We're all guilty of over-using the word 'iconic', but in Marilyn Monroe's case it's truly appropriate. Her look has been imitated so many times that we've come to think of her as more of an idea than a person, and even though dressing up as her is a terrible cliché, we still haven't tired of it 52 years after her death.

This month alone, we've had Beyoncé Knowles mimicking her for Out magazine; the announcement that Jessica Chastain may play her in a new movie; and model Khadija Nicholas on the cover of Pharrell's new single, Marilyn Monroe, styled with familiar curls and sparkling red lips.

Though she had the trademark pout, liquid eyeliner and wiggling, hourglass figure, the lasting symbol of Marilyn is undeniably that platinum, voluminous, curly bob. Put a short blonde wig on anyone and you know exactly who is being referenced.

In honour of the latest batch of impersonations, we've dug out 20 of the most notable homages of the last three decades and rated them on our snappily titled Marilynometer. From the most lifelike to the least, they all prove one thing: that we, as a species, are still in love with Marilyn Monroe.

 

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