Throwback Pics Of Old Hollywood Stars Showing Off Their Summer Style

Nobody embodies the philosophy of "work hard, play hard" quite like a movie star. Sure, the filming shoots and publicity photocalls may be long and stressful, but at least they're usually in an idyllic location full of sand, sun, and fun. If not, the kinds of salaries such movie star status affords them means they can afford lavish vacations on exotic islands you might not have even heard of, let alone know how to pronounce. And being in such exotic climates gives the perfect excuse to break out the summer fashion haul.

These days, it's not hard to guess what your favorite celebrity will be wearing in the surf: not a lot. No matter how stylish the star, many tend to wear the same bikini trends you see everywhere, with only the strappy sandals and sheer coverups changing. Old Hollywood stars, however, had to get a little more creative with their summer style, and while they might raise eyebrows on the beach today, the results were always interesting and we can't get enough of the incredible looks.

Many of Audrey Hepburn's most iconic outfits are still so chic today, though this one might be a little more divisive than most. It's the wide woven sunhat that serves as the potential, um, point of contention here. It's definitely not a style that you see a lot today, but Hepburn was such an elfin beauty that it works for her. Perhaps she was simply channeling the Swiss appreciation of garden gnomes, as this photo was taken on a lake in Switzerland. It helps that the rest of her outfit, including an airy white sweater and checkered shorts, is unimpeachable.

While Elizabeth Taylor might not have chosen the outfit she's wearing in this 1959 photo herself, as she's in costume on the set of "Suddenly, Last Summer," the look is classic Liz. While others may opt for brighter sunshiney colors in the summertime, she knew how stunning she looked in richer shades like this deep green, and she was never afraid to reach for them. The sheer scarf and metallic jewelry are pure European summer, befitting the Spanish setting of the film adaptation of Tennessee Williams's play.

Meanwhile, Bette Davis went full summer between takes on the set of 1937's "That Certain Woman." At a nearby pool, she ditched the sumptuous robes and suits she wore in the film in favor of a romper-style swimsuit in a palm tree print, with a V-neck ending in straps tied behind the head, as was the fashion at the time. She completed the retro look with a bandanna reminiscent of Rosie the Riveter and round sunglasses that unfortunately hid those Bette Davis eyes as they stylishly protected them.

Nobody could pull off a matching set like Grace Kelly. The princess went incognito in Saint-Tropez in sparkling metallic oversized sunglasses. She wore a neutral scarf over her signature blond hair that matched her drop-shouldered cover-up, bedecked with hip pockets and toggle closures. She carried what appears to be a towel or blanket, beautifully crocheted with intricate patterns, and a vintage bucket bag. The look was finished with cork wedge platform sandals, with a delightfully Summerweeny spiderweb-like pattern.

Marilyn Monroe is usually associated with more sensual fashion, but she was no stranger to a sundress. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony at New York City's Time and Life Building in July 1957, Monroe showed her softer side in a simple white cotton dress with a lace bodice, wide ruffled straps, and a fine pleated skirt. She never let "down home" turn into "dumpy," however, proven here with the matching skinny belt that accentuated her waist, which was always a top priority for Monroe and her stylists.

Ava Gardner was another star known for her bombshell getups, but she was no-nonsense on a day-off excursion while filming "The Barefoot Contessa" in Italy in 1954. Her hair, bobbed from its '40s lengths, flowed freely in the Riviera wind, and she wore only a pair of high-waisted shorts and a crisp white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, ready to get down to work on the sails. No boat shoes for this screen goddess — she went totally barefoot out on the waves.

No swimming for Judy, apparently. Perhaps MGM wouldn't allow one of their most profitable child stars to be photographed in a swimsuit, even well into adolescence, but Garland still looked lovely in a puff-sleeved, gathered-neck white top and a pleated mini skirt, held up by a skinny metallic belt as she dangled her legs from a diving board. Like Gardner, she didn't wear shoes — that would just be ridiculous — allowing us a glimpse of an unexpectedly dark pedicure that, much like Judy Garland herself, was one of a kind.