Here’s a famous and, in many respects, rather simple, outfit from the Fifties that is suitable for a Halloween or costume party. Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, was one of the most famous actresses and sex symbols of the middle of the twentieth century, if not of the century on its entirety.

One of her most famous and well known outfits came from the film The Seven Year Itch, which was released in 1955 and was based on the three act play of the same name. Marilyn plays The Girl, an unnamed actress and former model (rather like Marilyn herself) who lives in a flat above the film’s male lead, Richard Sherman, a middle aged advertising executive. Sherman fantasizes that he is developing a relationship with The Girl, even though she does not return his affections.

Marilyn’s most famous scene in the film, and her most famous outfit from all her films, is when she is standing over a subway grate whilst wearing a white dress, which blows up around her as a train passes. This image is one of the most iconic of the 20th century, and the dress one of the most famous and recognisable items of clothing. When the dress was sold in June 2011, the price was over $5.6 million (including $1 million in commission). This costume is a very simple one to wear.

The Head

For the head, all that is really needed is a Marilyn Monroe blonde wig, or hair style, and some red lipstick.

The Body

This is, of course, the dress, which was a light-coloured ivory cocktail dress with a halter bodice and a plunging neckline, in a style that was fashionable in the Fifties and Sixties. It had a soft, narrow belt that wrapped around the waist which was tied in a small bow, with a pleated mid-calf or lower skirt.

The Feet

A simple item here, as a pair of white, high heeled shoes will do the trick.

Or why not search for more Marilyn Monroe costume ideas?