Marilyn Monroe Some Like it Hot Dress Outfits – 8 Spectacular Vintage Style Outfits

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Marilyn Monroe Some Like it Hot, her vintage style fashion, dresses and costumes

This post is all about Marilyn Monroe Some Like it Hot Fashion, Dresses and Costumes

Marilyn Monroe Some Like it Hot 1959 is a hilarious musical comedy with sizzling period costumes and vintage fashion.   

In 1920s Chicago, two jazz band male musicians (played by Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon) witness a mob hit job, so they disguise themselves as lady musicians, and join a traveling female musical band, headed to Miami. 

Who is the lead singer of the female band? None other than blond bombshell Marilyn Monroe whose singing performances in this comedy rival her Happy Birthday Mr President performance.

Marilyn Monroe’s ditzy character, Sugar Kane, is determined to land herself a millionaire who owns a railroad or a yacht!

Marilyn Monroe’s vintage dresses and costumes in this film are some of the most iconic ones from the Old Hollywood Glamour period, so grab that glass of merlot and get ready for some to die for vintage style inspiration!

What did Marilyn Monroe wear in Some Like It Hot 1959?

In Some Like It Hot, Marilyn Monroe’s vintage wardrobe ranges from black dresses, to sequined gowns, to silk pajamas, and an adorable vintage swimsuit.

Although the period for the film is 1920s art deco flapper, yet Marilyn Monroe’s dresses are extremely slinky and fitted, the opposite of the boyish flat-chested shape that was popular in the 1920’s, which is more accurately captured in Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon’s undercover girl musician dresses. 

For shoes, Marilyn Monroe wears a variety of 1950’s pumps and high heels that match her dresses.

Not surprising you never see her wear flats!

Marilyn Monroe’s fashion accessories include glittering statement diamond and pearl earrings, as well as gorgeous fur stoles, and shimmery translucent shawls. 

She also has a number of stunning vintage cloche hats (which is French for “bell”).

This style was popular in the early 1920s-1930s. Her retro hats, in a variety of colors and trimming of beads and lace, feathers, or a veil, are coordinated with her outfits.

To finish her look, Marilyn Monroe’s hair is styled in perfect retro curls and she adds her signature red lipstick.

Thus her vintage style outfits are a unique bubbling cocktail of 1950s style meets 1920s style.

Who designed the clothes for Some Like It Hot 1959?

Orry-Kelly, the Australian-American Hollywood costume designer, designed the incredible clothing and costumes for Some Like It Hot. He also won an Academy Award for his costume designs for the film.

Although the plan was for him to design Marilyn Monroe’s wardrobe, and simply use off the shelf costumes for Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis, the men bulked, wanting designer gowns for themselves too!

Jack Lemmon: “We did put our feet down when we wanted better dresses. They wanted us to select off-the-rack stuff from the costume department. We said we wanted dresses done by Orry-Kelly, who was doing Monroe’s costumes.”

This similar sentiment is echoed hilariously by Tony Curtis, “I didn’t want to look like Loretta Young. You know, those high-waisted things, and I wanted a new designer dress of my own, not one of those used things. I went to Billy [Wilder, the director], and I told him Jack and I wanted Orry-Kelly dresses, too. He said, ‘Okay.’”

Interestingly the costumes Orry-Kelly  designed for Curtis and Lemmon are the most true to the 1920s style in the entire film. 

The clothing designer Orry-Kelly and Marilyn Monroe did not get along, which started right off the bat when he took both of the men’s measurements and then Marilyn Monroes. He commented that Tony Curtis had a better butt than Marilyn Monroe, to which she had a spicy retort to the tune of Curtis not having a bust like hers!

The film was shot in black and white rather than color, since the makeup on the men looked too garish in color and it caused their faces to have a green tint, plus they were more believable as lady musicians in black and white.

Fun fact!

Marilyn Monroe was actually pregnant at the time, which is why she appears slightly heavier than usual. (Sadly this would result in the third and final miscarriage with her husband, Arthur Miller).

Thus, most of the  publicity shots for the film were of either Sandra Warner or Marilyn Monroe’s often stand-in Evelyn Moriarty, and then they would photoshop Monroe’s head on later, this is why you’ll notice she is so much skinnier in a number of the publicity shots vs the movie. 

Some Like it Hot Movie Synopsis

This stylish period comedy is set in Chicago in 1929, when gangsters ruled the city and art deco flapper style was all the rage. 

Two jazz band musicians Joe (Tony Curtis) and Jerry (Jack Lemmon) accidentally witness a gangster mass shooting, barely escaping with their lives.

(This is based on the infamous real life St. Valentine’s Day massacre, and the lead gangster is modeled after Al Capone.)

Fleeing town, both men disguise themselves as female musicians, joining a girl band headed to Miami. 

As they are about to board their train, they spot the blonde bombshell Sugar Kane (Marilyn Monroe) who instantly dazzles them both.

Marilyn Monroe’s hilarious ditzy character has terrible luck with men and she is determined to land herself a millionaire in Florida. 

This story is the backdrop for one of the most hilarious and stylish comedies of all time, with vintage fashion central to the story. 

Marilyn Monroe Some Like It Hot Dress Outfits – Her Sizzling Vintage Fashion Outfits: Black Dress and Fur

On St Valentines Day, on their way to a music gig, the two best friends, Joe and Jerry, (Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon) accidentally witness a mob massacre. They barely escape with their lives.

Joe suddenly recalls that the job agency is looking for two girl musicians in Florida, which is far away from Chicago.

In a high girly voice, Joe calls the job agency and accepts the job positions. In disguise, both men, dressed to the nines in hilarious period vintage fashion, rush to the train station. They are wearing retro coats, and silk blouses with fitted skirts, long bead necklaces, hats and black high heels.

Awkwardly strutting in their high heeled pumps, while carrying their luggage and instruments, Jerry asks in frustration, “How do they walk in these things? …How do they keep their balance?”

Joe: “Must be the way the weight is distributed….. Now, come on!”

Jerry: “…and this is soooo drafty, they must be catching cold all the time. I feel naked. I feel like everybody’s staring at me!!”

Joe: “With those legs? …Are you crazy?! Now come on!”

Both men suddenly stop in their tracks to stare at the gorgeous woman sashing towards them, in her vintage styled wiggle skirt, carrying her luggage and musical instrument.

Marilyn Monroe is wearing a stunning fitted black slinky dress, with a wiggle skirt style, with a statement fur fringe. This is paired with 1940s seamed hosiery, black heels, black gloves, and a glamorous fur coat, as well as a vintage cloche hat with a feather. 

The overall look is very glam vintage style. Notice how Marilyn Monroe oomphs the glitz of her outfit with over-the-top furs and her dramatic dress fringe.

Marilyn Monroe Some Like It Hot Dress Outfits – Her Sizzling Vintage Fashion Outfits: Little Black Dress

In disguise, the men board the train, introducing themselves as “Geraldine” and “Daphne.”

When they open the door to the bathroom, Marilyn Monroe’s character, Sugar Kane, looks up, frightened.

Then she relaxes, seeing that it is not the head mistress, as she sneaks bourbon from her hidden flask.

Offering them a drink, Marilyn Monroe’s character says, “All the girls drink, but I’m the only one that gets caught… Story of my life, I always get the fuzzy end of the lollipop!”

Marilyn Monroe is wearing a skin tight slinky fitted black dress that has lace detailing at the low v-neck and a dramatic skirt fringe. Her dress is paired with seamed hoes, and black high heels.

Interestingly, even though Marilyn Monroe’s dress is supposed to evoke a “flapper” style with its dramatic fringe that is actually more cliche that’s accurate for 1920s style, yet we love the bombshell vintage style combination, even if it’s not true to 1920s styling.

Marilyn Monroe Some Like It Hot Dress Outfits – Her Sizzling Vintage Style Outfits: Negligee and Fur Shawl

Later that evening Marilyn Monroe’s character Sugar talks about how she’s not very bright, otherwise she wouldn’t take this crummy job with a girl band.

She says that she used to sing with male bands, but can’t afford it any more, as they just use her and then move on, and she’s always left broke and heartbroken.  

Now, tired of getting the “fuzzy end of the lollipop,” she is determined to land herself a millionaire. 

Marilyn Monroe: “I don’t care how rich he is, as long as he has a yacht, his own private railroad car, and his own toothpaste.”

Marilyn Monroe is wearing a black silk negligee. She layers this with a sheer cover-up trimmed with dramatic fur.

Marilyn Monroe Some Like It Hot Dress Outfits – Her Sizzling Vintage Fashion Outfits: White Beaded Dress

The female orchestra arrives in Florida, pulling up to the hotel veranda, where a whole line of rich old men are rocking and eagerly ogling the arriving women.

Tony Curtis’ character Geraldine/Joe says to Marilyn Monroe, “Well, there they are. More millionaires than you can shake a stick at!” 

Marilyn Monroe’s character explains in dismay, “Oh wow, I bet there isn’t one under seventy-five…. Let’s hope they brought their grandsons along!”

Marilyn Monroe is wearing a white fitted dress with simmering beading details and matching retro hat with a veil, which she pairs with white heels.

She looks absolutely classy and stunning, perfectly dressed for a leisurely summer in Florida. 

Fun fact!

Even though they are supposed to be arriving in Florida, this is actually filmed at the Hotel Coronado off San Diego; you can visit this gorgeous hotel today and still see the same architecture and check out their gift shop full of memorabilia from this movie, one of the most famous classics of all time that was filmed onsite.

Marilyn Monroe Some Like It Hot Dress Outfits – Her Sizzling Vintage Style Outfits: Swimsuit

As the girls head to the beach for a swim, Marilyn Monroe’s character tells Daphne: “That’s one thing I envy you for.”

Jack Lemmon’s character Daphne, asks, “What’s that?”

Marilyn Monroe, “You’re so flat chested. Clothes hang better on you than on me!”

Marilyn Monroe is wearing a one piece black swimsuit with white trim detailing.  Her retro swimsuit cover-up is a white terrycloth robe.

Tony Curtis’ character, Joe, dressed in disguise, and talking in a fake British accent,  pretends to be a millionaire with his yacht floating close by. He strikes up a conversation with Marilyn Monroe. 

Marilyn Monroe also pretends that she also is wealthy, and asks obvious questions to find out if he’s single. The banter is hilarious and ridiculous. 

She invites him to come that evening and listen to the band play and her singing.

Marilyn Monroe Some Like It Hot Dress Outfits – Her Sizzling Vintage Fashion Outfits: Glittering Nude Evening Dress

That evening Marilyn Monroe’s character takes center stage singing the iconic “I Wanna Be Loved by You.”

Marilyn Monroe’s character is wearing a glittering form fitting nude color silk, with a plunging back, made in a filmy translucent fabric. Her dress is strategically covered with gold sequins and clear bead tassels. This is paired with glittering pumps and dangling diamond earrings and a matching bracelet.  

(Although you can’t see it in the movie, yet you can see in the color snapshots taken on set, there is a heart shaped cut on the butt that is surrounded by red beads and drops.)

Of course in true retro fashion, her blonde curls are perfectly sculpted and she’s wearing red lipstick. 

Her sizzling evening outfit is definitely somewhat risque for the period, and is an icon example of alluring vintage glam.

After her number, as Marilyn Monroe dashes down to the docks, she pulls on a gorgeous white fur stole that is from swans down.

Joe, dressed as a millionaire, is waiting to take her to ‘his’ yacht for dinner. (It is owned by Daphne’s suiter, who is being kept ashore on a ‘date.’)

On the yacht, there’s hilarious banter, as the evening kicks off with Joe’s millionaire character pretending that he was traumatized by a romance years ago, and thus can’t fall in love or develop feelings for a woman, so Marilyn spends the evening trying to kiss him to make him feel something. 

This sparkling form fitting dress looks very similar to the famous one she wore while singing Happy Birthday to President John F Kennedy in Madison Square Garden three years later.

Marilyn Monroe Some Like It Hot Dress Outfits – Her Sizzling Vintage Style Outfits: Evening Robe

After her evening on the yacht, Marilyn Monroe’s character excitedly rushes to Geraldine and Daphne’s room to tell them all about her romantic evening.

She tells them that she’s off alcohol for good now, and then gushes on about what a real gentleman her ‘millionaire’ was. She thinks he will ask her to marry him, as soon as he gets the nerve!

Marilyn Monroe’s character is wearing a tan silk robe with black detailing. Notice the subtle Asian detailing in the fabric pattern that is only seen on the back of her robe. 

This is such a fabulous vintage pajama outfit, that is both comfy and sexy.

Marilyn Monroe Some Like It Hot Dress Outfits – Her Sizzling Vintage Fashion Outfits: Sequined Black Dress

The next morning the head mobster Spats Columbo and his Italian gang members stroll into the hotel.

When Daphne and Geraldine spot them, they rush into the banquet room for the Italian convention, hiding under the long tables. They realize in horror that they are right next to the vintage spats, which are worn only by the head mobster. 

A huge birthday cake is wheeled in and a gunner bursts out of the cake and machine guns Spats Columbo and all his henchmen. 

Now having witnessed a second mob massacre, the two men jump out and start running again, with a different gang chasing them.

As they are escaping through the lobby, Tony Curtis’ character hears Marilyn Monroe’s voice wafting through the lobby.

Marilyn Monroe is draped atop the grand piano singing, “I’m Through With Love.” 

Marilyn Monroe’s character is wearing a glittering form fitting black and nude dress, with a deep v neck, that is covered with strategic beads and sequins, This is paired with dangling diamond and pearl earrings  and black pumps.  

Notice how the suggestive and sexy placement of the beading on Marilyn Monroe’s dress and how it is quite reminiscence of vintage flapper style, yet it is form fitting. 

(Rumour has it that Marilyn Monroe was lifted onto the piano for this scene, since her dress was sooooo form fitting) 

Tony Curtis’s character, unable to resist, starts kissing her, and she realizes with a shock that he’s the “millionaire” she’s fallen for.

Next they begin a mad dash to the waiting motorboat to escape the gangsters.

Running, Marilyn Monroe follows the men to the pier, pulling on top of her dress a gauzy and sexy translucent black shawl. 

As they are ready to pull away from the dock, Marilyn Monroe calls, “Wait for Sugar!” and she jumps in the boat with them.

The movie closes with Marilyn Monroe kissing her man, as the night swallows them up. 

Although she may not have found a real millionaire, since she does like it hot, she did find jazz music and romance.

This post was all about the Marilyn Monroe fashion, dresses, and costumes in Some Like It Hot.

What are your thoughts on the Marilyn Monroe fashion, dresses, and costumes in Some Like It Hot?

Which looks are your favorite, do you prefer her slinky evening gowns with the fringes or those with the beading and sequins? Or do you love Marilyn Monroe’s retro one-piece swimsuit? 

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15 Sexy Marilyn Monroe Bikini Outfits | Your Sizzling Retro Swimwear Guide

Marilyn Monroe How to Marry a Millionaire – Your Guide to 1950s Glam

Originally published May 10, 2023. Updated Sep 03, 2024