Marilyn Monroe's Most Iconic Looks: Photos

With Netflix’s Marilyn Monroe biopic, Blonde, soon to release, we’ve got the fair-haired Old Hollywood icon and American sex symbol on the brain — namely for her stunning looks that pushed 1950s fashion barriers and emphasized sexual prowess and empowerment in women during a time known for the dutiful housewife trope.

From that incredibly iconic white halter dress flying upwards in the subway wind to her signature high-waisted swimsuits, Monroe is arguably the biggest fashion icon of her time — although we love Jackie Kennedy’s elegant and demure style and Audrey Hepburn’s feminine fashion of the same period as well.

Simply not over Ana de Armas, Hayden Panettiere, and more celebrities who stunned at the new Marilyn Monroe movie premiere. #Blonde explores the life and career of the late actress with captivating performances by a star-studded cast. https://t.co/Bnj87VKoXU

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Whether she was stepping out in a form-fitting evening gown that hugged every single curve on her iconic body or wearing a casual outfit that showed off her softer side, Monroe always managed to look breathtaking. Her signature pout, bold eyebrows, and crown of curls completed every ensemble, lending themselves as her very own finishing accessories.

While we all know and love that history-making halter dress, we’re revisiting some of Monroe’s other equally iconic outfits ahead of the premiere of Blonde. Read on for a look back at Marilyn Monroe’s most stunning fashion moments during her all-too-short life.

Gorgeous in Glitter

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Monroe showed off her signature curves in a gorgeous glittering gown on the set of Ladies of the Chorus in 1948.
Cozy & Casual

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Relaxed and glowing, Monroe wore a flattering sweater blouse with perfectly touseled curls while sipping a glass of wine. And let’s hear it for that eyebrow highlight — the beauty icon was so ahead of her time.
Dreamy Evening Gown

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Modeling a romantic off-the-shoulder tulle gown, Monroe looked stunning while posing on a Spanish-tiled staircase. She would wear the same gown to the 23rd Academy Awards.
Lovely in Lace

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Looking absolutely lovely in a curve-hugging lace gown and glamorous fur shrug, this photo of the movie star was snapped after the premiere of How to Marry a Millionaire in 1953.
Subtle & Sophisticated

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While in Japan with her second husband, Joe DiMaggio, Monroe wore a sophisticated dress with a wide belt and a head scarf. She embodied 1950s beauty fabulously.
Potato Sack Chic

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As America’s first and most iconic sex symbol, Monroe of course had to attend a photoshoot wearing a potato sack. She looked damn good, and we give her bonus points for the retro heels and sparkling accessories.
Old Hollywood Beauty

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Attending the 1955 premiere of The Rose Tattoo, Monroe was the picture of Old Hollywood beauty in a simple black gown, long black gloves, a white fur shawl, and dangling diamond earrings.
Flying in Fur

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Clearly a fan of fur, Monroe waved to fans while deboarding a plane in 1955. She flew in style, wearing a flattering black dress with a black fur coat.
Golden Globes Glamour

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Sparkling with every step, Monroe wore a shimmering gown to the Golden Globe Awards, where she won the Henrietta Award in 1962.
Cute & Comfortable

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Channeling more Norma Jean than Marilyn Monroe, the icon looked beautiful in her casual striped capris and loose-fitting blouse in this snap from 1954.
Shining Silk

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Arriving at the 1954 premiere of There’s No Business like Show Business, Monroe donned her signature fur shrug with a flattering ivory silk gown.
Pretty in Pink

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Posing on the set of 1953’s Niagara, Monroe looked every bit of Barbie in a pretty pink halter dress that accentuated her curves. She paired strappy heels and gold hoops with the look.
Wrapped in Fur

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Landing at New York’s La Guardia Airport ahead of the 1959 premiere of Some Like It Hot, Monroe bundled up in a massive fur coat — the only other visible detail of her outfit is her white pumps.
Shining Splendor

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Wearing a slinky, shimmering, curve-hugging gown under a light fur coat with her hair in her signature Old Hollywood curls, Monroe looked like a vision at a performance of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in New York City.
Gilded Glamour

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Dressed in a beaming gold gown with a deep-plunging halter neckline, the movie star looked glamorous as ever.
Masculine Chic

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Posing underground in Grand Central Station, Monroe donned another casual look that was simply breathtaking. She wore an oversized, masculine trenchcoat with her hair pinned back from her face, looking like an angel in mid-laughter.
Glittering Goddess

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On the set of1953’s Gentleman Prefer Blondes with co-star Jane Russell, Monroe looked fabulous in a sultry sparkling gown and various bling. We especially love the snake cuff on her arm!
Channeling Jackie O

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On the set of Something’s Got to Give in 1962, Monroe channeled her best Jackie-O vibes in a ladylike fur-lined dress, modest gloves, and a fur hat placed at the perfect tilt.
Contoured Curves

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Giving Kim K. a run for her money in 1955, Monroe glanced over her shoulder and showed off her voluptuous backside at the premiere of East of Eden. Her mermaid-style gown featured a lace pattern and matching fur-lined cape.
Circus Chic

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Taking part in a circus benefiting the Arthritis and Rheumatism Foundation in Madison Square Garden, Monroe wore an intricate corset, fishnet tights, elbow-length gloves, and the most fabulous jewelry and stunning headpiece imaginable.

We’re wondering if Blake Lively’s 2018 Met Gala headpiece was inspired by Monroe’s larger-than-life version — they’re certainly similar.
Velvet Dream

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Wearing a unique evening gown made of velvet and yarn-like detailing, Monroe once again looked like a dream in this curve-hugging number circa 1955.
Old Hollywood Glam

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Captured again on the set of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Monroe and Russell both sparkled in lovely evening gowns. Monroe let Russell wear the fur this time, while she opted for a floor-length silk shawl that matched her orange gown.
Feminine Casual

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On the set of River of No Return in 1954, Monroe wore a very casual look comprised of high-waisted jeans, a leather belt, and a subtly ruffled off-the-shoulder top. Her hair was styled in looser waves than her trademark curls, making her look more feminine and girlish than usual.
The Birthday Dress

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So fabulous that Kim Kardashian couldn’t resist wearing it to the 2022 Met Gala (what a controversy that was), Monroe wore this now-iconic sparkling nude gown to the 1962 birthday celebration for President John F. Kennedy, during which she infamously sang the president a very sultry version of “Happy Birthday” that didn’t please Jackie Kennedy too much amid affair rumors between Monroe and JFK.