The 1970s weren’t just a time of musical revolution—they were a full-blown explosion of self-expression, glitter, fringe, and sequins. For many of the era’s biggest stars, what they wore was just as iconic as what they played. Their fashion wasn’t about subtlety—it was about making an entrance, turning heads, and leaving jaws on the floor. These artists didn’t just push the limits of sound; they redefined what it meant to look like a rock star, a disco queen, or a glam god. Whether it was rhinestone capes, feather boas, or leather jumpsuits, these twelve ’70s legends dressed as boldly as they performed—and we couldn’t get enough.
1. Elton John
No one embraced outrageous fashion in the ’70s like Elton John. From bedazzled baseball uniforms to feathered angel wings, his wardrobe was pure theater. He wore platform boots so high they looked like parade floats, and sunglasses that could block out the moon. Billboard traces the evolution of Elton’s colorful clothing through the decades.
Elton didn’t just dress up—he became his own brand of glam-rock royalty. His costumes were as much a part of the concert as his piano solos. With every look, he reminded us that music and style could be equally spectacular.
2. Freddie Mercury (Queen)
Freddie Mercury’s fashion was as fearless as his vocal range. Whether strutting in skin-tight white pants or flaunting a regal cape and crown, he exuded drama and confidence. He had a gift for turning stagewear into statement pieces. Vogue still praises Mercury as a style icon whose impact is still influencing closets.
In the ’70s, Freddie often rocked leotards, satin trousers, and bare chests—challenging gender norms and redefining masculinity in rock. His ability to own every outfit made him magnetic. It wasn’t just clothes—it was performance art.
3. David Bowie
David Bowie didn’t just wear fashion—he transformed into it. As Ziggy Stardust, he blurred lines between alien, rock star, and fashion icon with lightning bolt makeup and androgynous glam. From jumpsuits to metallic capes, every outfit told a story. Far Out Magazine inspects the connection between Bowie’s fashion and commentary about the music industry.
He made weird cool and introduced many to the concept of reinvention. Each new album seemed to arrive with a new wardrobe and identity. Bowie’s style legacy was just as influential as his music—bold, cerebral, and one step ahead.
4. Cher
Cher took fashion risks that no one else even thought to attempt—and pulled them off effortlessly. In the ’70s, she was the queen of midriff-baring looks, lavish headpieces, and dramatic silhouettes. With Bob Mackie as her designer, every appearance was a spectacle.
From TV to concert stages, Cher’s style became synonymous with disco glamour and goddess energy. She didn’t follow trends—she was the trend. Her outfits were unforgettable, just like her voice.
5. George Clinton (Parliament-Funkadelic)
George Clinton looked like a sci-fi funk shaman, and that’s exactly what he intended. With technicolor braids, sequined capes, and platform shoes taller than toddlers, his outfits were loud, proud, and completely original. The mothership wasn’t just a concept—it was a lifestyle.
Clinton’s fashion amplified the psychedelic funk movement he helped lead. It wasn’t just about looking cool—it was about transporting you to another dimension. His look and sound were inseparable, both outrageously inventive.
6. Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac)
Stevie Nicks brought a completely different energy—ethereal, romantic, and witchy in the best way. Her flowing shawls, top hats, and layers of chiffon made her seem like a mystical figure drifting across the stage. She turned bohemian fashion into rock ’n’ roll armor.
Fans weren’t just listening to her songs—they were trying to dress like her. She managed to be both mysterious and down-to-earth, with a wardrobe that danced in the wind. Stevie’s style made you believe in magic.
7. Prince
Though he gained more fashion notoriety in the ’80s, Prince’s ’70s wardrobe hinted at the daring style to come. Even early in his career, he wore crop tops, sequins, and flamboyant boots that turned heads. His vibe was part rock star, part royal.
Prince never dressed for approval—he dressed for expression. His gender-fluid style helped shift conversations about identity in music. From the very beginning, his fashion spoke volumes before he even hit a note.
8. Debbie Harry (Blondie)
Debbie Harry had punk edge mixed with disco shine. As the face of Blondie, she could wear ripped tees one night and slinky satin dresses the next, always with attitude. Her bleach-blonde hair and fearless mix of high fashion and downtown grit made her a style icon.
She didn’t need glitter to stand out—though she rocked that too. Her wardrobe was rebellious, effortlessly cool, and completely hers. Debbie gave punk a glamorous edge that’s still copied today.
9. Diana Ross
Diana Ross didn’t just sing—she glided across stages like royalty in gowns that sparkled from space. Whether in fur-trimmed robes or glittery halter dresses, she embodied disco opulence. Every outfit was polished, extravagant, and stage-ready.
She wasn’t afraid to go full drama, and fans adored her for it. Her sense of style made every concert feel like a red carpet event. Diana didn’t just dress to impress—she dressed to dazzle.
10. Angus Young (AC/DC)
Angus Young proved you didn’t need sequins to be unforgettable—you just needed a schoolboy uniform and a ton of nerve. With his blazer, tie, shorts, and knee socks, he tore through guitar solos looking like a rebellious kid who raided his prep school closet. It was goofy, yes—but also genius branding.
That outfit became as iconic as the band’s thunderous sound. No matter how wild the crowd got, Angus’s look stayed consistent. It was fashion with a wink, and it worked.
11. Patti LaBelle
Patti LaBelle brought soul, power, and pure drama to her fashion choices. In the ’70s, she wore futuristic metallic jumpsuits, massive wigs, and outfits with angles so sharp they looked like they could take flight. Her look was as bold as her voice.
She didn’t aim for subtle—she aimed for outer space. Patti made sure no one forgot her once they saw her perform. Her wardrobe was full-volume glam that matched her full-volume vocals.
12. Gene Simmons (KISS)
Gene Simmons wasn’t dressing up—he was becoming the Demon. KISS took stagewear to cartoonish heights, and Simmons led the charge with spiked armor, dragon boots, and a tongue that somehow counted as part of the costume. His look was part superhero, part monster movie.
Kids didn’t just want to hear KISS—they wanted to be them. Simmons understood the power of image better than most. His fashion was as bombastic as his pyrotechnics—and just as unforgettable.
These musicians knew the power of a first impression—and they made sure it sparkled, strutted, or screamed. In a decade already defined by change, their fashion pushed the envelope, inviting fans to dress boldly, live loudly, and never apologize for standing out. Their clothes weren’t just part of the show—they were the show.
