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
Some Like it Hot 1959 is a suspenseful romantic comedy that sizzles with vintage fashion and an all star cast.
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.
Can you guess who is the lead singer of the female band?
It’s none other than Marilyn Monroe, whose singing performances rival her Happy Birthday Mr President act.
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.
The true 20s fashion 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 trimmed with 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?
Hollywood costume designer Orry-Kelly designed the incredible wardrobe and dresses for Marilyn Monroe in both Some Like It Hot, as well as the Seven Year Itch.
And yes, he won an Academy Award for his incredible costume designs for Some Like it Hot.
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 insisted on designer gowns too!
“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.” — Jack Lemmon
This similar sentiment is echoed hilariously by Tony Curtis.
“…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.” — Tony Curtis
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.
They got off to a rocky start, after he took the men’s measurements and then Marilyn Monroe’s.
He then 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 she is so much skinnier in the publicity shots versus 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, two best friends, Joe and Jerry, (played by Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon) accidentally witness a mob massacre.
And barely escape alive.
On the run, 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.
They introduce 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.
Even though Marilyn Monroe’s dress is supposed to evoke a “flapper” style with its dramatic fringe, this is actually more cliché than accurate for 1920s style.
Never the less, we love the bombshell vintage style combination, even if it’s not true to 1920s styling!
Need more glitzy Marilyn Monroe fashion inspiration, including how to style a white fur coat?
Marilyn Monroe Fashion in There’s no Business Like Show Business
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.
Why? 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 plans to land a millionaire.
“I don’t care how rich he is, as long as he has a yacht, his own private railroad car, and his own toothpaste.” — Sugar
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.
As they pull up to the hotel veranda, a line of rich old men are lined up in rocking chairs.
They eagerly ogle 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. Their gift shop is full of incredible memorabilia for this classic Marilyn Monroe movie.
Need more Marilyn Monroe glam style inspiration? How about a behind the scenes look at her famous “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” number where she wears the iconic pink gown?
Marilyn Monroe Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Outfits – All her Gorgeous Glam Dresses
Marilyn Monroe Some Like It Hot Dress Outfits – Her Sizzling Vintage Style Outfits: Swimsuit
Marilyn Monroe is wearing a one piece black swimsuit with white trim detailing. Her retro swimsuit cover-up is a white terrycloth robe.
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!”
Tony Curtis’ character, Joe, dressed in new disguise, and talking with 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.
Need more glam Marilyn Monroe swimsuit style inspiration?
15 Sexy Marilyn Monroe Bikini Outfits | Your Sizzling Retro Swimwear Guide
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 iconic 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.
Since he can’t fall in love or develop feelings for a woman, Marilyn spends the evening trying to kiss him to make him feel something.
Marilyn Monroe’s glittering dress looks very similar to the famous one she wore three years later, to the 1962 fundraiser where she sang “Happy Birthday Mr President“.
This was to honor John F Kennedy in Madison Square Garden.
(And yes, that lookalike dress is the one that Kim Kardashian infamously wore to the Met Gala red carpet in 2022.
You can imagine how both Marilyn and Kennedy turned over in their graves.)
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.
Do you agree that this is one of the great movies of Marilyn Monroe’s film career?
What are your thoughts on the Marilyn Monroe fashion, dresses, and costumes in Some Like It Hot?
Wouldn’t the gowns be perfect for a themed party?
(Maybe treat yourself to a custom 1920s inspired vintage gown! Provide your necessary measurement information. And, if you are tight on time, see if they offer custom rush orders.)
other posts you might like:
- 33 Bombshell Marilyn Monroe Sweater Outfits from the 1940s – 1960s
- Marilyn Monroe Sunglasses – 8 Glam Ways to Accessorize Your Vintage Fashion Outfits
- Marilyn Monroe How to Marry a Millionaire – Your Guide to 1950s Glam
- Marilyn Monroe Niagara – Her Sizzling 1950s Fashion
- Marilyn Monroe the Prince and the Showgirl – All her Glitzy Outfits
- Sizzling 1950s Marilyn Monroe Outfits in Don’t Bother to Knock
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I heard her weight fluctuated in the nude sequined dress, 6 were made for the scene?
I wouldn’t be surprised! She was also pregnant during the filming of the movie and had to be sewn into that dress.