Get the look: Marilyn Monroe

When it comes to classic beauty, nobody is quite as timeless as Marilyn Monroe. Almost fifty years after her death, her influence on fashion can still be seen from the red carpets to the high street. This winter the Monroe look is back in vogue once again thanks to Michelle Williams’ uncanny impersonation in the new movie My Week with Marilyn – hotly tipped to win her an Oscar next year. Best of all, her look is totally accessible and versatile – all figure hugging skirts and understated accessories. Here’s our guide to getting the look.

In contrast to her sexy screen persona, many of Monroe’s most enduring looks are surprisingly modest. By combining a high-waisted pencil skirt with a white women’s top or blouse, you can create an outfit that oozes 50s chic, but is also suitable for everything from smart-casual to formal. Simplicity is the key with this outfit, just pick out a simple long-length pencil skirt and an understated women’s top, perhaps with some ruffling such as this Sparkle Tie Blouse. Complete the look with some classic court shoes, and don’t over accessorise – this outfit speaks for itself!

Another Monroe classic is the figure-hugging black polo neck. If you really want to ramp up the 50s glamour you could wear this with a white headscarf and shades – but watch out for high winds or you’re likely to suffer a ‘Bridget Jones’ moment. Make sure you match your polo neck with some black shoes – again, courts represent a classic look that seldom goes wrong.

Of course, the ultimate Monroe image is of the stunning white dress she wore in The Seven Year Itch. Earlier this year that dress sold for $4.6 million – ever so slightly beyond our budget, but you can recreate the look with a White Halter-Neck Dress worn against bare legs with matching white heels. Just watch out for those upward draughts!