1. Farrah Fawcett
Farrah Fawcett’s iconic red swimsuit from Charlie’s Angels remains a timeless symbol of 1970s fashion. With her signature feathered hair and that swimsuit, she became a sensation and a style icon. Her look exuded a carefree California vibe that influenced not just fashion but the overall aesthetic of the era. Fast-forward to today, and the relaxed, beachy vibe of Farrah’s style is once again making waves. Designers have embraced retro-inspired swimsuits, with high-cut, one-piece suits and bold colors reminiscent of Farrah’s signature look. Her beachy waves are also back in salons everywhere, with modern interpretations of her voluminous, tousled hairstyle. It’s no surprise that Farrah’s fashion continues to influence the way we dress by the water. Her combination of simplicity and sophistication made her an enduring symbol of ‘70s style.
Fawcett’s impact extended beyond the swimsuit and hairstyle. The free-spirited, natural aesthetic she embodied in Charlie’s Angels was revolutionary for its time. Women were inspired to embrace their natural beauty and effortless style. Today, we see those same principles in everything from beachwear to casual everyday looks, with laid-back and relaxed fits taking center stage once again.
2. Bianca Jagger
Bianca Jagger was the queen of the ’70s social scene, known for her chic, bold looks that mixed glamour with rebellious flair. Whether attending Studio 54 or a glamorous gala, she was often seen wearing sharp pantsuits, flowing dresses, and a mix of masculine and feminine styles. She set the standard for bold fashion choices, blending unexpected elements and daring combinations that would become staples in high-fashion circles. One of her most memorable looks was wearing a white suit at her wedding to Mick Jagger, a look that is still widely admired today. It’s no wonder that pantsuits and menswear-inspired fashion have made a return in recent years, with women embracing the boldness and confidence that Bianca’s style represents.
Her influence went beyond just clothing. Bianca’s fearless attitude and unique sense of style made her an icon of the ‘70s counterculture. Today’s fashion world regularly draws from her mix of elegance and nonchalance, proving that her impact is still very much alive in how we dress for both formal and casual occasions.
3. Jane Birkin
The effortlessly chic Jane Birkin became an instant style icon with her boho-inspired, laid-back looks that captured the essence of the ‘70s. Her style was a perfect blend of Parisian elegance and relaxed, hippy influences, making her the epitome of cool. Birkin’s ability to pair denim with simple tees, and her preference for natural fabrics like cotton and linen, influenced generations of fashion lovers. Today, her signature look—denim, breezy blouses, and simple accessories—continues to inspire modern boho-chic trends. The Birkin bag, named after her, remains a symbol of luxury and effortless style, cementing her place in fashion history.
Her influence extends to modern casual wear, especially with today’s emphasis on comfort and sustainability in fashion. Birkin’s natural beauty and minimalist approach to fashion made her style one of the most enduring from the ’70s, with her laid-back, yet chic vibe becoming a symbol of timeless elegance.
4. Cher
Cher was a true visionary when it came to ‘70s fashion, known for her daring choices that often pushed the boundaries of style. Whether on stage or at the Oscars, Cher’s outfits were nothing short of spectacular. She embraced bold, body-hugging dresses, statement-making hats, and psychedelic patterns that set trends for decades to come. The ‘70s were a period of glamour for her, with head-turning looks that included glitter, feathers, and fringe. Today, Cher’s impact is seen in modern glam, with designers often taking cues from her over-the-top, theatrical style. Her fearless approach to fashion, paired with her bold use of color and texture, made her an unforgettable presence.
Cher’s fashion sense also embraced the power of self-expression, something that is a big part of today’s trend culture. Her colorful costumes and bold statement pieces still inspire designers and fans alike, making her a lasting figure in the world of style.
5. Jerry Hall
Jerry Hall’s sultry, effortless style made her one of the most sought-after models of the ‘70s. As the muse of Yves Saint Laurent, she embodied the epitome of high-fashion chic. Hall’s tall, lean frame made her a perfect fit for the ‘70s glam-rock movement, and she was often seen in long, flowing dresses or high-waisted pants paired with simple tops. Her signature look included dramatic eye makeup and voluminous hair, both of which remain popular today. Hall’s style was glamorous yet approachable, always managing to feel effortlessly cool. Today, wide-leg trousers and bold, voluminous hair are having a moment, and it’s easy to trace those trends back to Hall’s influence.
Her fashion was defined by ease and confidence, two qualities that have become the cornerstone of contemporary style. Her ability to balance high fashion with a relaxed demeanor created a style that feels just as relevant now as it did in the ‘70s, making her one of the enduring fashion icons from that time.
6. Debbie Harry
Debbie Harry, frontwoman of Blondie, became a fashion icon of the late ‘70s with her punk-inspired, edgy style. She combined the boldness of punk with the glamour of disco, creating a unique look that would influence the fashion world for years. Her platinum blonde hair, bold red lips, and leather jackets made her one of the most recognizable faces of the decade. The mix of toughness and femininity in her look is still prevalent in fashion today, especially with the resurgence of ‘70s punk aesthetics in street style. Harry’s fearless approach to fashion is evident in the return of bold accessories and punk-inspired pieces, such as studded belts and leather garments, seen in collections across the fashion world.
Her impact on modern music and fashion is undeniable. Debbie Harry’s punk-meets-glam style paved the way for a new generation of women who were unafraid to mix rough and refined, continuing to influence both rock fashion and contemporary streetwear trends.
7. Lauren Hutton
Lauren Hutton was one of the most famous faces in fashion during the ‘70s, known for her unique beauty and minimalist style. Her looks were all about clean lines and natural elegance, with Hutton frequently sporting simple, classic pieces like turtlenecks and tailored pants. Known for her gap-toothed smile, she also broke the mold of traditional beauty standards, embracing her individuality with grace and confidence. Today, Hutton’s influence can be seen in the ongoing trend for natural beauty and pared-down, sophisticated fashion. Designers today still reference her simple, polished aesthetic in their minimalist collections.
Her fashion is timeless, with clean, classic pieces that never go out of style. Lauren Hutton continues to be an inspiration for those who believe in less-is-more style, proving that her understated yet powerful approach to fashion is just as relevant today.
8. Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks embodied the bohemian spirit of the ‘70s with her ethereal, flowing dresses and mystical persona. As the frontwoman of Fleetwood Mac, she became known for her trademark lace shawls, bell-bottoms, and platform boots. Nicks embraced femininity in a way that felt both powerful and mystical, incorporating elements of gypsy, folk, and rock n’ roll into her wardrobe. Her signature style has remained influential throughout the decades, inspiring modern fashion designers who often draw from her free-spirited, eclectic look. Today, Nicks’ influence is apparent in the return of flowing skirts, layered jewelry, and vintage-inspired boots that evoke her effortless style.
Her style is not just about clothing but about an entire vibe—one that embraces freedom and individuality. The romantic, unpolished, yet stunning way she dressed has inspired a new wave of boho-chic, and her impact continues to resonate in today’s fashion world, especially in the resurgence of vintage and retro styles.
9. Pam Grier
Pam Grier was the ultimate ’70s icon, known for her powerful presence on and off the screen. Best known for her roles in blaxploitation films like Foxy Brown, Grier’s fashion was unapologetically bold and sexy. She often wore statement-making outfits, like leather jackets, form-fitting dresses, and platform heels, exuding strength and confidence. Her fashion sense continues to inspire today, particularly in the realm of bold, empowered looks that combine femininity with toughness. Modern fashion has brought back some of Grier’s iconic pieces, such as the strong, leather statement jacket and knee-high boots.
Her influence is seen today in the trend of women embracing a more fierce and commanding style, showcasing their strength and independence. Grier’s fashion was a reflection of the characters she portrayed: strong, confident, and in control, an attitude that resonates with today’s empowered woman.
10. Raquel Welch
Raquel Welch was the epitome of bombshell beauty and sensuality in the ’70s, with her dramatic, glamorous style. Known for her figure-hugging outfits, furs, and high heels, Welch made a lasting impression with her stunning looks and high-fashion sense. One of her most iconic looks was the fur bikini in One Million Years B.C., which has remained one of the most memorable fashion moments in film history. Welch’s sensual yet sophisticated wardrobe choices have made her a fashion icon whose influence is still felt today, especially in the embrace of bold, feminine styles and daring cutouts.
Her style defined a decade of unapologetic glamour, and modern fashion has continually drawn inspiration from Welch’s perfect mix of beauty and strength. Designers continue to look back to her for inspiration when creating glamorous evening wear that exudes confidence and allure.
11. Liza Minnelli
Liza Minnelli, known for her role in Cabaret, became a fashion icon in the ‘70s with her androgynous, sharp-edged style. Her sleek, tailored suits and distinctive bobbed hairstyle were contrasted by her unapologetic femininity, marking her as a trendsetter of the time. Minnelli’s fashion choices were often dramatic, leaning toward bold colors, sequins, and an overall theatrical approach to everyday dressing. Today, her influence is seen in the return of bold suits and dresses that combine masculine tailoring with feminine flair, as well as in the resurgence of structured, vintage-inspired haircuts.
Her style was both daring and sophisticated, capturing the essence of the ’70s and influencing modern fashion trends, especially those that embrace mixing gendered silhouettes in unexpected ways. Minnelli’s impact on fashion continues to be reflected in today’s emphasis on bold, unique, and transformative style.
12. Brooke Shields
Brooke Shields became a household name in the ‘70s, not just for her acting, but for her distinctive style that combined youthful innocence with bold sophistication. Known for her iconic brows and high-waisted jeans, she became the face of a new generation’s idea of beauty. Shields’ looks often embraced a casual chic aesthetic, blending elements of sportswear with high fashion, a trend that is hugely popular today. From denim jackets to oversized sweaters, her style remains one of the most influential of the ‘70s and has made a resurgence with the return of ‘90s-inspired trends.
Her style has stood the test of time, with designers continuously drawing from her relaxed, yet polished, wardrobe choices. Shields’ influence is seen in today’s fashion, especially in casual and effortless chic looks that maintain a timeless appeal.
