Anyone who loves Halloween knows that deciding who you'll dress as is the easy part, but executing the look you picture in your head is another story. Take Marilyn Monroe, for example. It seems easy, but even if you have an exact replica of her iconic white dress, there are still so many subtle details that go into making the look believable. You'll need red lipstick and matching nail polish — plus a flick of liquid liner — but the piéce de résistance is the perfectly-coiffed platinum hairdo.
The female icons of the '50s were glamorous, which means the decade makes for a great jumping-off point if you want a costume with a flashy, elegant feeling. Ahead, we've rounded up some of the greats, like Audrey Hepburn and Josephine Baker, to serve as inspiration for a major Halloween beauty moment. Whether you decide to use old-school hot rollers, a wig, or any other tool or product, you'll find the spark to get you started, ahead.
Eartha Kitt
Beyond being a singer, actress, dancer, comedian, and activist in the '50s, Eartha Kitt is well-known for her raspy voice. (You know her as the villainous Yzma in Disney's The Emperor's New Groove.) As a beauty icon, she continues to inspire women everywhere to go for the big chop.Photo: Central Press/Getty Images.
Dorothy Dandridge
You can't get much more glamorous than Dorothy Dandridge. She starred in Carmen Jones, a 1954 film depiction of WWII, with her short curly haircut and a fitted, off-the-shoulder midi dress. Photo: Donaldson Collection/Getty Images.
Elizabeth Taylor
Arguably the most iconic face in Hollywood cinema during the '50s, Elizabeth Taylor has an appeal that transcends generations. Her classic brunette bob, flipped softly at the ends, is in style once again. Photo: Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images.
Grace Kelly
If you have blonde hair, or have a good blonde wig, then grab some hair gel, brush it back, add a rounded curl at the ear (and a tiara if you have one), and go as Grace Kelly. Photo: Pictorial Parade/Hulton Archive/Getty Images.
So, a white halter-style dress is a start, but the classic pin-up hairdo is also a must for a good Marilyn Monroe impression. Photo: Alfred Eisenstaedt/Pix Inc./The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images.
Audrey Hepburn
Whether you're channeling a Breakfast at Tiffany'sHepburn, with pearls and gloves, or her more rhythmic side in Funny Face, attention should be paid to her old-Hollywood hair, complete with feathered baby bangs.Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images.
Nothing's scarier than a last-minute costume scramble. Click on over to Spooky Town now and shop our editors' curated collection of Halloween outfits and accessories. We even included some tasty treats!
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