Fashion on Gilligan’s Island

Although Gilligan’s Island only ran for three seasons (appropriate since they were all supposed to only be on a three hour tour anyway), this 1960s show made a huge splash in to even our modern popular culture.

Today, I am going to be focusing on the fashion that is on display for the ladies in this show particularly. There are a ton of different looks and outfits that are featured in each episode, and none of the characters even knew they were going to be shipwrecked!

Mary Ann

Since Mary Ann wasn’t included in the original Gilligan’s Island theme song, I am going to talk about her fashion while on the island first. As you can see from the images above, Mary Ann wore a lot of ensembles that portrayed her as the girl next door. The glamour girl was always Ginger since she was a movie star, but that doesn’t mean Mary Ann wasn’t fabulous in her own way!

A lot of gingham was in Mary Ann’s wardrobe giving off a Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz kind of vibe. Besides somehow having a ton of dresses and a few evening gowns in her closet, Mary Ann also had quite a few pairs of shorts. The short, short style she worn while on the show was very appropriate for the 1960s time era in which Gilligan’s Island aired. Mary Ann sported a lot of turtlenecks and skinny jeans which has stayed pretty much in style even to this day.

Ginger

Possibly the most perplexing of all wardrobes on Gilligan’s Island, Ginger seemed to not only pack for a three hour tour but also several black tie dinner parties. Inside her luggage Ginger stowed away several evening gowns and was somehow able to keep them looking pristine.

Even with all of gown options, Ginger was very creative with the items they were left with on the island. As you can see in the image above Ginger was able to turn one of the cloths from the boat into a makeshift dress.

Definitely, so much what Ginger wore was inspired by Marilyn Monroe and her style. A lot of the looks we saw Ginger wear included sequins, animal prints, and anything neutral colored. All of these gowns may not end up being as timeless as Mary Ann’s closet, but they certainly glamorous!

Lovey (A.K.A. Mrs. Howell)

Last but not least, we have Mrs. Howell. Her wardrobe was the most extensive of them all, I would say! The main difference between her and the other ladies stranded on the island is the focus on her hats.

We also can’t forget the iconic pearl necklaces she worn with seemingly every outfit! This was a staple in the Mrs. Howell wardrobe and added just a touch of elegance to every look. Another element that helped this too was the gloves she often sported.

I will never cease to be amazed by all of the outfits that were featured in Gilligan’s Island! There are a lot of bits that fashion still takes from the 1960s era and Gilligan’s Island is a great example of a lot of different styles from that decade.

Much Love,

Sarah