Few actresses defined Hollywood glamour like Lana Turner. Rising to fame in the late 1930s and dazzling audiences throughout the 1940s and 1950s, she was one of MGM’s brightest stars. Her polished style, flawless hair and sultry screen presence made her an icon whose influence is still felt in red carpet looks today.
Key Fashion Elements
Lana Turner’s fashion was all about elegance and allure. She balanced red carpet drama with everyday chic, always maintaining a polished and feminine silhouette.
Satin and sequinned Gowns
Turner was often photographed in gowns that clung to her curves and shimmered with every step. A pale satin gown in Ziegfeld Girl (1941) is a classic example, with its slinky cut and sweetheart neckline that captured glamour and sensuality.
Strapless and off the shoulder dresses
Strapless and off-the-shoulder dresses became a Lana Turner signature. She wore fitted cocktail dresses with this cut to show off her shoulders, adding simple jewellery so the dress remained the focus.
Pencil Skirts and Sweaters
Lana popularised the “sweater girl” look – figure hugging cashmere or angora sweaters paired with slim pencil skirts. This off-screen style became so iconic that she was credited with making the combination a post-war fashion craze.
Tailored Suits and Coats
For meetings and daytime appearances, Turner loved fitted suits and belted wool coats. She often chose pastels or whites that complemented her platinum blonde hair, keeping the look sharp but feminine.
Pearls and Diamonds
Accessories were understated but glamorous. A single strand of pearls, or diamond earrings paired with a sleek clutch, finished her look. Her jewellery was never overdone, it enhanced her style rather than competing with it.
Strappy Evening Heels
On the red carpet, Turner often wore delicate high heeled sandals in satin or metallic tones. For less formal occasions, she turned to classic pumps in black or nude leather to elongate her legs.
Hair and Makeup Guide: How to recreate Lana Turner’s Beauty Look
Hair
Platinum blonde waves became Lana Turner’s signature. Soft, glamorous, and perfectly styled.
How to achieve the look:
- Start with clean, dry hair.
- Use a large, barrel curling iron or hot rollers to create loose curls. Follow the curling pattern below to ensure that your curls fall the right way. Pin curls up while they cool.
- When completely cool, brush through gently to form soft waves.
- Part hair deeply to the side and tuck the smaller section behind your ear.
- Finish with a light mist of hairspray for a smooth, polished hold.
Makeup
Lana’s makeup is what comes to mind when you think classic Hollywood, bold and feminine.
How to recreate her makeup:
- Apply a matte foundation and set with powder for a flawless base.
- Defined brows with a slim, arched shape. Don’t make it too thick, but make sure it’s sculpted.
- Sweep a neutral, light coloured eyeshadow over the entire eyelid, add winged eyeliner and finish with mascara for dramatic.
- Sweep a soft pink or peach blush over the apples of your cheeks to add subtle warmth.
- Line your lips and sweep on a classic red or dusty pink lipstick in a satin finish.
Shop Lana Turner’s Look
You can capture Lana Turner’s timeless glamour with modern pieces that echo her wardrobe.
- Slip dresses and satin gowns: French Connection, Mint Velvet, Massimo Dutti
- Pencil skirts and Sweaters: Hobbs, Marks & Spencer, John Lewis
- Tailored Outerwear: Karen Millen, Hobbs, French Connection
- Accessories: Accessorize, Oliver Bonas, LK Bennett
- Shoes: LK Bennett, Linzi
Lana Turner’s style wasn’t just about satin gowns and red lipstick. She showed the world that glamour could be bold and feminine at the same time, and she carried it with confidence. Even now, her look is timeless, those silky dresses, the perfectly waved hair, and the touch of pearls would all be stylish today.