1. Farrah Fawcett
Farrah Fawcett’s style in the ’70s was the epitome of California cool. With her signature feathered hair and effortless, laid-back vibe, she became a household name and a symbol of effortless beauty. Her looks often featured relaxed denim, casual tees, and vibrant prints, which combined both comfort and flair. Farrah’s influence went beyond just her clothes – her hair became an iconic symbol of the era, with women everywhere trying to mimic her beachy waves.
Her style still resonates today, especially with the return of ’70s-inspired fashion. Many modern influencers and celebrities channel her carefree attitude, wearing high-waisted jeans, open-collared shirts, and relaxed silhouettes. She’s also known for making the simple look chic, which continues to inspire minimalist trends in fashion. The casual yet polished aesthetic she championed is still present in today’s street style, especially in summer wardrobes.
2. Bianca Jagger
Bianca Jagger was not just the wife of Mick Jagger – she was a style legend in her own right. Her wardrobe was a mix of high fashion and rock ‘n’ roll glamour, with tailored suits and dramatic, statement-making pieces. One of her most famous looks was a white satin tuxedo she wore to Studio 54, a moment that cemented her status as a fashion icon. Bianca’s style was a blend of power dressing and bohemian chic, a balance that turned heads wherever she went.
To this day, her ability to blend masculine and feminine pieces is a major influence on modern fashion. Power suits are back in full force, with a contemporary spin on Jagger’s strong, structured pieces. Her bold and fearless approach to fashion paved the way for women to embrace more daring, gender-blurring styles, something that has become incredibly popular in the last decade. Her legacy is alive in today’s power women who rock tailored suits and make strong, yet graceful, fashion statements.
3. Jane Birkin
The ’70s was the decade that saw the rise of Jane Birkin’s effortlessly chic French style. Known for her boho flair, Birkin’s wardrobe was all about mixing simple, timeless pieces like oversized sweaters, flowing skirts, and skinny jeans. She could throw on a scarf and a pair of aviators and look instantly fabulous, embodying the laid-back yet polished Parisian aesthetic. Her natural beauty and unpretentious attitude made her a style muse for women all over the world.
Birkin’s influence endures today in the form of the “boho chic” look, which has resurfaced in countless modern fashion collections. Designers often reference her style, especially with the popularity of vintage-inspired pieces. The Birkin bag, created in her honor, is still one of the most coveted items in luxury fashion, symbolizing both high fashion and a casual, laid-back attitude. The simplicity and elegance of her style remain timeless, making her one of the most enduring icons from the ’70s.
4. Debbie Harry
Debbie Harry, lead singer of Blondie, was a fashion rebel who broke all the rules. Her punk-inspired look was a mix of high fashion and grunge, often seen in leather jackets, fishnets, and statement accessories. Whether she was performing on stage or walking the streets of New York, her bold style made her a fashion force to be reckoned with. Her platinum blonde hair became synonymous with her persona, adding another layer to her unique style.
Today, Debbie Harry’s punk influences are as relevant as ever, with the return of the “punk chic” aesthetic. Leather jackets, band tees, and edgy accessories are staples in many fashion collections. Her ability to blend hard and soft elements – like tough leather with delicate lace – continues to inspire modern designers. Harry’s rebellious, yet polished, look remains a defining example of how fashion can be both daring and fashionable at the same time.
5. Cher
Cher’s ’70s style was nothing short of iconic, blending bold, dramatic looks with a sense of glamour that only she could pull off. Known for her elaborate costumes and vibrant patterns, Cher was a fashion chameleon, switching from glamorous gowns to boho chic in a single breath. She wasn’t afraid to experiment with sequins, feathers, and bold colors, making her one of the most visually striking celebrities of the decade. Her outfits often made as much of a statement as her music.
Cher’s fearless approach to fashion is still influencing designers today. Her love for statement pieces, body-conscious silhouettes, and glamorous accessories can be seen on red carpets and in runway shows. Designers often turn to her for inspiration when creating bold, boundary-pushing looks. Cher taught us that fashion isn’t just about clothes; it’s about expressing personality and breaking the rules – a lesson that still resonates in modern fashion culture.
6. Patti Smith
Patti Smith’s style was a unique mix of punk, poetry, and rock ‘n’ roll. The ’70s saw her rise to fame as an artist and musician, and her wardrobe reflected her rebellious spirit. She often wore simple, androgynous clothing like blazers, white shirts, and boots, with a sense of ease that gave her an air of effortless cool. Her look was stripped down, raw, and unpolished, contrasting with the more glamorous or overtly feminine trends of the time.
Smith’s influence continues to be felt in today’s fashion, particularly in the realm of gender-neutral and androgynous styles. Her no-frills approach to fashion paved the way for others to embrace a more understated, tomboy-inspired look. Modern designers frequently draw from her minimalist and anti-fashion aesthetic, creating collections that are both androgynous and accessible. Patti Smith showed the world that you don’t need to follow trends to create a lasting style legacy – and her influence remains a cornerstone of today’s fashion.
