Vintage Inspiration: Jessica Lange

If you’re watching FX’s American Horror Story: Coven, you’re definitely stanning for the spiky blonde bombshell that is Jessica Lange’s character, Fiona—the badass witch (literally) to end all badass witches. The 64-year-old Oscar winner wasn’t always known for embodying evil, though. In fact, back in the '70s, she was a top Wilhelmina model, setting the fashion world on fire with her radiant, girl-next-door hotness. It wasn’t long before Hollywood came knocking, and in 1976, Lange was cast as the heaving-bosomed heroine in a blockbuster remake of King Kong. She killed the ‘80s, winning an Academy Award for sparring with an in-drag Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie and scoring a nomination for Frances, a biopic of the doomed 1930s movie star, Frances Farmer.

Along with being one of the most sought-after movie stars in Hollywood, three decades ago, Lange was also always the most gorgeous girl in the room. Not dolled-up or flashy, but exuding quiet, smart glamour with her crystal-clear, outdoorsy skin, blinding smile, and lush, romantic tumble of chin-length curls. Right now, we’re obsessed with her late-'70s look (although of course, she still looks amazing today). Here’s how to get it.

The Glowy Skin

In her twenties, Lange had crystal-clear, glowing skin with a slight touch of sun-kissed tawniness. Score this look with Dior Diorskin Nude Skin-Glowing Makeup SPF 15 ($48). Not only does this moisturizing foundation provide flawless coverage, it also leaves skin looking impossibly healthy. Next, wake up your skin by sweeping a light bronzer-blush combo like Too Faced Snow Bunny Bronzer ($30) along cheekbones. 

The Curls

To create Lange’s signature loose-curl bob, pin your hair up, leaving a wide section at the bottom. Spritz a two-inch section with heat protectant like Pantene Pro-V Heat Protectant Spray ($4.97), and then wrap around the barrel of the iron. Continue all over your head, let cool, and then finger-tousle. Voila, stunning vintage Jessica curls!

Photo: Gregg DeGuire

Tia Williams has been a beauty editor for 15 years, at publications like Elle, Glamour, Lucky, and Essence.com. Back in 2005, Tia created one of the first beauty blogs, Shake Your Beauty, where she wove her love of products through hilarious vignettes from her life as a beauty expert and mom living in Brooklyn. She’s also written several books, including the best-selling novel The Accidental Diva and supermodel Iman’s The Beauty of Color. Follow Tia on Twitter @shakeyourbeauty.