Lucille Ball’s Most Iconic Outfits from ‘I Love Lucy’

Lucille Ball’s Iconic Wardrobe from the Set of I Love Lucy

When we think of television legends, Lucille Ball undoubtedly tops the list. Her time on I Love Lucy not only solidified her status as a comedic powerhouse but also showcased her incredible sense of style. Long before she became a household name, Lucille was honing her fashion skills through various modeling gigs and film roles. In her own words, she once said, “I have an everyday religion that works for me—love yourself first, and then everything else falls into line.” Today, we take a look back at the most memorable outfits she donned while entertaining audiences on her beloved sitcom.

In the 1930s, during her early career at RKO, Lucille described her natural hair as “mousy brown.” However, she was determined to stand out and sought beauty advice from none other than Lela Rogers, mother of actress Ginger Rogers. By 1933, as Hollywood’s standards evolved, Lucille experimented with a striking platinum blonde look, even donning an attention-grabbing Lady Godiva-style wig in the film Roman Scandals.

Although she didn’t achieve immediate stardom in films, she credited her mentor, Lela Rogers, for transforming her appearance. In her memoir, Love, Lucy, she reminisced about how Rogers helped her transition from wearing jeans to glamorous dresses. Fast forward to 1944, when studio hairstylist Sydney Guilaroff took her look to the next level by dyeing her hair red. This bold move paid off, especially with the introduction of Technicolor in films.

Fashion wasn’t just about aesthetics for Lucille; it was also about learning the art of presentation. Designer Hattie Carnegie played a pivotal role in teaching her how to carry herself with elegance, so much so that Lucille remarked on wearing a $40,000 sable coat with casual ease. As the years rolled on and with the premiere of I Love Lucy in the 1950s, Lucille collaborated with Oscar-winning designer Elois Jenssen, marking a significant chapter in her sartorial evolution.

By 1965, Lucille had transitioned into the role of a business leader. Following her divorce from Desi Arnaz, she embraced a more sophisticated wardrobe befitting her status as head of Desilu Studios. Her assistant, Wanda Clark, fondly recalled receiving numerous outfits from Lucille, which showcased the actress’s generous spirit and shared sense of style.

By the mid-1980s, Lucille had firmly established her trademark look, with her vibrant red hair becoming a symbol of her legacy. The precise formula used for her hair color remained a closely guarded secret, adding to the aura of mystery surrounding the beloved icon.

As we reflect on Lucille Ball’s stylistic journey through the years, it’s clear that her impact on fashion and television in general remains unmatched. With her unique blend of charm, humor, and elegance, she continues to inspire new generations of fans and fashion enthusiasts alike.