Things were different back in the day.
Social media didn’t exist, but people looked so good. Don’t believe me? Just look at old photos!
Cameras were harder to come by so shots were generally more professional and prepared.
Your parents, grandparents, and great grandparents were pretty stunning back in the day.
It’s true! For proof, check out these 60 phenomenal photos of grandparents back in their heyday!
1. Sophisticated
I think we can all agree that one of the best parts of older movies and photographs is the clothing. People back in the day had a style that was just all-around more sophisticated and more visually appealing. Look at these two.
2. Classics
With a sleek outfit, perfectly defined brows, and classic bob, she knew how to impress. She even knew what the soft smile look was before it even became a thing. The older photo style adds some nice warmth.
3. Old Hollywood
This photograph looks straight out of an old Hollywood movie. This couple truly is #goals. Look how happy they look.
4. Fairytale
Snow White is that you? Maybe. This woman’s timeless charm and kind spirit have her looking like the inspiration behind Disney’s next fairytale.
5. Back in the day baby
Babies were pretty cute back in the day, too. Mom and baby make the perfect duo outside their brick home. What do you think of that hair?
6. Old school Italy
This photo hails from Italy, 1954. The back of the photograph features the words “a memory of our immense love.” Their love has stood the test of time.
7. Venice
Picture perfect in Venice. With the stunning scenery, gondola ride, and classic dress, this woman was truly living her best life. Viva Italia!
8. Political fashion statement
This couple not only made a political statement, but a fashion statement, as well. They definitely were looking good while shredding the gnar. Have you ever been skiing?
9. The Miami heat
She truly brought the heat to Miami. Her heels by the pool are proof enough that she’s chicer than we’ll ever be. Miami in the winter isn’t too bad, too.
10. Grandma on vacation
Grandma was young, too. She’s changed, but she’s still the same person. Here she is on vacation in the 50s.
11. Back in time
The movie 17 Again instantly came to our minds. If only we could turn back the clocks to catch this young man in action. Unfortunately, we can’t.
12. AAA
Considering most of us would need to call AAA for a tire change, this picture is proof enough that our grandparents were far savvier than we’ll ever be. This girl can do it better than any man can, and she can even do it in heels. Things have changed a lot since then, but she didn’t let that hold her back.
13. Top Gun
This man looks like he just walked off the set of Top Gun. He’s actually way cooler than that though, as he quite literally went to the danger zone. What a song.
14. Soulmates
Two days after meeting, this British woman married her American soulmate. They continued to live together for 58 years until he passed away. See the twinkles in her eyes? That’s love.
15. Fish
I bet all the boys were jealous that they couldn’t catch a fish that large. It’s even bigger than she is. That was probably exhausting.
16. Back in the day
This photo is a perfect snapshot of a radiant duo. If Instagram was around back then, they would’ve been #couplegoals. Back in the day didn’t look so bad.
17. Grandma skills
Apparently she had a fascinating life. Those close to her praise her work ethic and diverse set of skills. She even ran a business after the passing of her husband, Grandpa.
18. Sunbath
After seeing this photograph, the word bliss instantly came to mind. She looks so peaceful sitting along the river she grew up on. I wonder where this picture was taken.
19. Heroic couple
This American hero was no doubt a heartthrob back in his day. His equally perfect wife was probably the source of grief for women everywhere. Together, they’re quite the couple.
20. Young man from Pakistan
You’ll always find your way back home. After growing up in Pakistan, this man moved to the U.S. for higher education and ample work opportunities. After spending almost two decades in the U.S., he was able to return home in the 1970s.
21. The greatest of grandparents
She used to be a dancer of the highest caliber! Getting paid to travel and dance? This grandma probably has so many wonderful stories to share. Oh, and her eyeliner is perfect.
22. Against the odds
This interracial couple seriously broke out of society’s bounds, and oh boy, did they look good doing it. Old photos look so stylin’. We’ve come a long way since then, and we have a long way to go!
23. Elbow room
Old-time scandalous is perfectly innocent by modern day standards. Elbows and close proximity? How dare they.
24. Korean wedding
It’s amazing to see vintage photos from across the globe. This traditional Korean wedding gives us a small glimpse into the country’s past. I wonder how many Koreans still dress the same on their big day.
25. Clean white shoes
We sure hope Grandpa continued to sing throughout his life. Nothing makes family time better than some good ol’ fashioned singalongs. Those are some squeaky white shoes!
26. Raised brow
He was probably quite the ladies’ man. With his raised eyebrow, he probably had hearts breaking everywhere. Aye aye captain.
27. The wedding kiss
Her wedding gown is an absolute showstopper. The best part? She made it herself. Grandma was quite the designer!
28. Dress code
These fashionistas dressed to impress. Leggings and oversized sweatshirts were not a part of these ladies’ dress codes. They look good no matter what era.
29. Grandpa handsome
This photo is enough to cheer up more than just Nana. Grandpa was quite the looker. Petition to bring back the James Dean hairstyle, anyone?
30. Wedding party wow
Wow, this stunning bridesmaid is perfectly poised in this self-portrait. We sure hope she didn’t steal too much of the bride’s thunder. Is this even okay?
31. Fur eyes
While the real-fur trend has recently died out (good), we can still appreciate this woman’s stunning beauty. Her elegant demeanor makes for a timeless look and perfect photo. People looked good back then.e
32. Elegance
Perfectly fanned eyelashes and defined cupid’s bow, we could all use a lesson in makeup from this beautiful woman. She is truly the definition of timeless elegance. She looks a little like Sansa Stark from Game of Thrones.
33. Hunks
Imagine your kid and your best friend’s kid getting married. You’d never have to worry about getting along with your in-laws. Talk about a win.
34. Philippines
Grandpa has a perfectly defined jaw and a look that could kill. We sure hope that everyone stayed on his good side. This photo was taken in the Philippines back in the day.
35. Old time Drew Barrymore
This grandma is giving us serious Drew Barrymore vibes. It looks as though Barrymore herself was thrown into an old-timey movie. This is as vintage as it gets.
36. Uniformed waitress
This woman worked hard for her money. Waitressing is hard enough, but throw on heels and a strapless dress? Her husband should be proud to have a woman like her.
37. Rowboat pipe
Grandpa was truly in his element out on the water. Empty lake, smoking pipe, and small rowboat. It looks perfectly serene.
38. Old school Australia
The saying a picture holds a thousand words has never proven truer than in this photo. As a child of Australia’s Stolen Generation, she was taken from her family at a young age in a government ploy to integrate the aborigines. Human history is as fascinating as it is tragic.
39. Those eyes
He looks too cool for school. With his chiseled jawline and strong gaze, he was cool before we knew what cool was. He was cool before I was even born.
40. Vintage hair
This woman may take the cake for the coolest grandma. She went from bouncing in and out of speakeasies to becoming the matriarch of a full family. Talk about living life to the fullest.
41. Cigar
Grandad was a looker back in the day. He looks like a model for winter clothing apparel. He’s still cool to this day.
42. Old school Japan
This one’s straight from 1966 in Japan. Grandma has always been incredibly photogenic. She has an interesting expression.
43. Gun
Welcome to the 1930s. Don’t worry, he’s not going to shoot anybody… I hope.
44. The hair
Look at that hair. Grandpa was a looker. And those eyes! The charisma is off the charts.
45. Gaza, Palestine
Hey, these grandparents looked phenomenal back in the day. Here they are in Gaza. Things have changed a lot since then.
46. 27 years
Mom and Dad have been together for quite some time. You know, they weren’t always old. And they’re still just as beautiful.
47. Grandad
Grandad was something else back in the day. Look at those glasses… Now look at that hair! He looks like he has some powerful quads.
48. Pipe type
Shoutout to the Albert Einstein photo on the wall. Welcome to the office. The pipe really brings everything together. And I love the typewriter.
49. Hair and brows
Grandad once had a full head of hair. And he rocked it like no other! His brows really tie his whole image together.
50. Headband
Mom and Dad were pretty groovy back in their day. I mean, just look at that headband. The red plaid still looks good.
51. 1940s
The 1940s were different. But people might have actually looked more elegant. Don’t believe me? Look at his amazing hair!
52. Korean War grandpa
Grandpa was a soldier. He here is looking good during the Korean War. This photo was taken during the early 50s.
53. Former Yugoslavia
Grandpa was quite a handsome man. He was a strapping young gentleman at a time. This photo was taken in the 60s of what used to be Yugoslavia.
54. South Korea, 1987
Grandpa’s looking good in this photo from 1987. The architecture in South Korea’s pretty cool, too. Check out that turtle neck.
55. Groovy dad
Dad was a hunk back in the day. That guitar really completes the entire ensemble. Dad had some style.
56. Great great grandad
Dad was a great man. Grandad was amazing, too. Great grandad was a trabilazer in his own right. But great great grandad takes the cake for his mustache.
57. B24 bombardier
He was Polish and Jewish. And he helped take down the Nazis in World War II. Grandad was kind of a badass.
58. Grandfather pipe
1940s Grandpa was something else… Is he still single? Few people can pull off the pipe better than him.
59. Great great grandfather
You’ve probably met or at least seen photos of your grandparents. What about your great grandparents? Well, what about your great great grandparents?
60. Model in the 70s
Grandma was a model in the 70s. That’s right! She was kinda famous and on magazine covers!
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