Fans recreate Marilyn Monroe’s iconic styles

As Ana de Armas prepares to bring Marilyn Monroe to life on screen, these fans recreate the icon’s style moments

Marilyn Monroe’s is the image that flashes to most people’s minds when they hear the words classic Hollywood glamour. The star’s sartorial legacy, which was as evident in her films such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Seven Year Itch as her off-screen appearances, has inspired fashion lovers of all ages. And as Cuban-Spanish actor Ana de Armas prepares to take centre stage as Monroe in the biographical drama Blonde (to be released later this year), fashion lovers pay homage to Monroe’s most-loved on and off-screen looks.

Deliberate in denim

Monroe has been credited with popularising denim for a whole generation of young women. When she wore jeans, she embodied the garment’s unabashedly sexy and rebellious nature, says fashion blogger Khushnaz Turner. “This double denim look can easily go wrong, but the right cut and a relaxed fit give it a timeless appeal. You could choose a pair of jeans that works with your body type. Look for interesting accents such as a belt or visible pockets to break up the look,” she adds.  High heels in a bright colour can soften the ensemble and add a hint of playfulness, she suggests. 

Off duty-chic

When she wasn’t dazzling in satin floor-length gowns, Monroe dressed down in classic staples and was quite partial to well-fitted trousers. This ensemble, comprising a black turtleneck and white cigarette pants is an excellent example of the same, explains media educator and fashion blogger Sthitipragnya Dash. “Add a pop of colour with a vibrant lipstick; keep the footwear simple,” she suggests. You could also experiment with a monochrome theme and choose different textures for your top and bottom halves.  Stick to high-waist and streamlined silhouettes.

Delicate dresses

Monroe loved wearing white, and many of her dresses had dainty ruffles on them, says Turner. “Such dresses make for essential summer wear and can easily be dressed up or down, depending on how you accessorise them. Adding a turban and flats can lend a bohemian vibe, while simple heels or ballet pumps and a jacket or bolero add a formal touch,” she says. Avoid chunky jewellery in favour of delicate pieces that accentuate your facial features. Complete your look with a large straw tote or a satchel bag in a neutral or pastel colour.

Floral layers

A large part of Monroe’s appeal was her femininity, which she wasn’t afraid to flaunt. “This look from the movie Something’s Got to Give, is a classic example of her style. She paired a floral figure-hugging number with an oversized trench to add a touch of mystery. This look works best with large sunglasses and kitten heels [another Monroe favourite],” Dash says. Stick to smaller-sized prints for more formal occasions; these are flattering to more body types and can easily be worn from day to night.

Marketing professional

Gayatri Thampi says: “Marilyn insisted on keeping her facial hair; she  believed it gave her a blurring effect. She was also partial to dewy make-up and contoured her lips to make them fuller.”

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