Throwbacks Pics Of '70s Awards Shows That Prove How Much Ritzy Style Has Changed Since

Oh, how the times have changed. Looking back on prestigious award shows of the past, it's easy to see that red carpet fashion has evolved over time. When you take a peek at the best-dressed moments from Old Hollywood's awards shows, you'll see what we mean. Long, silky gloves and big tulle skirts were very much in fashion, but once the 1970s hit, it was an entirely different story. 

Many celebs were often seen wearing florals, head scarves, bell-bottoms, and more casual dresses to award shows, reflecting the freer styling of the time. Everyone from Dolly Parton to Cher and Ann-Margret also made their signature style work for the era, often wearing sparkles and unique designs. Bold prints had a major moment at the time as well, unlike what we see today on the red carpet. So, has red carpet fashion become more exciting or boring since then? We'll let you be the judge of that after seeing these 1970s award show throwback pics.

Ann-Margret's all-white ensemble at the 1970 Golden Globe Awards would certainly be considered over the top nowadays, but somehow, this look really worked for her. The "Bye Bye Birdie" star paired a white and silver gown with an oversized white feather boa and gloves. The chevron print of the dress was also a sign of the times. Geometric patterns and shapes were huge back then, and many designers who brought them to the runway at the time continue to inspire fashion even today.

Jeff Bridges and his longtime wife, Susan Geston, attended the 1975 Academy Awards in style. Here, Geston took the "flower child" aesthetic and really rolled with it. She was decked out in a pastel-yellow ostrich feather jacket with a floral-print dress and headscarf. This outfit definitely gave more Woodstock energy than formal award show. Today, this type of look would definitely be considered too casual for the prestigious Academy Awards, so it seems things were a bit more laid back then.

Dolly Parton's iconic style evolution over the years is perhaps most evident in her award show looks. And, while you can't tell in this photo, the satin jumpsuit she wore to the 1977 Grammy Awards was in a Barbie pink shade perfectly suited to Parton's taste. Her big, feathered Farrah Fawcett-style curls also completed the look. Parton is still known for wearing some sort of sparkles on almost every red carpet she walks. It wouldn't be a stretch to say the country music legend would wear this now, but the bell-bottoms definitely give big 1970s energy.

Actor, singer, and dancer Rita Moreno was spotted at the 1978 Emmy Awards, where she won an award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Special for her role in "The Rockford Files." Moreno, pictured on the right, next to fellow actor Linda Lavin, may have been a winner that night, but her strapless '70s vacation-style gown is what really got our attention. While this printed dress was definitely cute, it looks more appropriate for a tropical vacay than the Emmy Awards. Again, it certainly seems things were a bit less formal back then — even at award shows.

Actor Raquel Welch attended the 1972 Academy Awards in a blue-and-white printed maxi dress. This outfit is pretty conservative and looks like something you probably could have just as easily worn to the office back in the '70s. It definitely wouldn't land her on our list of worst-dressed celebs in Oscars history, but it seems she could have gone for something less office-wear for such a formal event. Now, celebs snatch up the opportunity to wear something luxe and extravagant, but back then, most people kept it simple.

Cher's gold two-piece outfit stole the show at the 1973 Academy Awards. The singer has always been bold with her fashion choices, and this sparkly number was no exception. Designed by her longtime collaborator Bob Mackie, this jewel-covered outfit was peak '70s fashion. The gauzy, loose fabric was free-flowing and very trendy for the era, but at the same time, the look feels modern with how much midriff she's bearing. While a gauzier outfit like this usually wouldn't be seen on the Academy Awards carpet today, it still lives in our minds completely rent-free.