Good morning all!
I am so excited to share this post will you! I am a self-proclaimed Old Hollywood movie expert, and have often thought about all the different female typecasts. When I was little, I loved the happy faces of Judy Garland and Doris Day. When I was in high school, I went through a phase where I loved the dark, sophisticated girls like Veronica Lake or Joan Crawford. Though they might have different personalities off screen, each actress had a predominant character type throughout their films that crafted their image to the public. In this day and age, many of these movies get flack for not providing enough variety in women’s acting roles. Ummm, have they ever seen an Old Hollywood film? This is simply NOT the case. Our Old Hollywood ladies created a diverse array of personalities and characters for their generation. Some were girly and feminine, others were quirky and bold. This isn’t your standard Buzzfeed quiz. I don’t think your favorite color or flower will point you to your Hollywood type. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy reading through all the types! There is an Old Hollywood star for any girl’s style/personality and now it is time to see…
Who is YOUR Hollywood Personality Type?
Femme Fatale
Bold, elegant, and mysterious, Rita Hayworth’s character Gilda and Lauren Bacall’s character, well, all of her characters are the perfect models for the Femme Fatale personality. These kind of ladies exude confidence when they walk into a room. Self-reliance and privacy are important to them, and are careful about their close circle of friends. The Femme Fatales are not afraid to be a little bit flirty, and often smile or smirk when being sarcastic or making jokes. They have a sense of cool about them, and are good at staying calm in any situation. All their outfits are intentionally styled to impress. To keep up a confident appearance, they wear bold colors like red, purple, gold and black. Feminine colors, prints, and florals are rarely worn by a femme fatale. Whether curly or straight, their hair is sleek and smooth looking. While they have a masculine confidence about them, all their physical movements are feminine and alluring. Out of all these types, the Femme Fatale is the most rare. In our modern day, the femme fatale would be the lady who is impeccably groomed at all times. Nails, hair and outfit have to be neat and attractive. This type is often found in businesswomen, as their confidence, poise, and charisma are needed to succeed in the corporate world. To protect her privacy, the Femme Fatale is not about sharing the day-to-day of her life on social media, and often prefers a close-knit group of friends.
Not all Femme Fatales act introverted, they can be quite charming and still love to be out-and-about. Rita Hayworth’s Gilda is the perfect example of this. She loves performing on stage and dancing at parties. Only when it comes to personal relationships does she tend to be mysterious and private.
Top 3 Words to Describe the Femme Fatale: Confident, Striking, Serene
Top Colors of the Femme Fatale: Red, Black, Deep Green, Gold
Top Movies of the Femme Fatale: Gilda (1946), To Have and Have Not (1944), The Big Sleep (1946)
Top Song of the Femme Fatale: Amado Mio
Other Femme Fatales: Veronica Lake in all her films, Joan Crawford in her earlier films, or Barbara Streisand in “Double Indemnity”
Girl Next Door
No one embodies the Girl Next Door Personality better than Judy Garland. Her character was sweet, demure, and sometimes shy. While she didn’t exude sophistication, she had a loveliness that made her charming. Always eager to please and be a friend to everyone, you’ll always find her smiling and in a good mood. Judy was never a big city type. The chaos and business was too overwhelming. Rather, the small-town pace of life was where she could thrive and enjoy herself. Her style was filled with beautiful prints, simple cuts, and ruffles. A classic white collared shirt, gingham day dress, and lacey peter pan collar are all a part of her wardrobe. Her clothing might be simple, but the sparkle in her eyes and eagerness is her voice make her absolutely beautiful. These girls don’t always have the extroverted qualities of The Golden Girl type, and often love hands-on activities like baking chocolate chip cookies, or re-decorating spots in their house. They love bringing beauty to their homes. The modern day Girl Next Door, can be found in the girl that loves trips to the home decor store and always has her favorite recipes on hand. She is not into buying expensive, designer pieces, but rather looks for clothing at thrift stores or small-businesses. Joanna Gaines is most likely her favorite celebrity, and she takes the time to enjoy the aesthetics of every season.
This gal has a tendency to be overlooked at first, but ALWAYS manages to prove her doubters wrong when she knocks them dead in a stunning dress. This type might be more of a homebody, but loves to spend time with her closest friends. I know I mentioned above that they are not very extroverted, but they won’t pass up a party as long as they’ll know a few people there 🙂
Top 3 Words to Describe the Girl Next Door: Sweet, Simple, Lovely
Top Colors of the Girl Next Door: Bright blue, White, Mint green, Bright and Light pinks, Brown
Top Movies of the Girl Next Door: Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), Babes on Broadway (1941), The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Top Song of the Girl Next Door: Zing Went the Strings of My Heart
Other Girl Next Door Types: Jane Powell in “A Date with Judy” and Debbie Reynolds in “Tammy and the Bachelor”
Charming Elegant
Jeanette MacDonald is the epitome of the Charming Elegant personality. While Jeanette has a welcoming sophisticated charm, she is down-to-earth, outgoing, and friendly to all. Her character is warm and pleasant, but can get very saucy when irritated. She loves to class it up at an opera or party, but is also down for a casual restaurant or pub. Jeanette had this openness and smile that made anyone feel that they could approach her. If anyone is in need of a talk or a listening ear, she is right by their side. Ruffles, florals, and curls are the signature details found in her look. She might don a classic styles from time-to-time, but prefers to keep her clothing romantic and feminine. Her preferred colors are not bold or daring, but soft and feminine. The modern day Charming Elegant is often very similar to a grand-millennial. They’ll always have shopping recommendations for you, but never follow any fashion fads or trends. You’ll find her excelling in any job where people skills are a must-have. She’s the kind of gal that will plan the best bridal showers and birthday parties, and never misses a detail. Like the Girl Next Door type, they love making beautiful spaces.
The Charming Elegant may not have the same timeless look as someone like Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn, but she radiates a style that is girly, floral and beautiful. This type loves to giggle, and loves to hang out with anyone who can make her laugh.
Top 3 Words to Describe the Charming Elegant: Feminine, Amiable, Joyful
Top Colors of the Charming Elegant: Light Pink, White, Light Blues, Light Yellow
Top Movies of the Charming Elegant: Naughty Marietta (1935), Maytime (1937), Sweethearts (1938)
Top Song of the Charming Elegant: Chansonette
Other Charming Elegant Types: Ginger Rogers in “Top Hat” and Irene Dunne in “The Awful Truth”
Simple Classic
This style is for the girl who doesn’t like to mess around with the frills and skirts. Why mess around with clothes when there were so many things to do? Katharine Hepburn is the perfect embodiment of a practical style that still has a classic look. She was blunt in her opinions and always spoke her mind. Her characters were always independent and exuded confidence. No matter the environment, goofing off and having a grand time was on the forefront of her mind. Katharine’s mannerisms were not prim or proper, but whimsical and lively. Her look may at times see boy-ish, but her wardrobe still held pieces with sparkles, tulle, and polka dots. If she were to wear something girly, it had to be fun! Instead of spending time perfecting a multitude of hairstyles, she kept it simple with a signature curled hair-do. In today’s world, you’ll find these girls are the headstrong ones of your peer group. They have the confidence of the femme fatale, but they are not as discreet or private. They’ll love chatting about the latest current events, and will often have a lot of male friendships. Simple classics have very decided opinions, and are the biggest dreamers you’ll ever meet!
A woman eager to succeed professionally, Katharine was the perfect person to play Jo March in the 1933 Little Women movie. Her boisterous personality, opinionated personality makes her stand out from her crowd.
Top 3 Words to Describe the Simple Classic: Utilitarian, Lively, Practical
Top Colors of the Simple Classic: Beige, Army green, Black
Top Movies of the Simple Classic: The Philadelphia Story (1933), His Girl Friday (1940), Bringing Up Baby (1938), Little Women (1933)
Top Song of the Simple Classic: It’s a Good Day
Other Simple Classics: Rosalind Russel in “His Girl Friday”
The Blonde (or Brunette) Bombshell
Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russel from the film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes set the perfect standard for the Bombshell Type. Marilyn exudes an ultra-feminine air, and Jane keeps it sarcastic and casual. Two different personalities wrapped up into one category. The Bombshell wonderful at small talk and has no problem becoming a stranger’s best friend. She loves being out-and-about at parties, clothing stores, events etc. She is full of friendliness, and always strives to make the best first impression. No matter the occasion, feminine dress is always worn. Unlike some the previous styles we’ve discussed, this feminine look is not at all subtle. Bombshells love bright, beautiful colors like hot pink, bright blue, shimmering gold, and alluring red. Accessories like furs and statement earrings are also beloved by bombshells. If they are not wearing a particularly eye-catching color, the fit is always tailored to highlight their hourglass figures. The modern day Bombshells always love to be sociable. They love their spray tans and fake lashes, and put a lot of effort into their makeup look. They’ll never be caught dead in sweat pants or graphic tees, and love keeping up on the latest Kardashian news. Bombshells love to shop at the mall with groups of friends, and love documenting moments on Instagram. Since they put time and effort into their appearance, they might as well be out and about!
While Bombshells get a wrap for being ditzy, many are actually intelligent, well-spoken, and even a bit snarky. If you watch some of my movie suggestions down below, you’ll be able to see all the different Bombshell personalities!
Top 3 Words to Describe the Bombshell Babe: Glamourous, Voluptuous, Alluring
Top Colors of the Bombshell Babe: Red, Hot Pink, Deep Purple
Top Movies of the Bombshell Babe: Gentlemen Prefer Blonde’s (1953), How to Marry a Millionaire (1953), Cover Girl (1944)
Top Song of the Bombshell Babe: Oh, Pretty Woman
Other Bombshell Babe Types: Jayne Mansfield, Elizabeth Taylor, Brigitte Bardot
Golden Girl
With a winning smile and heart of gold, Doris Day is the epitome of American’s Golden Girl Personality. Having that American drive to succeed, she is driven to perfect any task that is set before her. Enjoying life is of the upmost importance, and keeps up a cheerful disposition. From family to new friends, she always remains loyal and grateful to the people who help her throughout her life. Doris’s laugh and smile brightens anyone’s day. Though her style might give you a small-town Americana vibe, her exuberance enables her to thrive in the big city as well as the country. She keeps it colorful in her fabrics, but classic in her silhouettes. A good red white and blue color combo is also a winning favorite for this gal. Her look is distinctly American, and is a reminder of style from former days. The modern day Golden Girls, are always the encouragers and go-getters. They are the gals who act polite upon first meeting, but get quirkier as they warm up to you! Sports and competitive activities are some of their favorites pastimes; they cannot pass up a good competition! In spite of their determination, they are always good natured and will be the first to offer congratulations. Golden Girls are always up for trying that new restaurant, venturing on a new hiking path, or baking a new recipe. They don’t let the fear of failure faze them, and encourage others to be bold as well!
Top 3 Words to Describe the Golden Girl: Colorful, Classic, Delightful
Top Colors of the Golden Girl: Any color that is bright and fun 🙂
Top Movies of the Golden Girl: Tea For Two (1950), Lullaby of Broadway (1951), On Moonlight Bay (1951)
Top Song of the Golden Girl: You’re Getting to Be a Habit with Me
Other Golden Girl types: Lucille Ball in “I Love Lucy” and Donna Reed in “The Donna Reed Show”
Timeless Lady
She walks into a room, and all eyes go to her. She looks like she stepped from the cover of the 1955 issue of Vogue, yet her style blends in perfectly with the society of today. The Timeless Lady Personality is the most classic of all styles. I guarantee that 50 years from now this style will still be as revered as it is today. The Timeless Lady is lovely, demure and never aloof. Her smile brightens up your day, and her conversations are always charming. Ladies like Audrey and Grace put you at ease with their friendliness. Though they might be just as nervous in social situations, they will always put their best face forward. Unlike some of our previous personality types, these ladies can be more introverted. Though their personalities are not boisterous, their style leaves a lasting impression. Their look can be very simple, but elegant and timeless. While they are known for more neutral colors, the dresses of Grace and Audrey can become very feminine ad colorful with layers of tulle, bright florals, and intricate embroidery. Some of their style elements blend in with the Charming Elegant type, but the Timeless Lady personality isn’t as exuberant. The modern-day Timeless Classic lady will never let you feel out of place. They are willing to be friends with anyone no matter their social standing or popularity. These are always the gals who are well-liked and well-thought-of. Sometimes in their quest to help others they can be a bit perfectionistic, but they are never too proud to admit their mistakes. Timeless Ladies love a good long book, quiet evenings with friends, or walks in the great outdoors. Though they may not be the most extroverted, they will never miss a party or any dressy occasion 🙂
Top 3 Words to Describe the Timeless Lady: Sophisticated, Neat, Graceful
Top Colors of the Timeless Lady: Black, White, Beige, Pastels
Top Movies of the Timeless Lady: Sabrina (1954), Funny Face (1957), High Society (1956),
Top Song of the Timeless Lady: La Vie En Rose
Other types of Timeless Lady Types: Dorothy Dandrige in “Island in the Sun”
I hope you enjoyed learning about the different Hollywood Female personalities! Just as an fyi, I totally understand that a lot of these women struggled with issues off-camera. These personality types are based on their movie personas, rather than their behavior in real life. We have such a beautiful array of personalities that is is impossible for me to pick a fav! Tell me in the comments or DM me on Instagram and let me know which personality YOU are!