Happy Fashion Friday friends! Today I am sharing some fun frocks. They are two Outfits Inspired By The 1953 Film Niagara.
Niagara is an American film-noir thriller directed by Henry Hathaway.
The film stars Marilyn Monroe, Joseph Cotten, Jean Peters and Max Showalter. It was one of 20th Century Fox’s biggest box office hits of the year.
Outfits Inspired By The 1953 Film Niagara
Marilyn Monroe is definitely the star of the film. She plays femme fatale Rose Loomis.
One iconic costume worn by Rose is a pink sheath dress. It features cap sleeves and a bow neckline. Her husband angrily remarks “Parading around, showing herself off in that dress, cut down so low in front you can see her kneecaps”.
Butterick B6217
The goal for my garments was to work with only the patterns and fabric that I had on hand. I also have been wanting more versatility in my wardrobe with mix and match pieces so I opted to sew a top and skirt instead of a dress.
The top is the key piece.
I used Gertie’s Butterick B6217, view A. It’s a great pattern that goes together well. A beginner could sew it with a bit of assistance. 
Simplicity 8462
Marilyn Monroe was 27 when she filmed this movie. In addition to not being a blonde, I am double her age. With my pear shaped figure I wanted a fuller skirt. I used Simplicity 8462. It is a great skirt that I’ve made a few times. A beginner could sew it with a bit of assistance with the zipper installation.
There is an iconic scene involving Monroe’s character and the Bell Tower. It is also known as the Rainbow Tower and Rainbow Carillon. The tower is part of the Rainbow Bridge which provides border access between America and Canada. The bells play three times a day. Sadly, in the 70 years since the filming of the movie the Bell Tower can no longer be accessed.
This was the closest we could get to take the photos and we received a side eye from a guard. This is understandable as border security is a big issue.
At the top of Horseshoe Falls on the American side.
The lovely Jean Peters plays the part of Polly Cutler.
I actually preferred Jean Peters wardrobe in the film.
In a pivotal scene, Polly wears a navy skirt and top over a pair of white shorts (shown in the upper far left of the photo).
It’s a classic look accessorized only by a simple scarf.
Butterick 7886
For Polly’s top I used Butterick 7886, view C. I then decided to add sleeves from view B to make the top more wearable for several seasons.
This pattern was a bit tricky. The instructions regarding the collar were very confusing. I would classify this as an intermediate pattern.
Simplicity 1283
For the skirt I used only the skirt pieces of Simplicity 1283. The pockets were omitted and a waistband was added. It went together very quickly in about 4 hours.
Overlooking Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side.
This quick snap was taken while we were on the Journey Behind The Falls excursion. You can read more about that HERE.
We also paid a visit to the Niagara Falls 100 year old power plant.
As the day was growing warm the blouse was untucked. I need to add one more button if I plan on wearing it this way in the future.
I hope you have enjoyed my Niagara costume inspired creations.
My email newsletter provider is down. I hope the issue is resolved soon. But just in case I will be back with Sunday Smiles as well as a Fall Home Tour next Tuesday.
See you soon,
Laura
You’ll probably get more wear out of the Peters but I like them both. That was a good film — it showed Monroe can actually act. She was far more than just a pretty face.
What a wonderful post. They’re very nostalgic. The days of Simplicity patterns for sewing I think are long gone. It’s a shame though. Your pictures were stunning. Thank you for a great story. Have a wonderful weekend.