Three's Company Star Suzanne Somers' Style Was Unmatched In The '70s

If the conversation turns to cultural icons of the '70s, it should only be a matter of time before Suzanne Somers' name gets thrown into the mix — and we can't ignore her style, either. Somers is best known for playing lovable yet ditzy blond Chrissy Snow on the hit sitcom "Three's Company," which ran for eight seasons. Spend a lazy afternoon watching reruns of the show, and you'll find no shortage of Suzanne Somers looks from "Three's Company" you can easily wear today. And out and about on the red carpet and at Hollywood parties, Somers' real-life style was no less punchy; she regularly captured the energy of the disco era with the help of sharp tailoring, flirty wrap dresses, and, yes, tons of sequins. 

Somers died the day before her 77th birthday in October 2023 at her home in Palm Springs, California, amid a battle with breast cancer. We'll always remember her for her bubbly, carefree spirit, her contributions to television history, and how she absolutely owned the '70s with her style choices. Her unmatched style is definitely a great part of her legacy.

In 1979, Suzanne Somers was captured — trademark bright blond hair framed by a dark background — while in New York City. Somers was dressed casually in a look that you could totally rock today without anyone batting an eyelash. The "Step By Step" star rocked a V-neck T-shirt with a matching skirt, both in a muted sandy brown color. And because a nipped waist never hurt anybody, Somers belted the tee with a brown leather belt that screamed country-western glam.

Suzanne Somers and her second husband, Alan Hamel, were photographed together a bunch. The pair wed in 1977 and would stay married until Somers died in 2023. The details on this snap are scarce, but it's from around 1978, and Somers' look perfectly captured the earthy, laid-back vibe of the '70s. The actor draped her frame in a happy mix of chestnut red-colored satin and a gray knitted sweater of sorts. The luscious satin against the tattered yarn created the dreamiest little texture bomb.

In March 1978, Suzanne Somers attended the 15th Annual National Association of Television Program Executives Convention in Los Angeles. The actor worked the room dressed in a two-piece ensemble that married old-money elegance and Somers' signature brand of charm. She wore a simple sand-colored wool skirt and a sheer blouse made whimsical with the addition of lace-trimmed, lapel-like panels. Somers styled her trademark tresses in tight, bouncing curls. We know that Suzanne Somers' favorite fragrance was a classic, timeless scent — and based on this sophisticated look, not surprised.

As far as style goes, the '70s were the decade of elegant and easy, and Suzanne Somers was right on trend with the dress she chose for People Magazine's 5th anniversary party in Los Angeles in March 1979. The "She's the Sheriff" star reached for a relaxed yet flattering orchid-colored dress in a cottony fabric. The look was jazzed up with a matching waist belt and ruching along the sleeves and sides. We can imagine her hitting the dance floor unencumbered, cute, and comfy. 

Photogs caught Suzanne Somers stepping out of a car in New York City in the '70s, fitting right in with the vibe of the Big Apple during the era of money and mobsters. Somers donned a strapless satiny jumpsuit with waist ribbons, boots that were definitely made for walking, and a couple of glitzy chains. And for the showpiece: The actor wore a black, floor-length fur coat that was the definition of disco-era cool. Her shiny blond tresses were the perfect accompaniment to the all-black 'fit.

Can we really talk about the disco era without mentioning Studio 54, the infamous New York City nightclub? Impossible, and Suzanne Somers was among the club kids on more than one occasion. On this particular night, the actor was caught moving and grooving in December 1978, draped in a look that surely turned heads. She wore a top-dress hybrid of sorts complete with delicate spaghetti straps and a striped, multicolored floral print. With that, she chose a matching pair of voluminous high-waisted parachute pants. So much fun.

Suzanne Somers was enjoying the California sunshine during a press preview and luncheon for "Three's Company" in Beverly Hills in September 1979. The smiling Somers posed, perched on a balcony while dressed in a slinky emerald green wrap dress, one of our favorite style trends to come out of the '70s. Easy by nature, the dress featured billowy sleeves, a simple waist tie, and an up-to-there slit. To accessorize the dress, she slung an impossibly adorable striped bag over her shoulder.

As one of the leads of a hit TV show, why wouldn't Suzanne Somers be in high spirits arriving at the 30th annual Emmy Awards in Pasadena, California, in September 1978? "Three's Company" was nominated for three categories that night, including Outstanding Comedy Series. To celebrate the occasion, Somers wore a spaghetti-strapped metallic gown that hung on the actor like liquid. She chose to wear an equally radiant blousy top over that. This is one of our favorite throwback pics of '70s awards shows that prove how much ritzy style has changed.