If you were to look up "classic style" in the dictionary, you'd certainly find Grace Kelly's name. The actress, who was known for films like Hitchcock's Rear Window, became the Princess of Monaco upon her marriage to Prince Rainier III in 1956. Of course, her style was more than befitting of her royal title. The epitome of elegance, Kelly favored streamlined, sophisticated pieces like crisp white button-down blouses, pretty embroidered dresses, one-piece swimsuits, tweed skirt suits, and more.
As classic as her style was, it was far from boring or predictable. She also threw in some sartorial curveballs, including a very '70s Pucci caftan, which she paired with a pink headwrap and beaded bag. Who wouldn't kill to wear that entire look? From work-appropriate pieces to vacation-ready items, scroll down to see how Grace Kelly styled six wardrobe basics and shop our picks for yourself.
White One-Piece Swimsuit
Photographed in the Cote d'Azur in 1955, the American actress-turned-royal looked thoroughly French in a classic white swimsuit with matching sunglasses and headband.
Button-Down Shirt, Red Lipstick, and Gold Jewelry
This striking 1955 portrait features a trifecta of perennially stylish basics, and you'd be wise to pair them all together for one perfect outfit.
Beaded Bag
Photographed at a swimming competition in Monte Carlo in 1972, Kelly looked like a '70s dream in her printed Pucci caftan and pink headwrap. Our favorite part of her outfit, however, is her very on-trend beaded bag.
Striped T-Shirt
The Getty Images caption charmingly calls this Kelly's "walking outfit" for a day in Palm Springs. Get yourself a striped T-shirt, high-waisted shorts, and ballet flats to emulate the timeless outfit.
Embroidered White Dress
In 1954, Kelly wore a sweet embroidered white dress on the set of her film The Swan. A whopping 65 years later, it's still an exceedingly chic wardrobe must-have.
Structured Bag
No, you don't need to own her namesake Hermès Kelly bag—any structured, top handle bag will do. Bonus points if you pair it with a classic tweed skirt suit.
Next: The 70-Year-Old Trends You're Still Wearing Today
-
Forget Wimbledon Whites—at Centre Court, *This* Was the Summer Shoe Color to Wear With DressesIt's not black either.
-
The Fashion Person's Guide to Buying a Designer Bag SecondhandReady, set, shop.
-
Don't Pack Up Your Sweaters Just Yet—Cool Fashion People Are Repurposing Them in the Chicest Way for SummerAll the outfit inspiration is inside.
-
Goodbye, Boring Basics—This Is the Elegant Trend New Yorkers Are Wearing With Tank Tops This SummerObsessed.
-
3 Aesthetic Pairings to Try If Your Wardrobe's Starting to Feel StaleFoolproof solutions.
-
Everyone in Monaco Looks Elegant, But Sofia Richie Grainge Outdid the Populace in This Black-Tie GownYou have to see this look.
-
I Can't Stand It When People Follow These Fashion Rules to a TIt's time to break the rules.
-
10 Style Tips That Will Make You Look Rich This SummerNumber four is already trending.
