4 Ways To Incorporate Marilyn Monroe's Iconic Style Into Your 2026 'Fits

If you think about Hollywood fashion icons, certainly Marilyn Monroe has to enter the conversation. She was popular in her 1950s heyday for her boundary-pushing looks, and she has influenced some of the biggest stars to follow her — hello, Blonde Ambition-era Madonna and Kim Kardashian's memorable Met Gala look that entered the fashion hall of fame! And she still remains relevant in 2026, when she would've turned 100. Even Marilyn Monroe's eyeliner hack is going viral on TikTok with tutorials on how to get her sultry look.

But how do you incorporate some of her iconic style into your '26 outfits without looking like you're ready for Halloween? For starters, steer clear of a white halter dress and bleached-blond bob. It's not about copying "The Seven Year Itch" star's look to a T; it's about infusing small details into your outfits that give subtle nods to the legend. Here are four ideas to set you in the right direction.

Although we often picture Marilyn Monroe in a dress, whether it's the above-mentioned white one from "The Seven Year Itch," the infamous pink strapless gown from "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," or the legendary Kardashian-borrowed piece that she wore while singing happy birthday to President John F. Kennedy. But Monroe also knew the power of a skirt suit, with its inherent femininity fused with strength. She even wore one for her 1954 city hall wedding to Joe DiMaggio.

Skirt suits are also slated to be big for the rest of 2026, and they most definitely shouldn't be reserved for the office. Follow Monroe's lead and wear one that's impeccably tailored to your figure. To make it feel fresh, consider a suit with texture or a print. And like this street styler demonstrated, wearing the jacket buttoned with nothing underneath gives it a hint of sex appeal that takes this office staple out of the workplace.

Fashion insiders are predicting a resurgence of lingerie pieces featuring in 'fits this year, and who better to take a lesson from than one of the most iconic sex symbols ever? Marilyn Monroe pushed envelopes by wearing lingerie pieces, and though that feels much less risqué nowadays, when bra tops are worn on the regular, there are still ways to make it feel unique. But it might be more about subtlety in '26 that makes lingerie dressing feel powerful.

For example, take a page from this street styler's fashion notebook. Her layered look includes shorts that look like they could be from the intimates department, which she paired with a corset top. This look isn't about overt sexiness, but rather quiet confidence. It fits in beautifully with the idea of how you carry yourself, i.e. the "Marilyn Monroe effect," which explains how confidence changes your appearance.

Marilyn Monroe is considered one of the first Old Hollywood stars to wear jeans regularly, but we hardly need to suggest you get a pair of those in your wardrobe. Monroe was often photographed in capri pants as well, which are once again trending. Though some of her casual looks were pared down, she also had moments where just a small detail took the look to an iconic level. For example, the outfit she wore with husband Arthur Miller in New York in 1956, where a simple scarf and sunglasses elevated a white button-up and capri pants.

Wearing something like this might feel a bit costume-y in 2026, but there are ways to channel the essence. Take this Fashion Week guest in Paris, for example. Her jacket, capri pants, and loafers become something much more fashionable with the addition of a colorful headscarf.

Need inspiration? Here are 15 ways to style an effortlessly chic silk scarf.

In 1952, Marilyn Monroe posed for a pic with servicewomen wearing a draped-neck polka-dot dress. She was reportedly a fan of prints, especially in the years leading up to her 1962 passing. But a decade before, she looked full of life in the playful print.

Fast forward to 2026, and style-philes have declared that bold prints are popping once again. While vixens might lean into animal prints, those wanting to evoke a youthful spirit should consider polka-dots. We love the look this German influencer showed on the streets of Munich, pairing a spotted funnel-neck anorak with billowing trousers and red ballet flats. This is the ideal way to incorporate Monroe's iconic touches into your style to make it feel current and not costume-like.