In Photos: Katharine Hepburn's Old-Hollywood Glamour
Prepare yourself for some killer pant suits.
Katharine Hepburn was the kind of woman who could look as elegant in trousers as in a dress. One of the first women who dared to wear menswear and a style icon all throughout, we remember the late actress with her best looks through the years.
1911
Katharine Hepburn was born on May 12, 1907 in Hartford, Connecticut. Here, she proves that her sense of style started at a young age, as she dons a hat and peacoat at the age of 4.
1921
The actress poses for a portrait at the age 14 in a classic black shirt and a simple necklace. After high school, she attended Bryn Mawr College near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which is where she caught the acting bug.
1932
After college, she acted on Broadway in New York City for several years. But her big break came when a 25-year-old Hepburn signed a studio contract with RKO pictures and starred in her first film, A Bill of Divorcement. Here, the actress looks the part of a Hollywood leading lady, wearing a cap sleeve satin dress for one of the film's promotional shoots.
1933
Hepburn reclines on a chaise lounge in an off-the-shoulder black evening gown. The actress is preparing for her role in the Broadway play, The Lake.
1934
The Hollywood actress gives a glamorous profile shot in 1934. With her hair pulled back into a black cloth turban, Hepburn only gives glimpse of a patterned scarf around her neck.
1934
The young actress poses on an iron lawn chair while wearing a frilly chiffon checkered evening gown.
1934
Hepburn looks chic as she poses for a portrait in 1934. The actress paired a slim long sleeve black top with a white chiffon scarf and a layered jewel necklace.
1934
Stepping out in New York City, the newly found Hollywood star wears a striking double-buttoned jacket over a matching dress. Hepburn topped off the look with a black fascinator.
1935
Hepburn models a quilted gold pajama robe during a photoshoot in 1935. The actress paired the look with open toed heels and a wide leg pant, which would soon become her signature.
1935
While studying her script on the set of Sylvia Scarlett, Hepburn dresses in menswear for her role. The actress, who favored pants throughout her career, paired slacks with a sports coat, bowtie, and fedora.
1935
Hepburn smokes a cigarette while wearing an embroidered high collared coat in 1935.
1935
In a glamorous shot, Hepburn models a low-cut evening gown. The white chiffon dress steals the show with buttoned sleeves and an intricate sequin design.
1935
Hepburn serves up a sporty chic look as she plays a tennis match in 1935. The actress adheres to court dress code, wearing a white jumper over a white short sleeve turtleneck.
1935
Hepburn leans against a column on an elegant veranda. The actress wears a billowing striped evening gown, complete with a high neck bow tie for a dramatic touch.
1935
Hepburn looks polished as she departs a plane in New York City in 1935. The actress, who carries a script, among other personal items in her arms, wears a white collared shirt underneath a fitted black overcoat.
1936
While posing for a publicity photoshoot for the film Mary of Scotland, Hepburn wears a beret with a tall feather pinned to the side. The actress pairs the accessory with a high collared jacket, oversized broach, and sleek leather gloves.
1937
With curlers in her hair, Hepburn looks rather casual in a button-down shirt and belted slacks. The actress, who pushed back against her studio's dress code policy, enjoyed a casual moment on set.
1938
Hepburn gives the camera a sultry stare while reclining in a draped ensemble. The actress had just released one of her most beloved films, Bringing Up Baby.
1938
The actress on set with her pet poodle in 1938. Hepburn kept things casual in a black turtleneck, slacks, and a wool blazer with a patterned pocket square.
1938
Hepburn is photographed from above to showcase the full pleated skirt on her evening gown. The actress's frame is complimented by the unique belt on the dress.
Jennifer Algoo is the Visuals Director at Harper's BAZAAR. She is a graduate of the School of Visual Arts and has previously worked at Patrick McMullan Co. as well as completing internships at Martha Stewart Weddings, Vogue and CosmoGirl! Magazine. Jennifer covers royal, celeb and art content as well as overseeing all visual assets on BAZAAR.com. When she's not obsessing over the royals you can find her attempting to solve cold cases as an armchair detective, traveling and experimenting with new recipes.
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