We are of the opinion that a person should marry for love. But, for those who insist on finding a millionaire and marrying for money, may we recommend some valuable fashion advice?
We ourselves had no idea what to wear when chasing millionaires until we saw the perfect Millionaire* Chasing Attire in the 1941 musical comedy Moon Over Miami.
(*A million dollars in 1941 is worth $16,528,297.87 today. In case you were wondering.)
About the plot: Betty Grable, her sister (Carole Landis), and their aunt (the scene-stealing Charlotte Greenwood) move to Miami, where “rich men are as plentiful as grapefruit and millionaires hang from every palm tree.” (Take note.)
Grable poses as a rich young socialite on vacation, while Landis poses as her personal assistant and Greenwood as the maid. Turns out Grable meets not one, but two! handsome millionaires (Don Ameche and Robert Cummings), and is faced with the awkward dilemma of which millionaire to marry.
About the wardrobe: Everything in this film is designed to accessorize the clothes, from the sets to the co-stars – Cummings and Ameche being the most prominent accessories in this film. The scrumptious wardrobe was designed by famed Hollywood costume designer, Travis Banton. (For samples of his work, click here.)
Before we begin our Wardrobe Analysis, we must remember one important principle: The millionaire must think he (or she) is catching you, not the other way around. (And let’s face it, Dear Reader, you are a catch.)
Now, let us examine Grable’s wardrobe savour-faire, which we can classify in three main categories.
1. Evening Wear
Notice Landis (seated) is wearing sleeves, so she’s obviously not Millionaire Hunting. Image: Beauty Bombshells
As you might have guessed, millionaires attend only the best parties where everyone dresses in Very Expensive clothes. This means your party attire must be made by this season’s most sought-after designer. It cannot be last season’s frock purchased at a designer outlet or – heaven forbid – at any place bearing the word “depot”.
2. Everyday Wear
Notice Grable’s emerald-green suit. It screams, “I look good in your money.” Image: tumblr
Despite all appearances, Millionaire Chasing is not a casual, happy-go-lucky activity, so just forget about polyester-blend attire. No stretchy jeans and no – [shudder] – yoga pants. You must be strict with yourself: this is Serious Business.
3. Cultural Wear
Notice Grable is ready to perform an impromptu number at a moment’s notice. Image: dvdbeaver.com
If you’re moving to another city/country to pursue your millionaire, you must accept the fact that, at some point, you will star in a floor show at a local nightclub. Here’s your chance to show your spouse-to-be that you elevate the local culture. Make sure your outfit pays homage to the locals, but is obviously something they could never afford.
Now you’re ready. Dress in your best outfit and go find that lucky Millionaire. Be sure to send us an invite to the wedding!
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Appendix: Wardrobe Checklist
1 Cowboy Waitress Outfit (a reminder of your humble roots)
1 Fur-Trimmed Coat-and-Dress Set
1 Gate-Crashing Party Dress
1 Driving-in-the-Country Suit
1 Sight-Seeing Outfit (suitable for submarine travel)
1 Swishy Gown (with sequinned appliqué)
1 Impromptu Cultural Dance Outfit
1 Trench Coat (for hasty getaways)
1 Breakfast Pantsuit
1 Butterfly-Themed LOOK-AT-ME Dress
1 Swimsuit (not for swimming)
Moon Over Miami: Don Ameche, Betty Grable, Robert Cummings. Directed by Walter Lang. Written by Vincent Lawrence & Brown Holmes. Twentieth Century-Fox, 1941, Technicolor, 91 mins.
Silver Screenings 
Love it! I’ll have to remember this! Does the same hold true in Betty Grable’s other millionaire hunting spree, HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE?
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Oh absolutely! The clothes in “How to Marry a Millionaire” make this film’s wardrobe look like a rummage sale. (Sorry, Travis Banton…)
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Wonderful — love the checklist!
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I started making a list of Betty’s clothes the first time I watched the movie. By the end of it, it was clear she needed a millionaire to pay for them all!
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Very funny and great pictures. Thank heavens the Fox musicals were in color.
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Like the other Fox musicals, this film is gorgeous. I wish everyday life looked this beautiful! 😉
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Dang! Now I know what I have been doing wrong. Love the post, but gotta run to see if I can get a cowboy waitress outfit. I smell a millionaire in the neighborhood (or is it a freak with a Roy Rogers fetish?)… hmmm. I’ll let you know.
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Ha ha! Yes, let us know. Happy to be of service. 🙂
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Terrific! So nice to see a sense of humor about fashion–especially with icons like Travis Banton. I first saw this film in B&W but it was a lot of fun. Not as much fun as your post, though. The checklist is hilarious. Rock on!
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Travis Banton’s designs are sooo beautiful. As this film proves, you don’t need much of a plot when his costumes are involved – they would be too distracting! 😉
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Clothes are one thing – but not everybody can wear them like Betty Grable! This Miami trip was a hoot.
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Thanks so much! You’re right about Betty Grable. I think she’d look glamorous in a burlap sack!
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I love this post! It’s a lot of fun. That top shot looks familiar! I used it as a Daily Diversion last year, I think. I’ve always enjoyed this movie, and Betty Grable’s blue-and-white outfit is one of my very favourites.
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Thanks so much! That really is a great dress, isn’t it? It also looks like it would be comfortable. It’s my fave from this movie.
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It’s definitely me fave from this movie, too. I’d totally wear a copy of this dress!
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Oh my gosh, I loved this post! So so funny. I laughed all the way through it. Sadly though, I realize from reading it I cannot chase millionaires. I love my yoga pants too much. Maybe it is best since I’m already married!:) I will be looking for this movie to watch. Thanks, Ruth!
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Thanks, Shari. Glad you enjoyed it. And I think you’d like this film, too. It doesn’t have a deep message, but it does have a lot of very funny lines.
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Ruth, I always enjoy pretty clothes, though I mostly window-shop because my budget is nowhere as lush as my pocketbook or my imagination! I got a kick out of your comment: “.! 1 Swimsuit (not for swimming)
This was great fun, Ruth! I also got a kick out of ” 1 Swimsuit (not for swimming)”! This is why I buy Land’s End bathing suits; they last longer! Great post, pal, and have a great weekend, my friend! 😀
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Thanks, Dor! I’m with you when it comes to window shopping. That’s why it’s good to watch these films once in a while…it’s much easier on the bank account!
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Love your post. Now I know what to add to my Christmas list.
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Well at least now I know where I’m going wrong in my millionaire hunt… I’ve been wearing sleeves and my swishy gown comes sans sequinned appliqués. Who would’ve thunk it?!
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Ha ha! Your comment almost made me choke on my sandwich. Very good!
Have you reviewed this movie on your site? If so, can you send me a link? I’d love to see what you thought about it.
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You know what, I haven’t! I’ve added it to my To Do list, I’m sure I’ll get around to it sometime next year 😉
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