28 of Cher’s Most Iconic Outfits From the ‘70s

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Few in pop culture history have left as indelible a mark on both music and fashion as Cher. Her eclectic style has inspired fashion enthusiasts for decades, and the 1970s was one of her best periods. Her unparalleled style on the program and in public appearances in those years truly solidified her status as a fashion trailblazer with a knack for effortlessly merging glam rock, bohemian chic, and disco fever into a unique, ever-evolving look.

It was also the early days of her longstanding relationship with designer Bob Mackie, whose extravagant creations for her included a Met Gala look so notable that she wore it again on the cover of Time magazine. Beyond those flamboyant gowns, her trendsetting embrace of bell bottoms, fringe, and platform shoes—even in her off-duty outfits—meant Cher was turning heads everywhere she went.

Here, we take a nostalgic trip through Cher's inimitable sartorial journey through the 1970s, exploring some of her most influential looks that defined the decade.

01 of 28

Cher in Fiery Bob Mackie

Cher in Fiery Bob Mackie

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Cher’s fashionable relationship with Bob Mackie was legendary. Here, in a photo session, she wore a flame-like sequined fringe bodysuit that was, well, fire.

02 of 28

Cher in Sheer and Feathers

 Cher in Sheer and Feathers

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Before we were calling them “naked dresses,” Cher was wearing them, and her iconic Bob Mackie Met Gala dress in 1974 might be the most famous example. 

03 of 28

Cher at the Grammys

Cher at the Grammys

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Cher’s butterfly walked before Carrie Bradshaw’s failed wedding bird could run (or, um, fly?). At the 1974 Grammys, Cher wore a sheer white robe with a few winged accessories.

04 of 28

Cher in Suspenders

 Cher in Suspenders

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Cheerfully posing with her then ex-husband, Sonny Bono, Cher’s oversized suspenders, cropped top, and gold hoops were so perfectly '70s.

05 of 28

Cher’s Teal Bodysuit

Cher’s Teal Bodysuit

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Another Bob Mackie design, this bejeweled unitard and metallic boots paired with free-flowing curls is just begging to be your Halloween costume.

06 of 28

Cher as the Oscars Golden Girl

Cher as the Oscars Golden Girl

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At the 45th Academy Awards ceremony, Cher matched the golden statue in this midriff-baring ensemble, sartorially foreshadowing her own Oscar win for Best Actress in 1988 for Moonstruck

07 of 28

Cher in a Peasant Blouse

Cher in a Peasant Blouse

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Here’s a more casual and quintessentially 70s look from our queen of reinvention, with a loose peasant blouse belted over leggings.

08 of 28

Cher in a Dramatic Headdress

Cher in a Dramatic Headdress

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We all know Cher’s major headdress moment from the 1986 Oscars, but she was a longtime fan of the look as evidenced by this similarly striking number.

09 of 28

Cher’s Floral Two-Piece

Cher’s Floral Two-Piece

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At the very beginning of a new decade, we see the remnants of the 60s in this bold floral pant and tunic set that Cher paired with a thick fringe of bangs and striking eye makeup.

10 of 28

Cher Wears Casual Jeans

Cher Wears Casual Jeans

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Most people probably think of Cher’s more elaborate, headline-making awards-show outfits, but let’s not forget she could pull off a pair of jeans and a camisole just as well.

11 of 28

Cher’s Knee-High Boots

Cher’s Knee-High Boots

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Cher’s turtleneck-and-plaid-shirt combo paired with skinny pants tucked into leather boots is a classic laid-back style. 

12 of 28

Cher in a Cowboy Hat

 Cher in a Cowboy Hat

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She’s a little bit country, even at Studio 54.

13 of 28

Cher's Goddess Gown

Cher's Goddess Gown

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You can see where she got the nickname “Goddess of Pop” with this glittering white dress. 

14 of 28

Cher Channels Bridal Fantasy

Cher Channels Bridal Fantasy

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Cher looked fresh off a bridal couture runway in this stunning headpiece and fitted column gown while performing on The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour.

15 of 28

Cher’s Floral Gown

Cher’s Floral Gown

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This performance outfit was more romantic than Cher’s typical bombshell looks: a corseted floral gown, accessorized with statement earrings and the defining wicker chair of the era. 

16 of 28

Cher in Laid-Back Jeans

Cher in Laid-Back Jeans

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How Cher did weekend denim in the 70s: with a nude tank, lots of gold jewelry, a cowboy hat, and an oversized bag.

17 of 28

Cher Was a Lady in Red

Cher Is a Lady in Red

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This red halter jumpsuit is almost as jaw-dropping as her massive updo. 

18 of 28

Cher’s Graphic Tee

Cher’s Graphic Tee

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Cher looked every bit as cool at home as she did on stage. Here, she rocked a graphic T-shirt, leggings, and socks with pumps in her surprisingly cozy-looking living room.

19 of 28

Cher as the Mermaid Queen

Cher as the Mermaid Queen

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In 1978, Cher channeled an undersea creature — fitting, since she would later go on to star in the 1990 movie Mermaids.

20 of 28

Cher’s Newsboy Cap

Cher’s Newsboy Cap

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For a talk show appearance, Cher wore braids and a newsboy cap, a departure from her usual vibes.

21 of 28

Cher Tries a Golden Fringe

 Cher Tries a Golden Fringe

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This barely-there gold fringed number — with matching headpiece, of course — is another classic Cher naked dress.

22 of 28

Cher's Purple Puffer

Cher Was Winter-Ready

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Cher the snow bunny! She wore this purple puffer and headband on a trip to Aspen. It probably wasn’t practical if she hit the slopes, but it absolutely looked cool.

23 of 28

Cher Wears a Giant Blanket

Cher Wears a Giant Blanket

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Before the era when iconic outerwear goes viral (Lenny Kravitz’s giant scarf, Selena Gomez wrapped in a blanket), Cher wore this plaid cape that would be an instant meme if it popped up today.

24 of 28

Cher’s Sweet Hearts

Cher’s Sweet Hearts

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Cher showed her sweet side in this cropped top covered in hearts, with matching red sequined pants for maximum Valentine’s Day effect.

25 of 28

Cher’s Plaid Set

Cher’s Plaid Set

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Another effortlessly cool day outfit, with platform shoes and her signature long locks.

26 of 28

Cher Was a Red Ringmaster

Cher Was a Red Ringmaster

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Cher took centerstage at a celebrity circus event in this eye-catching red ensemble with a feathered top hat.

27 of 28

Cher's Orange Crush

Cher's Orange Crush

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It’s not exactly clear to me why Sonny Bono was dressed as a bedraggled pirate here while Farrah Fawcett and Cher wore dazzling gowns, but Cher looks incredible in this orange sequined number.

28 of 28

Cher in a Lavender Haze

Cher in a Lavender dress

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Another lovely shade on Cher, the neckline on this purple gown showcased her long bob and bangs.

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