Hollywood’s ultimate bombshell, and the dresses that are still copied.
By Shreya S · Last reviewed 15 November 2026
What is the white dress?
The ivory halter dress with a pleated skirt that billows up as she stands over a subway grate in The Seven Year Itch (1955). It was designed by William Travilla, the costume designer who dressed her in eight films. It is one of the most famous costumes in film history.
And the pink gown?
Also Travilla: the strapless shocking-pink satin gown with a big bow at the back and long gloves that she wears to sing “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953). It has been referenced endlessly, from Madonna’s “Material Girl” video to red carpets today.
What was the “Happy Birthday” dress?
A skin-toned, nearly sheer gown covered in thousands of crystals, designed by Jean Louis, which she wore to sing to President Kennedy at Madison Square Garden in May 1962. It sold at auction in 2016 for $4.8 million, and Kim Kardashian’s appearance in it at the 2022 Met Gala caused a heated debate about whether historic garments should be worn at all.
What did she wear off screen?
Often something simpler than her image: jeans, knitted sweaters, crisp white shirts, capri trousers and Ferragamo heels. She famously told an interviewer in 1952 that she wore only Chanel No. 5 to bed. Red lips and platinum curls completed the look.
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