18 Iconic Marilyn Monroe Outfits You Forgot About
The “blonde bombshell” in her best form. In case you need a reminder.
Achieving female empowerment through your wardrobe hasn’t always been easy. Before Kim Kardashian and Nicki Minaj, there were times when dressing in your own way was seen as too provocative for the American psyche.
Norma Jeane Mortenson, also known as Marilyn Monroe, was a woman who broke through those barriers. She was an actor, singer, and model that radiated confidence during a conservative era, especially for women.
Aside from being one of Hollywood’s greatest and the sex symbol of the 50s, the global icon wowed many with her outfits along the way. Over 60 years after her death, Monroe’s fashion style continues to influence generations today. Let’s take a dive into the blonde bombshell’s fashion legacy.
The “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” Dress
Let’s start off strong with one of Marilyn’s most iconic looks. One of Monroe’s career-defining moments was when she sang “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy at his birthday celebration in 1962. She delivered her performance in a dazzling nude gown designed by Jean Louis. The dress recently made a comeback when Kim Kardashian borrowed it from Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum (who bought it from an auction in 2016 for $4.8 million) and wore it to the 2022 Met Gala.
The Potato Sack
Who could forget when Marilyn Monroe made a potato sack look good? There are a few theories as to why the model posed in this perfectly tailored potato sack. Paired with orange heels, some say the star was motivated to wear the look after she was called “cheap and vulgar” by a journalist after a Beverly Hills party. She had gone on to say Monroe would’ve looked better wearing a potato sack. The other theory was that Monroe was gorgeous enough to make a potato sack look sexy. Take that, haters.
Live Shows for the Troops
In 1954, Monroe made a trip to Korea to entertain the American troops. The actress performed on stage while wearing a sparkly purple midi dress and gold heels. The troops went crazy for her. Not to mention, she interrupted her honeymoon for this short tour overseas!
Pretty in Pink
Another iconic moment in Monroe’s career was her performance of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953). In the scene, the actress sings and dances alongside male dancers. The hot pink satin dress is backed with an enormous bow, gloves to match, and accessorized with stacks of diamonds, of course.
Beach Babe
Aside from her ritzy gowns, Marilyn Monroe is also known for her retro swimwear. The model poses in a polka dot bikini, matching wrap skirt, and heels during a photo shoot in 1951. Marilyn will always leave behind a legacy of showing off her curves in confidence.
Sporty in Heels
Not only was Marilyn Monroe once married to one of the greatest Yankees players, Joe DiMaggio, but she also wore this outfit during a 20th Century-Fox studio baseball league game. Monroe prepares to swing the bat in a dark-colored shirt, white shorts, black heels, and a hair scarf.
The Golden Girl
Monroe rocks a gold, pleated gown with a deep neckline in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953). The daring dress was designed by William Travilla, who stitched the dress directly onto her body, making it easily one of her most recognizable looks.
Little Black Dress
In 1956, Monroe held a press party at her Los Angeles home. The black square-neckline dress is accessorized with dangly pearl earrings. Simplicity for the win.
Black Dress in Some Like It Hot
This sheer black embellished cocktail dress Monroe wore in Some Like It Hot (1959) has made its mark in history. The beaded beauty was designed by Orry-Kelly, and the romantic comedy even won Best Costume Design at that year’s Academy Awards.
Crop Top Alert
Monroe stands proud on a hill in California circa 1953. The actress is captured in a white cropped turtleneck, fitted shorts, and strappy heels.
Sweater in Let’s Make Love
Monroe wows even in the simplest of outfits. The actress wore an oversized cable-knit sweater with black tights during the “My Heart Belongs to Daddy” number in Let’s Make Love (1960).
A Vision in Blue
Monroe wears an array of sultry outfits in her role as Rose Loomis in Niagara (1953), but here, she poses elegantly at Niagara Falls in a timeless blue suit with white strappy heels.
Dressed to Kill
Monroe and co-star Jane Russell dazzle on the set of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953). The women, who play showgirls in the film, strut in gowns covered in red sequins, complimented by thigh-high slits, red heels, and diamond accessories. So many iconic looks from this movie, so little time.
Riding in Style
In an era when people wore their best dress to travel, Marilyn enters a car after leaving John F. Kennedy International Airport in a fur wrap, cocktail dress, dangly earrings, gloves, and heels.
A Beautiful Bride
Monroe, 16 years old, glowing on her wedding day in 1942. She married her first husband, James Dougherty, in Los Angeles. The beautiful bride smiles in front of a fireplace in a traditional wedding dress with a bouquet in hand.
Cherry Dress in The Misfits
Monroe on the set of The Misfits (1961), where she sits in a cherry-printed dress designed by Jean Louis. The iconic dress (and her performance) heavily impacted pop culture as this was Monroe’s last film before she passed.
All-American Girl
A look that has certainly powered through the decades – Monroe poses in a white collared shirt, cuffed jeans, brown belt, and boots on the set of The Misfits (1961). Casual staples are always a good decision.
Premiere Perfect
Monroe pictured at the premiere of There’s No Business Like Show Business (1954). She arrives in a belted dress that snatches her waist, matching gloves, and a classic fur wrap. Her classic blonde curls and playful smile pull together this glamorous look. Let’s give it up for the ultimate “it girl.”
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