Marilyn Monroe, who died at age 36 on August 5, 1962, was a style icon in the making as she publicized one of her earliest films, 1948's 'Ladies of the Chorus'. She may have been dressed a bit more conservatively, but she already showed the pin-up appeal that would eventually become known worldwide.
Who needs a bikini to show sex appeal? She regularly wore one-piece bathing suits that highlighted her curves to perfection.
Never afraid to wear lingerie on screen, the rising star wore a silk robe for the drama 'Dont Bother To Knock' in 1952.
Always as stylish as she was sexy, Marilyn even played a 20th Century Fox Studio baseball game in heels.
The buxom blonde dazzled U.S. military troops in a sparkly dress to sign autographs during the Korean War.
Wearing a classic striped top and flat sandals in this candid, Marilyn gives today's #OOTD Instagrammers something to aspire to.
Creating an image that would be copied by scores of stars that came after her, Marilyn slipped into a hot pink gown for her role in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", the film that made the song "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" a hit.
Marilyn was a true golden girl in this metallic halter gown for a portrait session in 1953.
But it was the white halter that the the megastar wore in the 1955 classic 'The Seven Year Itch' that would become one of the most famous dresses of all time.
Playing the role of demure wife, Marilyn chose a simple black suit with white mink trim for her surprise wedding in 1954 to Yankee baseball player Joe DiMaggio.
She wasn't so demure when she hit the town with husband Joe in figure-hugging dresses and fur stoles.
When on one of her many a publicity tours, as seen here in 1957, charming Marilyn knew just what to wear to get the press' attention.
Cool sunglasses + a pencil skirt = timeless glam.
Stiletto pumps and a trench casually thrown over the shoulders – the beauty often rocked the nonchalant and timeless combo, to glamorous effect every time.
More than 50 years after her passing, Marilyn still inspires fashionistas and stars alike, and her iconic allure will no doubt last another 50 and beyond.
