Rita Hayworth Halloween Costume Ideas

Ladies, do you want to glam it up this year like a movie star from Hollywood's Golden Era? Do you want to be a glamour girl who's a little more refined than the sex kittenish Marilyn and just a little more seductive than the dainty Audrey? If so, than gorgeous Rita Hayworth is the ideal choice for such a costume! Here is a quick guide on how to achieve a classy, sexy costume in the style that is reminiscent of The Love Goddess.

Drop-dead gorgeous Rita was best known for her long, flowing red hair. If your hair is already this color (be it natural OR enhanced), then all you have to do is pin up the sides of your hair with bobby pins and curl the rest, fluffing it out for luxurious body. The Rita Hayworth Love Goddess Web site has some gorgeous pics of Rita's hairstyles which are very helpful visual aides to go by. Of course, if you AREN'T a redhead, then you must invest in a wig. Costumes shops around Halloween always carry a wide assortment of wigs in all colors and style, and you will want one that is long and wavy in a vibrant crimson!

For your outfit, I would go with either one of Rita's two most iconic looks: The long black strapless 'Gilda' dress with the long black gloves or the satin nightie she wore in the legendary Life Magazine pin-up shot. Creating either one of these looks is really quite easy and affordable. For the 'Gilda' costume, you will need a black strapless evening gown with a slit up the front. Most thrift stores carry old prom dresses in all styles and usually there is always a wide assortment of black ones, as they are often the most popular color. Accent the dress with black open-toed heels with ankle straps and a pair of long satin black gloves, and be sure at some point in the evening you do a seductive striptease by removing just one glove.

If you want to go the more daring route, then Rita's famous Life magazine pin-up shot is the perfect knock-out choice! The famous shot of Rita all in satin was every soldier's favorite during the second World War and it is one of the most recognizables images of the 1940s. For this look you will need a white satin nightgown trimmed with black lace around the bodice. Victoria's Secret or the online lingerie shop Secrets in Lace carry beautiful satin nightgowns with a retro look. If you are unable to find a white one, then a pink or lavender one would work as well (the photograph was in black and white and most people do not know the actual color of the nightgown which was white, so it's ok to play with colors on this one). Finish the look with a pair of black open-toed high heels and make sure your nails are long and painted red (Rita's other trademark were her long, fire engine red fingernails). Just be careful though, dressed as every serviceman's fantasy is likely to cause World War 3 to break out.

As for your make-up, keep it simple but be sure you have those bright red movie star lips. Rita's look was ultra-glamourous, but not overdone. Her most memorable facial feature was her smile, so be sure you flash that pretty smile of yours all night long and carry yourself with class and style. Rita may have been every man's fantasy girl, but on the inside the real Rita was a sweet, shy lady who was just the girl next door. Remember the classy lady you are representing, and do her proud this Halloween!