by Mariana Federici and Emily Duff
Long before Hollywood evolved into the world of pop stars and influencers that it is today, Marilyn Monroe intertwined the power of femininity and fashion to form a spectacular outcome - legacy.
Almost 65 years after her death, Monroe continues to remain a timeless and internationally renowned icon - and one of the biggest fashion inspirations.
The "Marilyn Monroe Effect" has had a profound influence on the modern fashion community, shaping both aesthetics and attitudes towards femininity and beauty.
Her signature bold red lip and blonde bombshell style have left an unforgettable mark on modern pop culture. Monroe’s ability to combine seduction with sophistication has inspired contemporary designers to create clothing that empowers women to embrace their femininity without compromise.
And she wasn’t afraid to reveal her motivations; “I daydream chiefly about beauty. I dreamed of myself becoming so beautiful that people would turn to look at me when I passed.”
Her ability to take simple clothing like a white dress, black jumper, or pearl necklace and liberate a whole generation of women was truly inspiring for Hollywood’s Golden Age. Monroe’s wardrobe often highlighted her hourglass body, broke free from traditional silhouettes of the early 1940s era and set the stage for 1960s fashion.
These signature looks have since been continuously referenced and reinterpreted by fashion houses and stylists alike. Recent notable collections include Sportmax ToBeLovedByYou FW 22/23 Capsule Knitwear.
Many of the beauty standards we have today were set up by Monroe. Bold prints, strapless clothing, chic sheath dresses, duster coats, silk fabrics, and bows were often part of Monroe’s wardrobe and everyday clothing.
Modern designers often draw on the essence of Monroe’s allure by promoting body positivity, celebrating curves, and using bold, glamorous elements in their collections. The resurgence of vintage-inspired clothing, such as high-waisted trousers and even the popularity of platinum blonde hair, echoes her lasting influence.
American costume designer William Travilla is one of many in charge of Marilyn’s great fashion impact on society. He created and brought to life the famous blowing white halter dress also known as ‘The Seven Year Itch Dress.’
Created using human-made fibres and an expensive fabric called rayon-acetate crepe, it provided freedom for Monroe to swing with movement while being light enough to catch all the breeze as she walked.
Although Travilla had a great impact on her career, it was Monroe’s charisma that brought it to life. The Seven Year Itch altered the Hollywood industry, featuring the most iconic 20th-century scene and paving a way for the greater meaning of what Marilyn Monroe truly meant for young women.
Monroe made use of the male gaze, creating a persona that teased the desires of men and landing her the nearly century-long label of sex symbol.
Rather than allowing the media to share her dark history and traumatic childhood, Monroe - or Norma Jeane - remained in character even when she wasn’t filming a movie. Allegedly stating to Lawrence Schiller, "I never wanted to be Marilyn - it just happened. Marilyn's like a veil I wear over Norma Jeane."
She capitalised on her blonde hair, unique beauty mark, charisma, and thin but curvy body to attract popularity.
“She had a huge impact on women's fashion,” said Ashley Bellet, professor of costume design at Oklahoma City University. “She really kind of made it OK to be sexually attractive.”
Now, we see a major shift in the expectations of how women should physically incorporate themselves into the fashion world. They enjoy curling their hair, using exotic clothing, tanning their skins, and embracing their beauty moles to unleash cultural appreciation. The timeless bridge to success in modern style has evolved over the years and it all started with Marilyn Monroe.
In addition to her sartorial impact, Monroe's understanding of the power of image has greatly influenced how modern fashion campaigns are crafted. Much like Monroe, who cultivated her public persona with precision, today's fashion icons and influencers harness the power of social media to curate an image that captivates the public.
The “Marilyn Monroe Effect” has, therefore, not only shaped what women wear but also how they engage with fashion on a cultural and personal level.
The ongoing fascination with Monroe’s style and legacy continues to inspire the fashion community, pushing boundaries and encouraging individuality in a way that remains as relevant today as it was during her lifetime.