18 Iconic Marilyn Monroe Outfits You Forgot About

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Monroe stands proud on a hill in California circa 1953. The actress is captured in a white cropped turtleneck, fitted shorts, and strappy heels.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”