Iconic '70s Celeb Outfits That Defined The Era

The 1970s are rife with style inspiration. Whether drawing from the cool ease of hippie culture, the glitzy opulence of the Studio 54 crowd, or the sophisticated glamour of the divas that defined the Motown era, the fashion of the decade is hard to beat. It's no wonder we can't help but revisit the vibe of the '70s whenever we get the opportunity — via movies, music, and our wardrobes — even if we never actually lived it. 

The celebs of this time were similarly hard to miss, revered for their work and for their looks. Names like Diana Ross, Stevie Nicks, and Cher come to mind and offer snapshots of the style of time. And what better time than now to revisit these looks? Some of your favorite '70s fashion trends are having a resurgence, but, honestly, many of them never really went away. High-waisted jeans, suede jackets, and aviator glasses, anyone? 

Actor, socialite, and activist Bianca Jagger stepped out for the 1973 London premiere of "Don't Look Now" serving full-on mack mama. The then-wife of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger was draped in a cropped white fur jacket over a slinky tropical floral-print dress. A Studio 54 regular, Bianca carried a clutch and her signature cane, a jaunty fashion accessory that she'd use to add pizazz to her 'fits and to make her way through throngs of photogs.

Few celebs can evoke the image of a specific hairstyle with the mere mention of their names like Farah Fawcett. The actor was the queen of the fluffy layered shag, and that should tell you everything you need to know about how much her style helped define the day. Take note, because hairstyles straight from the '70s are making a comeback. Here, she's pictured in a delicate yellow off-the-shoulder dress and gold sandals while hanging out during a commercial shoot in Los Angeles in 1977.

Is that Sza serving in front of that tree? Nope, it's "I'm Every Woman" singer Chaka Khan back in 1978 posing for a no-frills photo shoot, rocking a two-piece tie-dye look that featured a bralette crop top situation and a multi-layered skirt. The whole look is so deliciously '70s but would still put the Coachella girlies to shame today. We also love the suede knee-high wedge boots and the voluminous hair that help round out the queen of funk's '70s look. 

The '70s also brought with it tons of glitz and glamour, befitting the disco era. Italian actor Sophia Loren can always be counted on to bring the sexy sophistication. That's as true today of the "A Special Day" star as it was in the '70s. At the 34th annual Golden Globes in 1977, where she accepted the World Film Favorite special award (alongside Liza Minnelli), Loren donned a glittering black and silver gown with fringed cap sleeves. The addition of the jeweled choker offered a bit of gothic charm.

Stevie Nicks earned her icon status mostly in the '70s and '80s as lead singer of Fleetwood Mac and as a solo artist. As for her stage 'fits, Nicks is best known for her layered looks typically featuring flowing boho dresses and caftans. She toned it down for this photo shoot with the band in New Haven, Connecticut in 1975 but kept her signature flower child feel front and center. Check the high-waisted jeans, scarf-like crop top with batwing sleeves, and thick curtain bangs.

Any list of iconic '70s divas would be glaringly incomplete without the addition of Diana Ross. A Motown legend and a member of one of the OG girl groups, The Supremes, Ross certainly knows how to effortlessly ooze that disco-era glamour that sucks us right in. In 1970, she ushered in the decade in style by posing for the camera in a bronze slip dress with open batwing sleeves. The patterned patchwork on the bodice added even more oomph.

You can tell when a celeb considers what they wear to be a continuation of their art, and Cher is certainly chief among them. Through the '70s and beyond, Cher regularly rocked dazzling outfits that captured her showgirl spirit and exuded the energy of the era. While performing in 1972, the "If I Could Turn Back Time" singer opted for a matching ab-baring crop top and maxi skirt in a funky print of pinks and reds in a luscious velvety fabric.

In May 1974, actor Cicely Tyson took home two Emmy Awards at the 26th annual ceremony held in Los Angeles. The always elegant Tyson won both for her role in "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman," and she accepted her honors in a multi-colored floral maxi dress with tons of movement and lightness that perfectly captured the vibe of the '70s. The dress' silhouette — like so many others from the time period — offered flattering femininity while still feeling easy and effortless. 

Diane Keaton's transformation into a style icon was always full of authenticity as evidenced by the outfit she wore to the 48th annual Academy Awards back in 1976. Unafraid to dress outside the box and play with traditional menswear, Keaton's fashion choices always attracted attention. For the Los Angeles ceremony, she reached for a light-colored suit jacket and trousers, a collared shirt with vertical stripes, and an oversized polka dot tie — a charming combo that was totally at home in the playful '70s. 

Look no further than to the queen of disco Donna Summer to set an example for what it means to shimmy and shimmer. While performing on stage in Los Angeles in 1978, the "She Works Hard for the Money" singer donned an ultra chic and show-worthy strapless gown that was dripping in jewels. The sweetheart neckline, nipped waist, and asymmetrical hemline all work together for a masterclass on high-octane, disco-era pomp and flash. And the little silver pumps? No notes.