The Goddess Of Pop's Dazzling Decade: Cher's Iconic 70s Outfits

When we talk about fashion icons who truly pushed boundaries and redefined style, Cher's name inevitably rises to the top. Since she rose to fame in the 1960s, the Goddess of Pop has been known as much for her dazzling looks as her stunning vocals. But it was arguably the 1970s where Cher cemented her legendary status as a fashion innovator, delivering a parade of unforgettable outfits that continue to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts today. From sheer gowns to glitter-drenched jumpsuits, these unforgettable ’70s outfits prove that Cher wasn’t just ahead of her time, she was time.

Many fashion enthusiasts, from teenagers to seasoned stylists, have found themselves captivated by Cher's 70s wardrobe. Scrolling through photos of her dazzling Bob Mackie creations, it's clear that her approach to clothing was fearless, flamboyant, and utterly unique. One thing has remained consistent throughout her career, though: Her amazing, inimitable style. Let's take a look back at the incredible fashion journey Cher embarked on during the 70s.

The Indispensable Partnership: Cher and Bob Mackie

It's impossible to discuss Cher's 70s fashion without highlighting her long-standing, symbiotic relationship with legendary designer Bob Mackie. Having met Bob Mackie years earlier while guesting on The Carol Burnett Show, Cher enlisted his talents for her costumes, and the rest, as they say, is fashion history. Mackie designed several of her costumes for her TV show, concerts, and public appearances, creating a visual spectacle that became synonymous with Cher's persona.

Cher was never afraid to wear Mackie’s groundbreaking designs, which often featured daring cuts, sheer fabrics, sequins, feathers, bold headpieces, and dazzling rhinestones. These elements, combined with Cher's statuesque figure and confident demeanor, transformed her into a living work of art. A single episode of The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour could feature multiple elaborate Mackie creations, each more audacious than the last. His looks for her still inspire today’s vintage fashion trends, proving their timeless appeal.

The Sonny & Cher Show: A Fashion Runway

The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour was not just a hit variety show; it was a weekly fashion show where Cher debuted some of her most fabulous outfits. The show provided the perfect platform for Cher and Mackie to experiment with audacious styles that captivated millions. Viewers tuned in not only for the banter and the music but also to see what incredible ensemble Cher would wear next.

Some of Cher’s most iconic outfits from this era include the midriff-bearing ensembles that showcased her toned physique with confidence. She also debuted numbers like a flowery, sequined outfit paired with a gold hairnet – a look that perfectly encapsulated the era's blend of glamour and bohemian flair. These glittering disco bodysuits and beaded see-through gowns became instant classics, defining the visual aesthetic of 70s television.

Beyond the Stage: Cher's Everyday Trendsetting

While her stage and TV costumes were undeniably show-stopping, Cher's influence extended far beyond the spotlight. Even in her off-duty outfits, Cher was turning heads everywhere she went. She had a trendsetting embrace of everyday fashion elements that quickly became staples of the 70s wardrobe. From the hippie fashion with bell-bottoms and bandanas to racier leather, Cher innovated a variety of looks and styles in clothing and fashion during her career.

Her casual ensembles, often featuring denim, mules, and simple t-shirts and jeans combos, demonstrated her versatility and ability to make even laid-back looks appear effortlessly chic. Beyond those flamboyant gowns, her embrace of bell bottoms, fringe, and platform shoes — even in her off-duty outfits — meant Cher was turning heads everywhere. She seamlessly transitioned from flower child aesthetics to full-blown glam, proving her mastery over diverse styles.

Key Fashion Elements of Cher's 70s Style

Cher's 70s wardrobe was characterized by several recurring elements that she perfected and popularized:

Sheer Fabrics and Sparkle: From sheer ball gowns to completely bare midriffs, Cher wasn't afraid to show skin, often enhanced by intricate beadwork, sequins, and rhinestones. Her glittering disco bodysuits and the beaded see-through gown she wore to various events were revolutionary.
Bell Bottoms and Flared Pants: A quintessential 70s staple, Cher elevated bell bottoms from casual wear to high fashion. In 1968, Cher embodied the hippie-esque image of the flower child, sporting bangs, a quintessential pink silk blouse, and striped, flared pants. By 1972, she opted for variations that were increasingly glamorous.
Midriff-Baring Ensembles: Cher confidently showcased her physique with daring midriff-baring outfits, a look that became one of her signatures on The Sonny and Cher Show.
Platform Shoes: Adding height and drama, platform shoes were a constant companion to her flared pants and jumpsuits, completing her elongated, glamorous silhouette.
Bold Headpieces and Accessories: Whether it was a gold hairnet, a feathered headdress, or a simple bandana, Cher understood the power of accessories to complete a look.

Unforgettable Moments and Lasting Legacy

Cher's 70s style wasn't just about individual pieces; it was about the moments she created in them. At the 1974 Grammys, Cher wore an outfit that, though not explicitly detailed in our references, undoubtedly contributed to her growing legend of red-carpet daring. And when thinking of 1970s Cher, this two-piece set, with its beautiful detailing, must be mentioned as one of her most stunning outfits.

From her early days on Sonny and Cher to her wildest, boundary-breaking Bob Mackie looks, Cher has always been a style icon in a league of her own. Her influence is undeniable; check out Cher's iconic 70s outfits with dazzling rhinestones and daring cuts, and you'll see how her Bob Mackie looks still inspire today’s vintage fashion trends. Even in her 70s, Cher remains a fashion darling, attending events like the 2015 Met Gala on the arm of Marc Jacobs, dressed in a geometrical sequined gown, proving her timeless appeal.

Summary of Cher's 70s Style Impact:

Cher's 70s outfits were a masterclass in fashion innovation, characterized by:

Fearless Experimentation: Embracing sheer fabrics, daring cuts, and bold embellishments.
Collaboration with Bob Mackie: A partnership that produced some of fashion's most iconic and theatrical designs.
Versatility: Seamlessly transitioning from bohemian hippie chic to dazzling disco glam and even casual trendsetting.
Body Positivity: Confidently showcasing her physique with midriff-baring and form-fitting ensembles.
Trendsetting: Popularizing staples like bell bottoms, platform shoes, and the concept of "naked dresses" long before they became mainstream.

In essence, Cher’s 70s style wasn't merely a reflection of the decade; it actively shaped it. Her ability to innovate a variety of looks and styles in clothing and fashion during her career, particularly in the 70s, has cemented her status as a true fashion legend. She wasn't just wearing clothes; she was performing in them, telling a story, and leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion that continues to resonate today. Take a look at this retrospective of amazing outfits as we toast to Cher's enduring influence.