Taylor Swift Co-Signs The Return Of Glamorous, Pinned-Back Old Hollywood Hair

The world's wealthiest woman musician has proven time and again that she's a wizard when it comes to building a mystery, whether it's the Easter eggs she drops in her lyrics and promotional materials or her luxurious hairstyles. In September 2026, Taylor Swift's post-wedding haircut brought her previously flowing strands just below shoulder length hit the headlines, and she made waves (figuratively and literally) at the Academy Museum Gala on October 17 with Old Hollywood, romantic curls that seemed to end at the bottom of her neck. Had she gotten another chop? Apparently not. She was seen the next day at a Kansas City Chiefs game with her previous length, suggesting her stylist has some magic tricks of their own.

Taylor Hill & Frazer Harrison/Getty

Whatever the case, Swift's Academy Museum Gala style was pure Old Hollywood glamour. The lush blond waves pinned back behind her ears call to mind Rita Hayworth in her "Gilda" days, while the dense, sideswept bangs are reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn. Combined with an icy silver-blue Dior gown, diamond and platinum jewelry, and similarly shimmery silver and pink makeup, Swift would have fit right in on any red carpet in Hollywood history when she showed up at the fundraiser to perform her song, "I Knew It, I Knew You," from the movie "Toy Story 5." Clearly, Swift is a big fan of the timeless look that's got the famous and fabulous in a chokehold.

Taylor Swift is hardly the only celebrity giving vintage hair trends the comeback they deserve in 2026 or even at the Academy Museum Gala. Kim Kardashian's rounded ponytail, Emma Chamberlain's pin-curled pixie, and the golden waves spun by Elizabeth Debicki, Sabrina Carpenter, and Kate Hudson for the event all harken back to different but decidedly old schools. Earlier in the year, Selena Gomez and Ayo Edebiri showed up to the Golden Globes with bouncy bobs, while Teyana Taylor and Hailee Steinfeld went '30s with finger waves and a deep side part, respectively. Guests at the 2026 Grammy Awards were all about flowing waves, with a curly bob for Rosé and a bouffant-style updo for PinkPantheress.

Curious about dipping your toes in the waters of classic beauty? The great thing about these vintage hairstyles is that there's one for just about every length and texture of hair. Short hair looks great with pin curls, finger waves, or Jessie Buckley's pageboy Golden Globes style, depending on whether it's straight or curly, and bombshell waves are achievable for all textures of longer hair, from Steinfeld's gentle waves to Olivia Dean's thick Grammy curls. Just bring a photo of the one closest to your hair type to your stylist, and you'll be kicking it old school with the best of them in no time.