Sharon Tate Style: Unpacking The Enduring Allure Of A 60s Fashion Icon

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Sharon Tate sixties style icon | Tatler

Sharon Tate Style: Unpacking The Enduring Allure Of A 60s Fashion Icon

Sharon Tate sixties style icon | Tatler

There's just something about Sharon Tate's style that keeps us captivated, even decades later. Her look, a truly special blend of playful innocence and striking sophistication, still sparks interest among fashion lovers everywhere. It's a vibe that feels both very much of its time and, in a way, surprisingly current, too. She really was a trendsetter, creating looks that people still talk about and try to recreate today, which is pretty cool when you think about it.

Her very name, Sharon, carries a lovely meaning, rooted in the idea of a 'fertile plain' from ancient Hebrew. It suggests beauty, a kind of natural abundance, and a sense of peace, qualities that, you know, many felt she embodied in her public life and certainly in her unique fashion choices. It's almost like her personal essence shone through in the clothes she picked, making her style feel so authentic and, in some respects, timeless.

So, if you've ever wondered how to capture that distinct spirit, or simply want to appreciate the impact she had on what we wear, this article is for you. We'll explore the key elements that made her fashion truly memorable, giving you plenty of ideas to bring a touch of that iconic 1960s charm into your own world. It's a look that, honestly, just keeps giving.

Table of Contents

Who Was Sharon Tate? A Brief Look

Sharon Marie Tate was an American actress and model who rose to prominence in the 1960s. Born in Dallas, Texas, she began her career in modeling before transitioning to acting, making appearances in television shows and films. Her natural beauty and fresh demeanor quickly made her a notable figure in Hollywood. She was, in a way, a symbol of the swinging sixties, embodying much of the era's optimism and free spirit. Her personal story, too, is a significant part of her enduring legacy, adding a layer of poignant reflection to her public image.

She is perhaps best remembered for her performances in movies like "Valley of the Dolls" and "The Wrecking Crew." Beyond her acting roles, Sharon Tate became a fashion inspiration, someone whose choices on and off screen helped define a generation's look. Her presence, honestly, felt like a breath of fresh air in the entertainment world, and she quickly gathered many fans who admired her talent and her distinctive sense of dress.

Personal Details & Bio Data

Full NameSharon Marie Tate
BornJanuary 24, 1943
BirthplaceDallas, Texas, U.S.
DiedAugust 9, 1969 (aged 26)
OccupationActress, Model
SpouseRoman Polanski (m. 1968)
Notable Films"Valley of the Dolls," "The Fearless Vampire Killers," "The Wrecking Crew"

The Core Elements of Sharon Tate Style

Sharon Tate's style was, quite simply, a reflection of the vibrant 1960s, yet it had a personal touch that made it uniquely hers. It was a look that blended the mod influences of London with a Californian ease, creating something that felt both sophisticated and, you know, really approachable. Her fashion choices often highlighted her long, lean figure and her striking features, always with a hint of playfulness.

One of the defining characteristics was her embrace of youthfulness without sacrificing elegance. She often wore garments that were short and breezy, yet she managed to make them look incredibly chic, not just casual. This balance, in a way, is what makes her style so appealing even now; it's a look that feels light and free but still very put-together. She seemed to understand, pretty instinctively, how to make clothes work for her, rather than the other way around.

Her overall aesthetic celebrated freedom and a certain carefree spirit, which was very much in tune with the cultural shifts happening at the time. Whether she was wearing a simple shift garment or a more elaborate ensemble for an event, her confidence shone through, making every piece look utterly fantastic on her. She truly had a knack for making fashion seem, well, effortless, which is a goal for many of us, honestly.

Iconic Hair: From Voluminous to Sleek

Sharon Tate's hair was, in a way, as much a part of her signature look as her clothes. She experimented with different styles throughout her career, but two distinct looks truly stand out. Early on, she often sported the voluminous, back-combed styles popular in the early to mid-60s, like the famous bouffant or a slightly softer, yet still full, flip. These looks added a touch of glamour and, you know, a bit of drama to her appearance, framing her face beautifully.

As the decade progressed, her hair style shifted, mirroring the changing trends. She became well-known for her incredibly long, straight, and sleek hair, often parted down the middle. This look was a bit more relaxed, yet it still conveyed a polished sense of cool. It was a stark contrast to the earlier, more structured styles and, frankly, looked incredibly modern for its time. To get this look, people would often use a good flat iron and some smoothing serum, which was, you know, pretty revolutionary back then.

To achieve her signature volume, one would typically back-comb the crown of the head, then gently smooth the top layer over. For the long, straight look, the key was very healthy, well-maintained hair, often with a slight bend at the ends for a soft finish. She also sometimes wore her hair with a "wet look," giving it a glossy, almost slick appearance, which was, you know, pretty daring for the period. It just goes to show how versatile she was with her personal presentation.

The Mesmerizing Eyes: Sharon Tate's Makeup Magic

When we talk about Sharon Tate's style, her makeup, especially her eye makeup, truly deserves a special mention. Her eyes were often the focal point of her face, made even more striking with specific techniques that became synonymous with her look. She had a way of making her gaze seem, well, truly captivating, and a lot of that came down to her clever use of cosmetics. It's almost like she painted a little piece of art on her eyelids, every single time.

She frequently used a defined crease line, often drawn with a dark liner or shadow, which created the illusion of larger, more open eyes. This was typically paired with generous applications of mascara, sometimes even false lashes, to really make her peepers pop. The lower lash line was often subtly defined as well, completing the wide-eyed, doll-like effect that was, you know, very popular in the 60s. It was a look that, honestly, felt both innocent and incredibly alluring.

For the rest of her face, Sharon Tate usually opted for a more natural approach. Her skin was often kept fresh and dewy, with just a hint of blush on the cheeks to add a healthy glow. Lips were generally kept light, with nude or pale pink shades, ensuring that all the attention remained on her dramatic eyes. This balance, in a way, was key to her overall beauty aesthetic; it prevented the look from becoming too heavy and kept her appearing, you know, effortlessly radiant. She really understood how to highlight her best features.

Fashion Forward: Key Wardrobe Pieces

Sharon Tate's wardrobe was a playful mix of the latest 1960s trends and pieces that just felt, well, distinctly her. She wasn't afraid to experiment, and her choices often reflected the youthful energy and changing norms of the decade. Her fashion was, in some respects, a visual representation of the freedom that young people were embracing at the time. She had a knack for making even the simplest garments look incredibly chic, which is pretty impressive, honestly.

Mini skirts and shift dresses were, of course, staples in her collection. She wore them with a certain grace, making these short garments appear elegant rather than just trendy. Often, these were in bright colors or bold, geometric prints, reflecting the mod sensibility. You'd see her in A-line cuts that skimmed her figure, giving a clean, modern silhouette that was, you know, very much in vogue. She really embraced the playful side of fashion.

Beyond the shorter hemlines, Sharon Tate also helped popularize more relaxed silhouettes, like bell bottoms and wide-leg trousers. She often paired these with simple tops or sheer blouses, sometimes with intricate embroidery or delicate patterns. This blend of casual comfort with a touch of bohemian flair was, in a way, ahead of its time and showed her versatility. She seemed to know, instinctively, how to mix and match different styles to create something truly unique.

She also had a particular fondness for sheer fabrics, often seen in blouses or dresses that revealed just a hint of skin underneath. These pieces added a subtle sensuality to her look without being overly revealing, maintaining that balance of innocence and allure. Accessories were typically minimal but impactful: large sunglasses, headscarves, and sometimes a statement piece of jewelry. Her wedding dress, a simple yet striking mini dress, is another example of her unconventional and memorable style, which was, honestly, quite daring for a bride back then.

Her Lasting Influence on Fashion Today

Even though decades have passed, Sharon Tate's style continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fashion enthusiasts and designers. Her unique blend of mod chic, bohemian ease, and a touch of Hollywood glamour means her looks are still referenced and, you know, really admired. It's almost as if her fashion sense transcends time, remaining relevant in a way that few other celebrity styles manage to do.

You can see echoes of her influence in current fashion trends, from the resurgence of mini skirts and shift dresses to the ongoing popularity of voluminous hairstyles and dramatic eye makeup. Designers often draw inspiration from the 1960s, and Sharon Tate's specific aesthetic is a frequent touchstone. Her ability to make simple shapes look incredibly striking, or to carry off bold prints with ease, is something that, frankly, many aspire to. She had a natural grace that made everything she wore look fantastic.

Her style also speaks to a certain carefree spirit and a celebration of youthfulness that remains appealing. In a world that often values over-the-top glamour, her more understated yet impactful approach offers a refreshing alternative. She proved that you don't need to be draped in elaborate gowns to make a lasting impression; sometimes, a well-chosen mini dress and a confident smile are all you need. That, honestly, is a pretty powerful message about personal style.

So, whether it's a subtle nod to her eye makeup or a full-on recreation of a mod outfit, Sharon Tate's fashion legacy is very much alive. Her looks continue to inspire editorials, runway collections, and everyday wardrobes, proving that truly great style never really goes out of fashion. She was, in a way, a pioneer, setting trends that are still being discovered and enjoyed by new generations, which is pretty amazing.

Bringing Sharon Tate's Vibe to Your Wardrobe

If you're feeling inspired to bring a touch of Sharon Tate's iconic vibe into your own wardrobe, you're in luck! Her style, while distinctive, is surprisingly adaptable for today's fashion landscape. It's not about dressing in a costume, but rather, you know, taking elements that resonate and making them your own. You can pick and choose pieces that capture the essence without feeling like you're stuck in a time warp, which is pretty cool.

For a start, consider incorporating some key shapes: A-line mini dresses or skirts are a fantastic foundation. Look for garments in solid, bright colors like sunny yellow, electric blue, or classic white, or opt for bold, graphic prints. These pieces instantly give you that playful, youthful 60s feel that was so characteristic of her look. You can find modern versions that feel fresh and, honestly, very chic for everyday wear.

Next, think about the details. A pair of oversized sunglasses, particularly those with a round or slightly cat-eye shape, can instantly add a touch of her glamour. For hair, even if you don't go for a full bouffant, try adding some volume at the crown with a little back-combing or a volumizing spray. A simple center part with sleek, straight hair also works wonders, giving you that later-60s vibe. You can learn more about vintage hair techniques on our site, which is pretty handy.

When it comes to makeup, the eyes are where you can really channel her spirit. Experiment with a defined crease line using a matte brown or grey shadow, and don't shy away from a good amount of mascara. A subtle winged liner can also add to the effect. Keep the rest of your face relatively natural, with a fresh complexion and light lip color. This approach, you know, really lets your eyes take center stage, just like hers did. For more ideas on achieving classic looks, you might want to check out this page .

Finally, embrace the attitude: a sense of effortless cool, a bit of playfulness, and confidence in your own skin. Sharon Tate's style wasn't just about the clothes; it was about how she carried herself, too. So, wear your chosen pieces with joy and a relaxed spirit, and you'll capture that special essence. It's about feeling good in what you wear, which is, at the end of the day, what true style is all about, honestly. You can find lots of inspiration from other 60s icons, too, like the ones you can see on this Vogue guide to 60s fashion, which is a pretty good reference.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sharon Tate's Style

What was Sharon Tate's signature style?

Sharon Tate's signature style was a beautiful blend of mod fashion, bohemian influences, and Hollywood glamour, characterized by a youthful, chic, and often playful feel. She loved mini skirts, shift dresses, bell bottoms, and sheer fabrics, often paired with voluminous or sleek, straight hair and striking eye makeup. It was, you know, a look that felt both very current for her time and, in a way, still very fresh today. She really had a knack for putting outfits together that just worked.

How can I dress like Sharon Tate?

To dress like Sharon Tate, focus on A-line mini dresses or skirts, often in bright colors or bold prints. Incorporate bell bottom trousers and sheer blouses for a bohemian touch. For accessories, think oversized sunglasses and simple, impactful jewelry. Remember to keep your makeup focused on the eyes with a defined crease and plenty of mascara, and consider either voluminous or long, straight hair. It's about, honestly, capturing that spirit of playful elegance.

What makeup did Sharon Tate wear?

Sharon Tate's makeup was most famous for its emphasis on her eyes. She often used a distinct crease line, typically drawn with a dark liner or shadow, paired with heavy mascara and sometimes false lashes to make her eyes appear larger and more open. The rest of her face was usually kept quite natural, with fresh, dewy skin, a light blush, and pale or nude lip colors. It was, you know, a very striking look that truly highlighted her beautiful features.

Sharon Tate sixties style icon | Tatler
Sharon Tate sixties style icon | Tatler

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Pin by groovebus2000 on Simply Miss Tate. | Sharon tate, Sixties
Pin by groovebus2000 on Simply Miss Tate. | Sharon tate, Sixties

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Style Icon: Sharon Tate | 1960s hair, 60s hair, Sharon tate
Style Icon: Sharon Tate | 1960s hair, 60s hair, Sharon tate

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