Hey gorgeous people! Mandy here, and today we’re diving into something super iconic and timeless – how to be and dress like Marilyn Monroe in our modern 2025 world.
You have to know, there is a certain everlasting grace about Marilyn’s style that can never go out of fashion. While the whole world is going crazy over TikTok fashion trends of the day that will be over as fast as my last relationship, Marilyn glam has endured 70+ years! That is being if I do say so myself, honey.
The Complicated Legacy of an Icon
Before we get into the styling tips, let us say something real quick, behind that glamour, Marilyn was having one rough life. She has been imitated so much by many women (even celebs) in her look, her quotes and her essence. They are even so drastic as to see Kim K actually squeezing herself into Marilyn’s actual dress for the Met Gala a couple of years ago! Was that iconic or problematic? The internet is yet in an argument, bestie.
The Kardashians even have Marilyn paintings in their houses, with Kim always doing all she can to be posited as “that generation’s sex symbol”. However, isn’t there something slightly icky about always trying to become her who led a life, which was filled with so much pain? In 2025, I think we can appreciate how to be and dress like Marilyn Monroe while still acknowledging her complex humanity.
Platinum Blonde Dreams: Hair 2025 Style
Marilyn’s signature platinum locks remain her most recognizable feature. But in 2025, we have so many better options than the harsh chemicals of the 1950s!
Modern Wig Options
There is how much technology behind the temporary hair color since Marilyn’s times! Now we have those amazing melt in colour mousses that will give you perfect platinum without the damage. The latest ones of Bio-Pigment line from L’Oréal also adapt to your natural hair color to make you look the most natural with blonde shades.
For the guys who want the full fantasy without any commitments, the new generation of human hair wigs with 3D-printed scalps are literally indistinguishable from the real hair. The “Monroe Bombshell” style from HairDreams is for that ideal chin length curled look and not have the appearance of being in a Halloween outfit.
Face Beat: Marilyn’s Makeup Reimagined
The face that launched a thousand copycats! To truly nail how to be and dress like Marilyn Monroe in 2025, your makeup game needs to be on point.
Base and Complexion
Marilyn’s dewiness was so ahead of its time! Rather than the cakey foundation found on her period, use a light covering serum foundation. The new bio-adaptive pigments on the new ones actually adapt to your skin tone during the day!
A soft rosy blush high on the cheekbones creates those innocent-but-sexy flush she was famous for. Just pat it on with your fingers to get that “I am glowing because I just got kissed” look.
The Iconic Eye
Make the eyeshadow subtle and just a little bit of champagne shimmer. Marilyn wasn’t all about dramatic smoky eyes, she let her winged liner do the job. The secret is to make the wing slight and slightly upturned.
One major update for 2025? Big lashes have finally become believable with magnetic lashes! The new nano-magnetic particles will look perfectly on your lash line; you will get that fluttery Marilyn without gluey mess.
The Red Lip Revolution
Girl, this is non-negotiable. You cannot claim to know how to be and dress like Marilyn Monroe without mastering the perfect red lip! The modern twist? Lip stains containing built-in plumping peptides to get that pillowy Monroe pout without need of injections.
My little darling is BeautyBio “Bombshell Red”, it will last through three martini’s and a makeout session (ahem, not that I’ve tested this out recently….okay, maybe I have).
Don’t forget the beauty mark! A small dot slightly above the left section of your lip finishes the change.
Wardrobe: Beyond the White Dress
Everyone knows the billowing white dress from “The Seven Year Itch,” but Marilyn’s style was so much more versatile!
Wiggle Dresses 2.0
The “wiggle dress”, which fitted snugly, was Marilyn’s favorite outfit when showing off her hourglass figure. In 2025 these have been modified with stretch fabrics that, in fact, move along with your body and not against it. Those poor women in the 50s had difficulty breathing.
The newer sustainable fabrics with built-in temperature regulation mean you can rock how to be and dress like Marilyn Monroe without sweating through your fancy outfit.
The Pink Power Move
Her hot pink strapless dress from “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” asserts that she was not all about white dresses. The vibrant look of the color is fabulous on all, and the contemporary designers are coming up with stylish pocket (hallelujah!).
Either pair a hot pink midi dress with matching opera gloves to give off “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” energy.
Accessories That Make the Look
No how to be and dress like Marilyn Monroe guide would be complete without talking about the finishing touches!
Sparkling Details
Marilyn was into rhinestones and crystals. In 2025, ethical lab-grown diamonds are affordable enough to allow you to rock real sparkle without the guilt, or the bank account, owing the high price tag.
The hair jewelry is resurged in a big way and crystal-studded clips and combs can give that final, much needed flourish to any hairstyle.
The Power of Gloves
Opera gloves are currently in a huge moment. From red carpet to wedding fashion, these classy arm-coverers immediately give a touch of old Hollywood dramatics. Match them with any dress to seek out major Monroe vibes.
Current versions are available in fresh materials such as sustainable silk and temperature-regulating material so that your arms do not get sweaty (very Marilyn, isn’t it?).
Walking the Walk: Embodying Marilyn’s Essence
How to be and dress like Marilyn Monroe isn’t just about the outer appearance – it’s about capturing her aura.
The Famous Monroe Walk
Marilyn famously invented her trademark walk by shortening one heel a little bit smaller than the other and that is how she got that iconic side to side hip sway. I’m not saying that you should be running power tools across your Louboutins, but working some subtle hip sway is definitely tapping into her energy.
The Whisper Voice
That whispering tone of speaking was turned into a Marilyn trademark. It is the fun of playing with for a themed party, but bear in mind that in 2025 we can enjoy the aesthetics which does not require us to feel like we have to make ourselves smaller or less powerful!
Why Marilyn Still Matters in 2025
After all these decades, why are we still obsessed with how to be and dress like Marilyn Monroe? I guess, it was because of the very timelessness of what she embodied: femininity as power, vulnerability as strength.
In the ever-changing world of the ever-changing beauty ideals and fashion, there is something beautiful about a timeless icon who manages to remain appealing regardless of his or her age. Although nowadays we can see the questionable features of her treatment and appearance, still we can enjoy her artistic initiatives and sheer charisma.
The Modern Marilyn
The best way to honor Marilyn in 2025 would not be to get dressed like her. It is to take her best features and make them your own. Perhaps it is the red lip for you. Perhaps, it is the confidence of appreciating your curves. Perhaps it is the perfect blonde curls.
How to be and dress like Marilyn Monroe today means understanding that she was more than just a pretty face – she was a complex woman fighting to be taken seriously in a world that wanted to reduce her to her appearance. Sound familiar? While other things have changed up, others are not quite as almighty as we’d wish.
And, therefore rock that red lip, that platinum hair, that curve-hugging dress if that makes you feel powerful. However, bear in mind that the most Marilyn thing you can do is be shamelessly yourself.
That’s all for now, beauties! Let me know in the comments which Marilyn look is your favorite and do not forget to subscribe for more throwbacks with a modern twist!
XOXO, Mandy
