Priscilla Presley is a name that resonates not only for her personal life, especially her relationship with the legendary Elvis Presley, but also for her remarkable sense of style. Over the decades, she has been a fashion icon, her looks evolving with the times while maintaining a distinct charm. This article delves deep into Priscilla Presley’s fashion journey, exploring her iconic looks, the styles that defined different eras of her life, and her lasting influence on the fashion world.
Early Beginnings: The Innocent and Preppy Look
Meeting Elvis: A Style Spark
Priscilla Beaulieu was just a young girl when she met Elvis Presley in Germany. At that tender age, her style was that of a typical teenage girl of the 1960s, with a touch of preppy elegance. She often wore figure – flattering printed dresses. These dresses were usually in bright, cheerful colors and featured floral or geometric patterns. Paired with them were mini capes, which added a sophisticated and stylish element. Elbow – length leather gloves were a common accessory, giving her look a touch of glamour. A sparkly chunky bangle on her wrist and an oversized clutch completed the ensemble, making her look far more mature and put – together than her years. This preppy style was not only a reflection of her personal taste but also a nod to the fashion trends of the time. The 1960s was a decade of emerging youth culture, and Priscilla’s look captured the essence of a young girl on the cusp of adulthood, eager to make a mark with her style.
Influence of the 1960s Youth Culture
The youth culture of the 1960s was a powerful force in shaping fashion. There was a move away from the more formal and traditional styles of the previous decades. Young people were embracing new and exciting ways of dressing, and Priscilla was no exception. The printed dresses she wore were part of a larger trend of bold, eye – catching patterns that were becoming popular among the youth. The mini capes, a relatively new and stylish addition to the fashion scene, were a symbol of the changing times. They added a sense of drama and flair to an otherwise simple dress. Elvis, being a huge star, also had an impact on Priscilla’s style. His presence in her life meant that she was constantly in the public eye, and she needed to dress in a way that was both fashionable and appropriate for her new status as Elvis’s girlfriend. This led her to refine her preppy look, making it more polished and suitable for the glamorous world she was now a part of. The Elvis – Era Glamour: Signature Styles and Iconic Looks
The Bouffant and Cat – Eye Look
One of Priscilla’s most recognizable looks from the Elvis – era was her signature black bouffant hairstyle and sharp cat – eye makeup. This look became synonymous with her and was a staple of the 1960s beauty and fashion scene. The bouffant, a large, voluminous hairstyle, was not only fashionable but also added to her height and presence. It was a statement hairstyle that required a lot of effort to maintain, with hairspray and teasing to create the perfect shape. The sharp cat – eye makeup, with its bold lines and winged tips, emphasized her eyes and gave her a sultry, sophisticated look. This makeup style was inspired by the Hollywood glamour of the time and was worn by many of the leading ladies in the entertainment industry. Priscilla’s version of the cat – eye was particularly striking, and it complemented her bouffant hairstyle perfectly, creating an overall look that was both elegant and alluring.
Iconic Dresses of the Time
The Wedding Gown
Perhaps the most iconic dress in Priscilla’s wardrobe was her wedding gown. When she married Elvis in 1967, she wore an A – line style dress with lace sleeves and pearl details. The dress was a vision of elegance and sophistication, with a long, flowing veil that added to the drama of the occasion. The A – line shape was a popular choice for wedding dresses at the time, as it was flattering on most body types and gave a sense of grace and poise. The lace sleeves were a delicate and feminine touch, and the pearl details added a touch of luxury. The dress was not overly elaborate, but its simplicity and classic design made it a timeless beauty. Even today, brides still look to Priscilla’s wedding dress for inspiration, as it represents a perfect example of a vintage – inspired wedding look.
The Sheath Dress with Bow
Another iconic dress from this era was the sheath dress with a dramatic, oversized bow. This dress was a perfect combination of style and elegance. The sheath dress, which hugs the body’s curves, was a popular style in the 1960s. Priscilla’s version was elevated by the addition of the large bow, which was placed at the front or back of the dress, depending on the design. The bow was not only a decorative element but also a symbol of femininity and charm. It added a touch of playfulness to the otherwise sleek and sophisticated sheath dress. Paired with T – strap Mary – Jane pumps and a beaded bag, this look was perfect for a formal occasion, whether it was a night out with Elvis or an event in the glamorous world of show business.
The Barbie – Pink Dress
Priscilla was also ahead of her time with her choice of a barbie – pink dress. This bright, bold color was not commonly seen in women’s fashion at the time, but Priscilla wore it with confidence and style. The dress may have been a simple design, but the color made it a statement piece. The pink dress was a symbol of Priscilla’s willingness to take risks with her fashion choices. It set her apart from the crowd and showed that she was not afraid to be bold and different. This look was also a reflection of the changing attitudes towards color in fashion, as the 1960s saw a move towards more vibrant and daring hues.
Post – Divorce Transformation: Adapting to a New Era
After her divorce from Elvis in the early 1970s, Priscilla’s style underwent a significant transformation. She ditched her signature bouffant hairstyle and intense eye makeup. Instead, she opted for a voluminous blowout, which was a more natural and relaxed look. The blowout gave her hair a soft, flowing texture, and it was a departure from the more structured and formal bouffant. In terms of makeup, she moved towards a more natural glam look. The bold cat – eye makeup was replaced with a more subtle, understated look that emphasized her natural features. This change in hairstyle and makeup was not only a reflection of the changing fashion trends of the 1970s but also a sign of Priscilla’s new – found independence and freedom.
Fashion Changes: Embracing the Hippie and Boho Styles.
The Patchwork Dress
With the shift in her personal life, Priscilla also embraced new fashion trends. One of the styles she adopted was the hippie and boho look, which was very popular in the 1970s. She was often seen wearing a patchwork dress, which was a key element of this style. The patchwork dress was made up of different pieces of fabric sewn together, creating a unique and colorful design. These dresses were usually loose – fitting and comfortable, which was in line with the more laid – back attitude of the hippie movement. Priscilla’s patchwork dress may have been paired with suede boots and a suede crossbody bag, completing the bohemian look. This style was a far cry from the glamorous and formal looks she had worn during her time with Elvis, but it suited her new lifestyle and the changing times.
The Canadian Tuxedo with a Twist
Later in the 1970s, Priscilla was also one of the early adopters of the Canadian tuxedo look, which is essentially a head – to – toe denim outfit. However, she put her own spin on it. Her version featured rhinestones on the denim, which added a touch of glamour and sparkle. She also paired it with a bright red shirt for a pop of color. This look was a perfect example of Priscilla’s ability to take a trend and make it her own. The addition of the rhinestones and the red shirt elevated the otherwise casual Canadian tuxedo, making it more suitable for a night out or a social event. It showed that she was still fashion – forward, even as she navigated life after her high – profile marriage.
Later Years: Sophistication and Timeless Elegance
The Monochrome Look
In her later years, Priscilla continued to make fashion statements. One of the looks she was often seen wearing was the monochrome look. She would don a head – to – toe white outfit, which exuded sophistication and elegance. A fitted blazer was paired with matching trousers, creating a sleek and polished silhouette. To add some texture to the look, she might wear a tweed baker boy cap. The monochrome look is a classic style that never goes out of fashion, and Priscilla wore it with confidence and grace. It was a reflection of her refined taste and her ability to look stylish at any age.
Power Suits and Professional Chic
Priscilla also embraced power suits in the 1980s and beyond. These suits were characterized by their sharp lines, structured jackets, and matching pants. She would often wear them with a blouse underneath, and the overall look was one of professionalism and authority. Power suits were a popular choice for women in the business world during this time, and Priscilla’s adoption of this style showed that she was not only a fashion icon but also a successful businesswoman. She would accessorize her power suits with simple yet elegant jewelry, such as a pair of pearl earrings or a delicate necklace, adding a touch of femininity to the otherwise masculine – inspired look.
Influence on Fashion and Pop Culture
Fashion Trends Inspired by Priscilla
Priscilla’s fashion choices have had a lasting impact on fashion trends. Her iconic looks, such as the wedding gown, the sheath dress with a bow, and the bouffant hairstyle, have been referenced and replicated in modern fashion. Designers often draw inspiration from her classic and timeless styles, incorporating elements of her looks into their collections. For example, the A – line wedding dress with lace and pearl details is still a popular choice among brides today. The sheath dress with a bow has also made a comeback in recent years, with designers adding their own modern twists to the classic design. Priscilla’s bold use of color, such as the barbie – pink dress, has also inspired designers to be more daring with their color choices.
Pop Culture References
Priscilla’s style has also been referenced in pop culture. In movies, TV shows, and music videos, characters have been dressed in looks that are reminiscent of Priscilla’s iconic styles. Artists and celebrities often pay homage to her by wearing outfits that are inspired by her. For instance, in the world of music, some female artists have adopted Priscilla’s cat – eye makeup and bouffant hairstyle for their performances or music videos. In the film industry, costume designers have used Priscilla’s looks as inspiration for period – piece movies set in the 1960s and 1970s. Her influence can also be seen in the fashion choices of characters in TV shows that are set in the same eras.
Conclusion
Priscilla Presley’s fashion journey has been a remarkable one, spanning several decades and evolving with the times. From her early preppy looks as a young girl to her glamorous Elvis – era styles, her post – divorce transformation, and her sophisticated later – year looks, she has always been a fashion icon. Her ability to adapt to different fashion trends while maintaining her own unique sense of style is truly commendable. Whether it was wearing a classic wedding gown, a trendy patchwork dress, or a powerful suit, Priscilla always looked confident and stylish. Her influence on fashion and pop culture is undeniable, and her iconic looks continue to inspire designers, artists, and fashion – lovers around the world. As we look back on her fashion evolution, it is clear that Priscilla Presley’s style is not just a reflection of the eras she lived in but also a testament to her personal taste, confidence, and individuality. She will always be remembered as one of the most stylish women in the history of fashion, and her legacy will continue to shape the way we dress and think about fashion for years to come.
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