More than 60 years after her death, Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most influential style icons of all time. From Old Hollywood glamour and platinum blonde curls to figure-hugging gowns and signature red lipstick, Marilyn’s impact on fashion and beauty continues to shape pop culture today.
Although she is best remembered for legendary film roles and unforgettable photographs, Marilyn Monroe also helped define modern celebrity fashion. Long before luxury designer endorsements became standard, she championed emerging labels including Salvatore Ferragamo, Emilio Pucci and Louis Vuitton.
Meanwhile, her glamorous red carpet style inspired generations of actresses, singers and models. Her famous gold lamé halter-neck dress famously caused controversy because it was so tight she reportedly had to be sewn into it before appearing at an awards ceremony.
Decades later, echoes of Marilyn’s style can still be seen everywhere, from the red carpets of Hollywood to fashion campaigns and beauty trends. Celebrities including Madonna, Michelle Williams, Scarlett Johansson and Kim Kardashian have all drawn inspiration from her timeless look.
Beyond the fashion itself, Marilyn Monroe also left behind some unforgettable quotes on beauty, confidence, femininity and individuality.
Here are 10 of the best Marilyn Monroe quotes about fashion and style.
1. “Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.”
One of Marilyn Monroe’s most iconic fashion quotes and proof that the perfect pair of shoes can completely transform confidence.
2. “I don’t know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot.”
A playful quote that perfectly captures Marilyn’s glamorous and flirtatious approach to fashion.
3. “Your clothes should be tight enough to show you are a woman, but loose enough to show you’re a lady.”
Marilyn believed fashion should celebrate femininity while still maintaining elegance and sophistication.
4. “Fame has a special burden…”
“I don’t mind being burdened with being glamorous and sexual. But what goes with it can be a burden. I feel that beauty and femininity are ageless and can’t be contrived, and glamour cannot truly be manufactured. Not real glamour. It’s based on femininity.”
One of Marilyn’s most thoughtful reflections on beauty, celebrity and authenticity.
5. “No one ever told me I was pretty when I was a little girl. All little girls should be told they’re pretty, even if they aren’t.”
A surprisingly vulnerable quote that continues to resonate decades later.
6. “Either you have it or you don’t. You can’t buy it!”
For Marilyn, true glamour came from confidence and personality rather than money or designer labels.
7. “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”
Arguably Marilyn Monroe’s most quoted line in the social media age and still one of her most empowering messages.
8. “Always be yourself. Retain individuality; listen to the truest part of yourself.”
Even in Hollywood, Marilyn encouraged authenticity and individuality over perfection.
9. “To all the girls that think you’re fat because you’re not a size zero, you’re the beautiful one. It’s society who’s ugly.”
Although often shared online in modern times, this quote continues to reflect Marilyn’s enduring influence on body confidence and beauty standards.
10. “We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle.”
A timeless reminder to embrace confidence, individuality and self-expression.
Why Marilyn Monroe Still Influences Fashion Today
More than half a century later, Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most recognisable fashion and beauty icons in history. Her influence can still be seen across red carpet fashion, beauty campaigns, celebrity styling and vintage-inspired trends.
From figure-hugging dresses and classic Hollywood waves to bold lipstick and timeless glamour, Marilyn’s style continues to inspire designers, stylists and fashion lovers around the world.
Quite simply, true icons never go out of style.
