Marilyn Monroe was not only a beauty icon and a symbol of the 1950’s and 1960’s Hollywood. She was also highly intelligent, overcame childhood neglect and abuse, started her own production business, was kind-hearted and charitable. She loved animals and children and her smile and sweet eyes have touched people all around the world.

She is not just a sex symbol, she also really knew how to be comfortable in her body, how to walk with grace and take up space, even though she struggled with shyness, very low self-esteem, social anxiety and depression which led her to misuse of drugs and alcohol.

Selma dress crochet pattern

I have always admired her classy and casual style, and many of my crochet designs are inspired by clothes she wore. I have put my own spin on it, except for her classic cable sweater, which I made an almost identical version of, so I can’t take any credit for that – read on to get the free crochet pattern!

My crochet patterns are very simple and remember that you can always add length, different colors and style it your own way, to make it your own unique style.

Let’s look at some Marilyn Monroe looks and outfits and see how we can recreate them in a crochet version.

Niagara falls inspired Marilyn Monroe crochet dress (free guide)

CROCHET HALTERNECK TOP

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CROCHET ROMANTIC MILKMAID TOP WITH FRONT TIES AND PUff sleeves

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Crochet hoop earrings – free pattern

CROCHET HALTERNECK TOP

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Probably the most famous dress Marilyn Monroe ever wore is this halterneck dress. I don’t have this same style in my webshop, but I do have a crochet halterneck top very similar to the dress Marilyn wore in the cut. The crochet top has a deep plunge, is tied in the neck, cropped and has long straps that can be tied around the body or left hanging on the back.

CROCHET SPORTY VEST

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Crochet top with bows & faux fur jacket

CROCHET OFF SHOULDER TOP

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crochet halterneck dress

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CROCHET SHELL STITCH TOP WITH WIDE STRAPS

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A rare Marilyn Monroe photo from I believe the late 40’s. Isn’t it amazing that even on a photo as old as that, you can still clearly see the half double crochet and shell stitches made with double crochet in this top she is wearing? It makes me in awe of this handcraft, that these stitches have been around for such a long time.

And these stitches are very similar to this crochet top I have made with shell stitches with double crochet, a square neck and wide straps. It has a lace-up back and the crochet pattern is very straight forward, great beginners crochet pattern as it has no abbreviations and no increase or decrease. This is a crop top and it is super cute with both pants and skirts.

CROCHET BLACK LACE COCKTAIL DRESS

Try this pattern and learn how to crochet a black vintage style lace dress. Black lace is a classy item to add to your wardrobe. Dress it up or down to your liking, wear it over a t-shirt or jeans or wear on high heels!

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CROCHET FISHNET TOP

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This crochet top is not a corset or bodysuit like the one Marilyn Monroe is wearing in this photo but it is actually quite similar in the style with the fishnet mesh and bra cups. The top can be tied in the neck and on the back to tighten the waist. It is perfect for the beach and it casts beautiful shadows onto the skin.

CROCHET FRONT TIED DRESS

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The brilliant thing about this crochet dress is the versatility of the straps. Tie it in the neck, cross it or add thick straps, as seen further down on this page. The edge also has elastic inside and with this crochet pattern you also get a video tutorial of the whole dress from start to finish.

CROCHET RIBBED VEST

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This crochet vest is not only easy to make, it comes in different version with different colors. I like this version with a ribbed collar. The crochet top is also, similar to Marilyns, tight-fitted and it also has ribbed stitches on the body.

CROCHET FUR JACKET

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If you also want to avoid fur, then opt for this cotton crochet fur jacket with faux fur on the collar as well as the sleeves. This shape is peculiarly enough very similar to the one Marilyn Monroe is wearing in this photo. It has the classic 40’s shape with more width on the shoulders as well as sleeves that are slimmer around the wrists and bigger around the upper arm. It is a very flattering shape especially if you want more drama going on around your bust and shoulders. With this crochet pattern you learn how to crochet a very unique jacket, choose the color you love (or choose two different ones, like I did for mine).

CROCHET ROMANTIC LACE DRESS

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Try out this romantic crochet pattern for Elinora dress with shell stitch straps, elastic edge and elastic waist and an A-line flared skirt. It is so similar to the one Marilyn is wearing, though with less lace. The beauty of this crochet dress is also that because of the stretchy waist it is more tight and comfortable around the waist area, giving your body a beautiful shape.

CROCHET CABLE SWEATER

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And finally… the Marilyn Monroe cable sweater with ribbed edges and collar. Try this free crochet pattern and make your own vintage crochet sweater – you also get a crochet video that you can follow along with for making the crochet braids.