I am really looking forward to the upcoming Marilyn Monroe movie. Monroe is one of my favourite style icons. Her off duty style is completely at odds with her ‘Movie Marilyn’ look, and it’s so classic it wouldn’t look out of place now.

            From the pictures available, it’s easy to see she seemed to prefer a soft toned palette, Creams, Greys and Blacks with soft block colours. She had old favourites that she rewore (even once they were stained) and as opposed to the naively se y character she often portrayed on film, she dressed in a what is seen now as an exceedingly modest way. High necklines and turtlenecks, trousers and form skimming dresses.  

               

        
            But off course she could turn it on when she needed to – As an actress she knew the value of her image. At appearances, premieres and nights out she could turn up the wattage and play the character. Out would come the low necklines, the figure hugging dresses with the diamonds and furs.  Wearing whites and Gold’s she would stand out in the resulting publicity photos looking luminescent – and draw the eye every time. In an era before stylists, she managed to create and control her look
  

            I’m not expecting to be blown away by the movie – but I am expecting to come out with a new mental shopping list. It looks as though the costume department on the movie really excelled themselves, especially with the underwear (by the fabulous - What Katie Did - www.whatkatiedid.com/)

There’s a lovely dress like Marilyn article here:  http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/2011/nov/15/marilyn-monroe-film-costume-designer