Marilyn Monroe is undoubtedly one of the 20th Century's most popular stars, however it has been her glamour and style that has allured her fans for decades. Marilyn's fashion was dedicated to showing her body off in the best light- she knew what her fans wanted and she delivered. Like most Hollywood stars back then, she lived through many decades of social changes and therefore encouraged and enjoyed greater female dressing freedoms.

SO HERE IS A LOOK AT HER STYLE FOR YOUR FASHION INSPIRATION :

A 'HOW TO' GUIDE IN HOW TO BE A CLASSIC FASHION GODDESS

A true fashionista keeps in with the 'times' but always always dresses with her own unique 'look'- she dresses for herself and is always mindful of dressing in 'harmony' with her body. Marilyn was more aware of this than most of her peers- she knew what looked great on her and she built her personal style from there.

She started off as Norma Jeane with a girl next-door look; to Hollywood glamour and to the clean lines of the early swinging sixties. Marilyn was renknowed for pushing the fashion boudaries often proclaiming that she never wore girdles or hoisery- a 'requirement' for 'respectable' women in the 50's. She also has been credited as being one of the first female stars to wear jeans; both on set and at home- an item that was previously acceptable only for men. Indeed, Marilyn was ahead of her times.

Her time in the 40's saw her dressing demurely at first, but she learned that by showcasing her figure she could make herself noticeable and break into Hollywood. Her style was simple, favouring sweater tops and pedal pushers and simple cute day dresses.

The early-mid 50's are arguably one of her most successful fashion periods: here she discovered evening gowns and realised just how good she looked in them! This was her bombshell decade- she favoured form fitting dresses, particularly halter style dresses.

The late 50's saw Marilyn evolve into a more sophisticated dresser; instead of relying upon studio clothes she developed a personal collection of fashion staples. Here she developed her preference for tailored clothes- suits and dresses. Overall, her style her was a bit more classic and indeed gorgeous.

Her time in the early 60's saw a marked change in her 'look'- the old Marilyn was 'gone' and a new one was born. Here Marilyn developed a taste for a 'cleaner' look- tailored pants, print blouses, ballet flats and over-sized sunglasses. Pure glamour.

Jane Russel; her co-star for Gentlemen prefer Blondes' and friend, once said:

"Marilyn is very clothes conscious. She takes her time...she buys her clothes but has some made. She knows where every tuck should go. Irrespective of fashion, she wears clothes she likes to wear and they look darling on her..."

MARILYN'S FASHION STAPLES

Dresses

• Dress Suits- 40's, 50's, 60's.
• Form Fitting Dresses- 50's.
• Hip Hugging Dresses- 50's.
• Halter Dresses- 50's.
• Form-fitting and diaphonous gowns- 40's-50's.
• Sleeveless Dresses- 50's-60's.
• Collared Dresses- 50's.

Tops

• Tight Sweaters- 40's, early-mid 50's.
• Silk Blouses- mid-late 50's, 60's.
• Halter Tops- mid-late 50's.
• Bohemian Blouses- late 50's.
• Sleeveless Tops- early-mid-late 50's.
• 50's 'crop' (poolside) tops- late 40's, early-mid 50's.

Bottoms

• Pencil Skirts- 40's, 50's.
• Short Shorts- late 40's, early-mid 50's.
• Pedal Pushers- late 50's- 60's.
• Jeans- 50's.
• Tailored Pants- 50's- 60's.
• Floaty Skirts- 50's.

Shoes

• Lucite Platforms- 40's, 50's.
• Stilettoes- 40's-60's.
• Peeptoe Heels- 50's.
• Ferragamo Ballet Flats- late 50's- 60's.

Accessories

• Rhinestone Jewellery
• Costume Jewellery
• Diamonds!
• Head and neck scarves
• Handbags 
• Fur coats

So! That was Marilyn's style- inspirational in my opinion. I hope you are inspired too- to find your own 'look' like Marilyn's glamour goddess look or your own  look with a unique twist. If there is one thing Marilyn has taught women- it is that we don't have to stick with convention merely because they are there. I hope you found this of interest and if so- perhaps indicate that you found this guide helpful! Thanks for looking.