We Love Lucy’s Style! Lucille Ball’s Best Fashions on Set of ‘I Love Lucy’
Lucille Ball was a comedic force of nature. For six seasons, she charmed, cajoled, and convulsed audiences as Lucy Ricardo on the immortal sitcom, I Love Lucy. Her brilliant timing, elastic facial expressions, and fearless physicality turned her into a television legend. But in the midst of her comedic chaos, Lucille Ball also established herself as an unlikely, yet powerful, style icon. Her on-screen wardrobe was more than just a collection of period-appropriate clothes; it was an integral part of her character, a brilliant fusion of 1950s femininity, functional fashion for physical comedy, and unapologetic Hollywood glamour.
From the simple housewife dresses of her New York City apartment to the lavish gowns of Hollywood, Lucy’s style was a character in itself. Behind every bow and full skirt was the genius of an Academy Award-winning costume designer who understood that to truly make the world love Lucy, she had to look a million laughs, and a million dollars.
The Polka Dot Perfection
When one thinks of Lucy Ricardo, the first image that comes to mind is likely a housewife in a prim, yet playful, polka dot dress. This signature look was not a one-off outfit but a recurring motif throughout the series, and for good reason. It perfectly encapsulated Lucy’s persona as the adventurous suburbanite. The dress featured a classic 1950s silhouette: a fitted bodice, a high neckline with a crisp white collar, and a full circle skirt.
While the black-and-white polka dot version is the most iconic—so much so that it is a perennial Halloween costume—it’s a little-known fact that this dress came in a variety of colors and patterns. In real life, the original dresses were blue or brown, but the television cameras of the time rendered them as varying shades of grey and black. This detail only adds to the magic of her most famous outfit. The dress was not just clothing; it was a symbol of Lucy’s life. It represented her everyday struggles and triumphs, her endless schemes, and her heartwarming moments of domestic bliss. It was a look that was both relatable and aspirational, making her a “redheaded everywoman” in the eyes of her viewers.
Gowns, Glamour, and the Art of Deception
While Lucy’s at-home style was a masterclass in domestic chic, her wardrobe was not limited to her housewife uniform. When the plot required Lucy to try to enter show business, attend a formal event, or rub shoulders with Hollywood’s elite, her fashion transformed into pure, unadulterated glamour. These episodes were a chance for Lucille Ball to shine not just as a comedian, but as the stunning starlet she was in real life.
One of the most memorable examples is from the iconic episode “Lucy Gets a Paris Gown.” In a hilarious plot, she and Ethel are tricked into wearing “potato sacks” while abroad, only to discover their dresses are high-fashion originals. The gown she eventually wears is a testament to her elegance—a sleek, form-fitting dress with intricate details that showcased her figure. This was a deliberate contrast to her usual attire, highlighting the aspirational side of her character. In other episodes set at the Tropicana nightclub, Lucy’s wardrobe included beautiful cocktail dresses and evening gowns, often with elaborate beading, cinched waists, and full skirts that flowed as she attempted to sneak her way onto Ricky’s stage. These moments were a delightful nod to Lucille Ball’s own history as a Hollywood star and a reminder of the undeniable glamour that was always simmering beneath the surface of her comedic genius.
The Workwear Wardrobe: Functional Fashion
Perhaps the most groundbreaking aspect of Lucy’s style was her willingness to wear pants. In an era when most television actresses were confined to dresses and skirts, Lucille Ball’s physical comedy required a more flexible wardrobe. For many of the show’s most famous scenes, such as the candy factory conveyor belt or the grape-stomping in Italy, Lucy donned a pair of practical capri pants and a casual blouse.
This choice was not only a necessity for her outrageous antics but also a subtle act of defiance. It was a bold move that positioned her as a trendsetter, making pants a more acceptable and popular item of clothing for women in the 1950s. She proved that a woman could be both feminine and funny, glamorous and practical. The famous grape-stomping scene, where she wore a short-sleeved top and capris rolled up to her knees, is a perfect example of this. The outfit was completely functional for the messy, high-energy scene, yet still conveyed a sense of style and character. Her fashion was never an obstacle to her comedy; it was a tool she used to make it even funnier.
The Genius Behind the Garments: Edward Stevenson
Behind every perfectly tailored dress and well-placed accessory was the visionary costume designer, Edward Stevenson. An Academy Award winner who had designed for Hollywood’s biggest stars, Stevenson had a long-standing working relationship with Lucille Ball that dated back to her film career. Their collaboration on I Love Lucy was a partnership of creative equals.
Stevenson understood that the show was filmed on a set in front of a live audience, which meant the clothes had to hold up under the bright lights and allow for movement. He also knew that the show was filmed in black-and-white, a fact that influenced his choice of fabrics, textures, and even colors. As the show’s success grew and transitioned into the color specials of The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, Stevenson’s designs became even more luxurious and intricate, reflecting the show’s elevated status. He famously won an Oscar for the film The Facts of Life, which starred Ball, proving that his work was just as impactful on the big screen as it was on the small screen. His collaboration with Lucy was a testament to his adaptability and her trust in his artistic judgment.
Lucy’s Enduring Style Legacy
Today, over 70 years since its premiere, I Love Lucy remains one of the most beloved and influential television shows in history. But its legacy extends far beyond comedy. Lucille Ball’s style, a masterful blend of 1950s charm, daring functionality, and old-school glamour, continues to inspire. Her clothes were a character in themselves, telling a story of a woman who was a loving wife and mother, a determined schemer, and a true star.
Lucille Ball taught us that fashion could be both a statement and a tool. She showed that style was about dressing for yourself, embracing your personality, and never letting a little thing like a wardrobe get in the way of a good laugh. We love Lucy’s style not because it was flawless, but because it was fearless, just like her. Her fashion lives on as a timeless testament to a woman who broke the mold, one polka dot at a time.
