This contrast showcases the individuality of each star. It also highlights how beauty standards have drastically changed over the last 50 years. From the classic charm of the mid-20th century to the modern allure of the 21st century, these comparisons provide a unique lens through which to view the changing tides of beauty and glamor.
Betty White and Kim Kardashian at 34
These women represent two vastly different eras of entertainment. Betty White is a beloved television icon, and Kim Kardashian is a social media mogul and beauty entrepreneur. They showcase the evolution of celebrity influence and beauty standards.
In her youth, White exudes quintessential ’50s glamor. Her photo captures an era defined by natural elegance and poise. Dressed in a striped summer dress, she stands confidently, holding her neck — a gesture reflecting grace and a touch of playful allure. She has minimal makeup that emphasizes her naturally radiant complexion, with impeccably styled curled hair.
On the other hand, Kardashian embodies the early 2000s beauty ideal in her snapshot. Attending a high-profile Hollywood event, she wears bold makeup with smoky eyes and glossy nude lips, a stark contrast to White’s understated look.
Her sleek, straight, dark hair complements her striking features. Kardashian’s celebrity status was not just about looks but also her omnipresence in the media, showcasing how beauty and fame have evolved to become linked with social presence and branding.
At 34, the contrast between the two stars becomes even more evident. White’s promotional studio portrait from around 1955 epitomizes the golden age of television. Her patterned dress with a heart-shaped brooch adds whimsy, while her warm smile and approachable glamor shine through.
Kardashian promoting her fragrance in 2014 presents a modern, polished, and calculated beauty, with fashion-forward outfits echoing contemporary trends. Her poised appearance reflects how today’s celebrities entertain, create, and market their brands.
Elvis Presley and Thomas Sangster in Their 30s
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, had an iconic style and charisma. This contrasts with Thomas Brodie-Sangster, whose boyish charm and roles in modern cinema depict a newer generation’s aesthetic.
Elvis Presley’s image in his youth epitomizes the 1950s rock and roll era. Clad in a rich, deep-colored shirt accentuating his intense gaze and signature pompadour hairstyle, the photo captures a raw, magnetic energy. His confidence is palpable and reflects the rebellion and charisma that made him an icon, with lightly quiffed hair and a carefree spirit.
Sangster’s youthful appearance at the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel in 2003 presents a stark contrast with his clean, boyish charm. His tousled hair and wide, innocent eyes represent a different kind of celebrity, with a fresh-faced, accessible appeal. The casual, checked shirt he dons emphasizes a simple, understated look.
In his 30s, Presley, depicted in character as Joe Lightcloud from the film “Stay Away, Joe” (1968), is seen in rugged cowboy attire. This contrasts his polished rock and roll image and communicates a matured charisma.
Sangster in 2020 maintains his youthful features into his 30s but with a more sophisticated edge. His sharp suit and patterned shirt exude modern elegance, capturing him at a film festival with a mature yet still boyish appearance, seasoned with poise.
Elizabeth Taylor and Jennifer Lopez at 54
Elizabeth Taylor is known for her stunning beauty and acting prowess. Jennifer Lopez is a multi-talented superstar. These women exemplify the timeless allure that transcends decades.
Taylor, in her youth, represents classic Hollywood allure. The photograph captures her regal beauty, with striking violet eyes and perfectly coiffed hair framing her face. Deep red lips set off her porcelain skin. Her pink gown adds a touch of softness to her commanding presence, exuding timeless glamor and sophistication.
Lopez, at the 1998 MTV Movie Awards, showcases late ’90s style with a radiant golden complexion and highlighted makeup. Her hair styled in loose, carefree curls with braided details adds a bold touch. She wore a metallic halter top paired with leather pants, speaking to her status as a rising fashion icon and pop culture sensation of the time.
In 1986, Taylor, then 54, attended a photo session for a cause close to her heart. Her voluminous, silver-tinged hair frames her still-striking face marked by dramatic makeup. Her black lace dress with pink accents reflects her luxurious style and enduring elegance.
JLo, photographed in 2023 at 54, exhibits contemporary, age-defying style. Her attire blends elegance and modern glamor, featuring a satin bodice and lace detailing. Her makeup and hair complement her bronzed skin, and her soft smoky eye and flowing locks emphasize her timeless beauty and style icon status.
Brigitte Bardot and Cher in Their 70s
Brigitte Bardot epitomizes the allure of 1950s France in a low-necked red dress that is sensual and elegant, showing youthful freshness. Her subtle makeup enhances her delicate features, while her demure updo adds innocence to her gaze.
The second photo from 1963 shows Bardot with a mature yet playful and seductive style. Fuller and more voluminous hair frames her face beautifully, while classic, pronounced makeup with defined eyeliner and pale lips reflect the beauty trends of the 60s.
Cher in 1978 exhibits her iconic, daring fashion sense with two different Bob Mackie creations. Her long, flowing hair, bold makeup, and luminescent skin showcase her as a style icon and a fearless advocate for self-expression through fashion.
Bardot, photographed in 2007, appears comfortable yet spirited with soft, silver hair reflecting her commitment to animal rights and a life away from the cinema spotlight. She exudes tranquility and grace.
Cher in 2023 maintains her glamorous and bold aesthetic. Her long, dark hair and dramatic makeup defy conventional expectations of aging. Her outfit at the Balmain Spring show exemplifies her enduring presence in fashion and her ageless charisma.
The transformations of Bardot and Cher over the decades encapsulate the spectrum of aging as public figures. Bardot embraces a quieter life, while Cher continues to redefine the boundaries of age, fashion, and performance, with both remaining beauty and style icons in their distinct ways.
Dolly Parton and Cameron Diaz at 33
Dolly Parton, alongside Porter Wagoner in 1960, showcases classic country charm with voluminous hair and a sequined ensemble. Her warm smile and twinkling eyes reflect her burgeoning career as a country star.
Cameron Diaz at the 1997 MTV Movie Awards exudes a relaxed and effortless ’90s style with short, tousled blonde hair and minimal makeup, emphasizing her natural beauty and Californian sun-kissed glow.
At 33, Parton embraced her role as a country icon with bold, colorful makeup and sparkling outfits, showcasing her personality and musical talent at an after-party in 1979.
Diaz at the “In Her Shoes” premiere in 2005 reflects modern, polished elegance with loose waves, luminous skin, smoky eyes, and a chic black ruffled dress, highlighting her evolution into a fashion-forward Hollywood actress.
Parton and Diaz at 33 illustrate two different styles and fame worlds. Parton’s exuberant, rhinestone-studded country look contrasts sharply with Diaz’s understated Hollywood glamor. However, both share confidence and self-assuredness, shining through in their photos.
Grace Kelly and Kylie Jenner at 26
Grace Kelly in the late 1940s captures the future princess’s pristine and understated Hollywood beauty with meticulous waved and coiffed hair and an endearing charm, accompanied by a kitten.
Kylie Jenner, a television personality known for her influential social media presence in 2010, has a youthful visage with makeup emphasizing her eyes and lips, signaling the beginning of her beauty icon journey.
Kelly in the 1950s exudes timeless Hollywood glamor with a lace-trimmed top, immaculate makeup, refined hairstyle, serene expression, and flawless complexion, reflecting her status as a fashion and beauty icon.
Jenner’s Instagram photo from January 2023 depicts a modern beauty mogul at the same age, with contoured and highlighted makeup showcasing current beauty trends she influenced. Her confident and alluring pose resonates with her personal brand.
Kelly and Jenner at 26 represent two vastly different eras of beauty and style. Kelly’s classic elegance contrasts Jenner’s contemporary glamor and entrepreneurial spirit. Both have captivated audiences in their respective times with their appearances, personas, and contributions to culture.
Reflecting on these six iconic celebrity duos, it’s evident that beauty and style are deeply personal and reflective of their times. This journey through the decades demonstrates that while beauty standards may evolve, the allure and fascination with public figures remain constant.
