ribbon detailing while enjoying lunch with her parents at New York City's Stork Club in 1949.
6
1950: Mesh Details
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She wore a bold mesh look for a photoshoot, complete with a white hat and a matching suit, in 1950.
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7
1951: A Place in the Sun
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Taylor flashed a big smile on the set of A Place In the Sun dressed in an elegant strapless silk gown. The costumes for the film were designed by Edith Head, a famed costume designer who also did the looks for Sabrina and Roman Holiday.
8
1951: See-Through Handbag
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The actress showed off her modern, see-through handbag at London's Savoy Hotel.
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9
1952: Love is Better Than Ever
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She sported a dark leotard and fishnet tights during a promotional photoshoot for Love Is Better Than Ever.
10
1953: Beauty Queen
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The movie star stepped up her beauty game with winged eyeliner, coiffed hair, and statement earrings. Just when we thought she couldn’t be more fabulous!
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11
1953: Crystal Details
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Taylor is seen here with her young son Michael. She decided to wear a dashing pillbox hat with a head-turning crystal broach pinned to it.
12
1954: An Embroidered Dress
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While lounging against a couch, Taylor went bridal with an intricately embroidered white dress styled with a pair of diamond earrings.
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13
1954: A Star is Born
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Taylor walked the red carpet for the A Star Was Born premiere in an extravagant lace and silk gown with an oversized white stole. She attended the event with her second husband, Michael Wilding. The two were married from 1952 to 1957.
14
1955: Giant
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Taylor took a break between filming scenes on the set of Giant dressed in a pale pink scarf, a loose-fitting blouse, and a pleated gray skirt.
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15
1955: Signature Style
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Sometimes, less is more, and that’s exactly what Taylor did here. In the mid-'50s, the actress donned a simple black halter-neck dress and statement-making diamond earrings.
16
1955: Mellow Yellow
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Then again, there’s nothing wrong with a pop of color like Taylor’s furry stole against a buttery yellow backdrop here.
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17
1955: With her Pet Poodle
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That same year, she wowed fans in this hot pink strapless number styled with a shiny diamond choker. Funny enough, she had all this on to just feed her adorable poodle.
18
1956: Taffeta & Tiaras
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She kept the strapless silhouette going but elevated it this time with a floral tiara.
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19
1957: Raintree Country
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The star looked lovely in a white eyelet dress featuring a subtle baby blue ribbon while on set for the 1957 romance drama Raintree Country. Oscar-winning costume designer Walter Plunkett—also known for his looks in An American in Paris, Gone With the Wind, and Singin’ in the Rain—worked on the film.
20
1957: Academy Awards
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Taylor attended the 1957 Academy Awards with her third husband Mike Todd. She made a grand entrance in a flowy empire waist chiffon gown and, of course, a tiara.