How to Dress like Ava Gardner

Ava Gardner in 1952

Ava Gardner was the epitome of a classic femme fetale. Born into poverty in small town within North Carolina, Garner was the youngest of seven children. After becoming a superstar she stated, "I was a country girl. I still have a country girl's rather simple and ordinary values." She was discovered at the age of 17 and later sent to MGM where she developed into one of the most famous screen sirens of all time. She would lead a life filled of intrigue and scandal, marrying three husbands: Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw and Frank Sinatra. She was also romantically connected to the likes of eccentric billionaire director and business man, Howard Hughes. Gardner was a talented actress that lead an extraordinary life and happened to have bombshell style.

Things You'll Need

• Long black dress
• Gloves
• Black heels
• Fitted blouse
• Wide waist belt
• A-Line skirt
• Fur or faux fur stole or jacket
• Floppy hat
• Leopard print bathing suit

Instructions

1. 

   Get her signature, iconic look. Gardner was starred as Kitty Collins in the film noir "The Killers" in 1946. The silver screen hit also established her reputation as a femme fetale. Draped in a seductive black dress, long sexy gloves and black strappy heels, this dangerous beauty was dressed to kill.

2. 

   Dress as a Spanish sex symbol. Gardner played a tumultuous Spanish actress, Maria Vargas, in "The Barefoot Contessa" during 1954. Some critics claim that this is the quintessential role of Gardner's career. Mimic her style by wearing fitted shirts, wide belts around the waist and figure-hugging A-line skirts.

3. 

   Wear fur. Not comfortable with genuine fur? Get faux fur. Gardner enjoyed wearing luxurious fur around husband number three, Frank Sinatra.

4. 

   Get a floppy hat. Gardner oozed Old Hollywood glamor in floppy hats.

5. 

   Awaken your inner animal. Gardner looked exotic and fierce modeling a leopard print bathing suit.

Resources

• Miss-Vintage.com: Ava Gardner
• Ava Gardner Slideshow