Old Hollywood Updos for Modern Brides

Grace Kelly at the Oscars. Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Betty Grable in her iconic WWII pin-up photo. Billie Holiday at Carnegie Hall.

These women were talented, charismatic, and beautiful. They also had iconic hair. The kind that made photographers lean in closer and inspired international trends.

Fast forward to today, and brides are bringing that same red-carpet sophistication to their wedding looks. At our bridal accessories shop, women often come in planning to interpret the golden age of cinema's updos on their special day. 

Old Hollywood Updo Hairstyles for Brides

From the structured elegance of a French twist to a pompadour, these are vintage updos helped define an era—and still look stunning.

The French Twist

You know that iconic updo with a delicate tiara worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's? That's a French Twist, and it absolutely screams sophistication. This updo style is created by gathering all your hair and twisting it vertically, then securing it into a sleek roll.

The French twist works beautifully on nearly every face shape and hair type. It's polished without being stuffy, and it photographs incredibly well from every angle.

Accessorizing the French Twist: Audrey rocked a diadem, and we'd love to see the look paired with a pearl and crystal tiara! However, there are other options. You could place a crystal hair comb alongside the twist, or arc a flexible bridal hair vine around it.

High Bun with Waves

Lucille Ball brought drama and personality to everything she did, including her hair. Throughout her career, she wore high, voluminous updos piled with curls and height, creating that show-stopping presence she was known for. While in I Love Lucy her hair was a touch more casual, her updos for other projects were some of the most queenly around—like the one below, which channels iconic Veronica Lake waves into something utterly sensational.

Accessorizing the High Bun with Volume: The sleek drama and polished rolls are made for statement pieces. A crystal halo encircling your head or hair vines woven around the sculptured curls would be breathtaking.We think a dazzling bridal headband positioned at an angle (almost like a tiara) would work beautifully too.

Pompadour Updo

One of the most popular pin-up stars of the 1940s, Betty Grable's pompadour updo had a following all its own. Defined by a dramatic roll at the front with an updo at the back, it's one of those wedding day hairstyles that's ready for a close-up!

This old Hollywood updo is ripe for modern interpretation. In fact, more than one of our brides have used it as inspiration.

Accessorizing the Pompadour Updo: A sparkling hair vine is sensational placed above the ear. However, we love a face-accenting crystal hair comb tucked asymmetrically in front!

The Gardenia Updo

Jazz legend Billie Holiday's signature style included an elegant updo adorned with fresh gardenias. Those white flowers tucked into her hair became a symbol of her sophistication and artistry. For brides, this romantic approach to accessorizing an updo translates beautifully into something even more special for a wedding day.

Accessorizing the Gardenia Updo: In place of fresh blooms, a crystal flower comb or a piece with crystals and porcelain flowers both capture Billie's feminine, romantic spirit.

Side Chignon with Face-Framing Curls

Grace Kelly epitomized elegance both on screen and off. Her side chignons were like her - timeless, and utterly graceful. This low bun sits to the side, while soft curls or waves frame the face, creating the perfect balance of structure and romance.

Accessorizing the Side Chignon: A crystal hair comb positioned near the chignon creates a gorgeous focal point. A dainty hair vine would be lovely curving around the bun. Another option would be a delicate headband with a regal motif – after all, Grace Kelly did become royalty!

Bringing Old Hollywood Updo Glamour to Your Wedding Day

The beauty of these vintage updos is how well they work with different wedding styles. Wearing a ballgown? A pompadour updo adds drama. Going for something romantic and garden-inspired? The gardenia updo is perfection. Want classic elegance? Grace Kelly's side chignon delivers every time.

And when you pair your wedding hairstyle with the right headpiece, you complete the look with that polished, red-carpet finish that defines Old Hollywood style.

Ready to find the perfect hair accessories for your vintage-inspired wedding day look? Browse our collection of headpieces, or visit us at our NYC wedding accessories boutique to try them in person.