Regardless of the questionable content and portrayal of Marilyn Monroe’s life in new Netflix movie, ‘Blonde’, there’s no doubt that the most watchable element of the film by far, is Ana De Arnas’ haunting depiction of the Hollywood star. Myths and legends about Marilyn’s life aside, it’s never a bad thing to bring back to the foreground a woman who radiated such emotional intelligence, warmth, talent, charm, wit, sensitivity, not to mention a style icon that has influenced fashion for over 60 years since her death in 1962. And de Arnas’ Monroe embodies all of these traits.
Cinematography is impressive throughout the film, as is the exceedingly accurate costume design put together by Jennifer Johnson, which any Hollywood movie fan would immediately recognise as Monroe’s. Marilyn’s wardrobe includes iconic outfit choices, from her dazzling evening wear, to her off-duty style, which consisted mostly of casual knitwear, jeans and pantsuits. And her style never fails to stay effortlessly chic, even today. But as we’re all about the knitwear, here’s a short round-up to focus in on some of Marilyn’s most enduring wooly garms…
1. Hand-knitted cardigan:
Marilyn wore this chunky cream wool cardigan, which was decorated with a brown and navy geometric pattern across the centre, cuffs and neck, on a couple of occasions in 1962. It even had a matching knitted belt. It was famously featured in a series of photos by photographer and confidant George Barris, which were taken on the beach in Santa Monica, California. Here’s a great write-up by The Girl Loves Vintage, who managed to research it and recreate a very similar look.
2. Black turtle neck sweater:
The simple black turtleneck that Marilyn wore was a huge part of ’50’s fashion. And it seems that the 2020’s still has a penchant for them too! Having such a staple item in your wardrobe is essential for a last-minute wardrobe panic situation. We found this great knitting pattern to replicate your own fitted and cropped turtleneck style here.
3. Aran knit sweater dress:
In ‘Let’s Make Love’, 1960, Marilyn was filmed wearing nothing but an oversized aran cable-knit jumper and tights. This purple sweater dress feels ahead of its time. Aran knits take a helluva long time to knit, but thankfully you can purchase a replica from The TWOSisterStore on Etsy for £165.
Marilyn frequently wore black, cream, mustard and even bright shades of red when it came to her knitwear. But the best part about being inspired by her wardrobe is to make it your own and have fun interpreting these famous staple knits by making them personal to you!
Which is your favourite? What colours would you utilise? What patterns would you change? Decisions, decisions!
Imagery courtesy of Netflix, Vanity Fair, George Barris and The New York Times, and The Girl Loves Vintage.
Moss & Purl 