Marilyn Monroe was one of the most iconic actresses and sex symbols of the 1950s. With her signature platinum blonde curls, red lips, and glamorous style, Marilyn created a look still widely emulated today. While her wardrobe consisted of much more than just the famed white halter dress from The Seven Year Itch, that outfit has become the quintessential Marilyn Monroe costume.
Dressing up as Marilyn for Halloween, a costume party or fun can be easy with the proper styling. Below is a detailed guide on how to get her classic 1950s bombshell look from head to toe.
Hair Styling
Marilyn’s most recognisable feature was her platinum blonde hair. While wigs are the easiest option, you can temporarily dye your hair to get her signature bright locks.
· Wigs
When shopping for a Marilyn wig, look for a short, curly style in platinum blonde. Techniques between chin and shoulder length work best to emulate her iconic cropped curls. Synthetic wigs are usually cheaper but will look less natural. Opt for a higher-quality human hair wig if your budget allows it.
To style the wig, use curlers or curling iron to add soft curls and volume, starting from the ends and working up to the roots. Finish with a holding spray to keep the curls in place all night. Add a deep side part and sweep the front pieces away from the face.
· Temporary hair dye
If using your hair, buy a platinum or pale yellow temporary colouring spray or mousse. Pull hair back and spray the color all over, mainly focusing on the roots. Allow to set for a few minutes before brushing through from roots to ends.
Once the color is in, curl hair in small sections using a 1-inch curling iron. Tease the curls by backcombing lightly at the roots to get added volume. Finish by sweeping the front areas to one side.
· Accessories
Every Marilyn look is complete with a pearl hair accessory. Look for a rhinestone or faux pearl headband, barrette, or comb to tuck into your faux bob. This helps emphasize the retro style.
Makeup
Marilyn’s makeup featured several vital elements that can be easily recreated:
· Foundation/base
Apply a dewy, light-coverage liquid foundation for a radiant complexion. Marilyn loved a visible glow. Follow with a pink-toned blush on the apples of the cheeks and a highlighting powder on the cheekbones.
· Eyes
Sweep a light shimmery eyeshadow across the lids and use a black liquid liner to trace the top lash line into a subtle wing at the outer corners. Finish with 2-3 coats of black volumising mascara on the upper and lower lashes.
· Brows
Fill in brows using short, feathery strokes and pencil in an arch shape. Keep the brows groomed but fuller than modern brow styles.
· Lips
Line and fill in lips completely using a red lip pencil. Match with a bright red lipstick, applying to upper and lower lips. Blot and reapply to get that high-impact pout. Opt for a matte or retro-style liquid formula.
· Beauty mark
No Marilyn look is complete without recreating her signature beauty mark. Use black eyeliner or an eyebrow pencil to draw a small dot above the left corner of your mouth. Blend the edges slightly so it looks natural.
Dress Styles
While Marilyn wore countless glamorous outfits, a few dress styles are perfect for channelling her signature look:
· White halter dress
The iconic dress from The Seven Year Itch is a perfect Marilyn costume. Look for a white halter-style cocktail dress that hits above the knee. Styles with a full, pleated skirt or open back will look closest to the original—Accessorise with white pumps and a platinum blonde wig for an instantly recognisable look.
· Pink strapless gown
Marilyn wore several bright pink strapless dresses that highlighted her hourglass figure. Look for a fitted ruched hot pink or coral—tone gown with opera gloves, rhinestone earrings, and blonde curls.
· Sequined cocktail dress
For a touch of 1950s sparkle, try a sequined cocktail dress in a pale color like silver, champagne, or light blue. Look for a wiggle-style cut, and finish the look with sparkly rhinestone jewelry and strappy heels.
· Fur stoles and wraps
Pair any dress with a faux fur wrap or stole to imitate Marilyn’s glamorous red carpet looks. White and platinum colours will complement her signature blonde hair.
Shoes
No 1950s glam look is complete without a pair of sky-high heels! Marilyn often wore pumps and stilettos in a variety of colours and fabrics:
· Pumps
Opt for classic white, black or red pumps with pointed toes. Look for patent leather or textured fabric like satin. Styles with an ankle strap or Mary Jane’s front are also great options.
· Stilettos
For a super sexy look, go for black or white stilettos. The higher, the better! Platform soles and skinny heels will emulate Marilyn’s leg-lengthening shoes.
· Jeweled accents
For added glam, look for heels with jewel accents on the toes, ankle straps, or heels. Rhinestones, faux pearls, and sparkling crystals create retro flair.
Accessories
Finish your Marilyn ensemble with the right accessories:
· Rhinestone jewellery
Sparkling rhinestone earrings, necklaces, and bracelets are a must! Look for pieces with bright stones or crystal accents that catch the light. For time-period accuracy, choose colours like white, silver, blue and pink over modern black and gold tones.
· Opera gloves
Thigh-high gloves were one of Marilyn’s signatures. Opt for white, black or red elbow-length opera gloves made of satin, nylon or lace.
· Faux fur wraps
As mentioned earlier, a white or silver-toned faux fur wrap or stole adds a glam touch over any dress—bonus points for a plush feather-trimmed style.
· Rhinestone hair accessories
Remember Marilyn’s signature pearl hair combs and diamond hair barrettes. Look for bridal-style pieces encrusted with rhinestones or faux jewels.
· Handbags
A beaded handbag is the perfect retro accessory. White and pale colours will mimic Marilyn’s favorite hues. For a modern touch, metallic silver and gold bags also work beautifully.
· Glasses
Though less common, Marilyn sometimes wore cat-eye glasses both on and off-screen. Don a rhinestone-encrusted cat-eye pair for a fun twist.
Acting the Part
Once your look is complete, it’s time to channel Marilyn’s signature sensual aura:
· Makeup touch-ups
Be sure to bring lipstick and powder for quick touch-ups. Reapply lipstick often to avoid fading or smearing.
· Pose coyly
Do your best, Marilyn, pose with hips shifted to one side and a flirty finger touching your bottom lip. Cross your ankles and exude coy sensuality.
· Speak softly
Use a soft, breathy voice and a higher pitch when speaking. Marilyn’s voice was airy, girlish and seductive.
· Apply perfume
Spritz on a floral or musky perfume to emulate Marilyn’s always feminine presence. She loved gardenia and jasmine scents.
Accessorise a martini glass.
For photo ops, accessorise your look with a decorative martini glass. Extra points if it contains a Cosmo or other pink cocktail!
With the right hair, makeup, wardrobe, and a bit of practice, you’ll be able to embody 1950s glamour like none other than Marilyn herself. From hair curlers to false lashes, this guide provided tips to help perfect your next Monroe cosplay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about dressing up like Marilyn Monroe:
What is the most iconic Marilyn Monroe outfit?
Her most famous look is The Seven Year Itch’s white halter neck dress. The pleated skirt billowing up over the subway grate created one of the most enduring images of Marilyn.
What lipstick color did Marilyn Monroe wear?
Marilyn’s go-to lipstick shade was bright matte red. Some of her preferred brands were Guerlain and Revlon. She applied lipstick generously and reapplied frequently to maintain a bold red pout.
How do you get Marilyn Monroe curls?
Marilyn’s soft curls were usually achieved by setting her hair in large curlers or pin curls. To recreate her look, curl hair in 1-inch sections using a curling iron, finger waving, or flexi-rod rollers. Use styling products to add volume at the roots.
What perfume did Marilyn Monroe wear?
Some of Marilyn’s favorite perfumes were Floris Rose Geranium, Guerlain Shalimar, Elizabeth Arden Blue Grass, and Chanel No. 5. She loved sweet, feminine floral scents. Gardenia was one of her signature fragrance notes.
Did Marilyn Monroe have any beauty marks?
She had a small brown beauty mark just above her mouth’s left corner. It became part of her recognised features. Draw on a small faux beauty mark with an eyebrow pencil or liquid liner to recreate her look.
So there you have it – everything you need to transform into the glamorous Marilyn Monroe! With her iconic fashion, beauty, and sensuality, dressing as Marilyn will surely make you the center of attention at any costume party or event.