Cher's Retro Style Is Everything Right Now

last updated 13 May 2018

Before the well-documented high-cut leotards, studded leather jackets and wild, wild hair, Cher's style was quite different and unexpectedly in step with what's on trend now. The singer's many aesthetic turns have been understandably tied to the decades the "Goddess of Pop" has been in the limelight, but some of her best early looks are often tragically lost in a distant haze of hair spray. The '80s were nothing if not severe on all fronts.

You'll see why it's a shame when you start going through the gallery below. Cher first rose to fame in the mid-'60s, thanks to the folk-rock duo she was in with her then-husband, Sonny (real name Bono Allman). They were the It couple of the time—a modern-day Gigi and Zayn, if you will—and with their own TV show, appearances in every important publication and a whirlwind of Hollywood events to attend, there were plenty of opportunities for Cher's extensive closet to get some airtime.

Speaking of Hadids, there are many surprising resemblances to Bella's wardrobe when rifling through the Cher archives. From her Bob Mackie–designed "naked dress" (what kind of modern-day celeb doesn't own a handful of these?) to more casual ensembles involving denim, mules and a simple shirt (very PFW night-out), these outfits wouldn't look out of place on today's most-wanted girl.

Go through the gallery to see Cher's retro style in action—and see how many current trends you can tick off along the way…

Style Notes: It's 1974, it's Los Angeles and Cher's style riffs on her Cherokee heritage. Her jewellery collection is one we'd like to explore.

Style Notes: Just how Gucci is that 1974 hat-scarf–rhinestone sunglass combination?

Style Notes: The iconic naked dress that Kim Kardashian West paid homage to with her 2015 Met Gala gown.

Style Notes: Hoop earrings, a simple tank and statement trousers make up our weekend attire right now—and this is from 1968.

Style Notes: It's 1976, and Cher's slinky disco gown selection is basically a nonstop conveyor belt of glam—this strappy number wouldn't have looked out of place at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

Style Notes: Matching your crop top to everything else? Yep, Cher did it first. This formula was a mainstay of her on-stage wardrobe throughout the early '70s.

Style Notes: If you thought the A-list trend for wearing very little to awards shows was a new phenomenon, think again.

Style Notes: Silk slip dresses… Need we say more?

Style Notes: Before Topshop's vinyl trouser craze came this doubly shiny combo from Cher in 1966.

Style Notes: Matching your choker to your going-out dress? Very 2017.

Style Notes: What did we tell you about matchy-matchy crop tops and skirts?

Style Notes: This is an LAX airport look waiting to happen this year—Cher nailed the cowgirl thing back in '77.

Style Notes: There's something about this summery two-piece that reminds us a lot of Reformation.

Style Notes: Cher chose this laid-back getup for Studio 54. We may not have such an epic venue for our next party night, but the outfit is definitely doable.

Style Notes: The pairing of a bandeau top and hoop earrings in the summer months is like strawberries and cream to a day at Wimbledon—perfect.

Style Notes: Making us want to restock on turquoise jewellery once more, Cher styled up a simple white dress with her stones in 1976.

Style Notes: Trouser suits are big news for A/W 17—it's optional for your S.O. to wear one as well.

Style Notes: Show us an L.A. girl from the past year who hasn't wanted a chainmail dress, and we'll eat our berets. Cher did it way before the '00s lot in this sassy little number.

Style Notes: Silk-satin, high-necked blouses have been reworked for the season by the likes of Balenciaga. This formula, consisting of striped trousers and Cuban-heel boots, feels very Alexa Chung to us…

Style Notes: Circa 1970, Sonny had some pretty questionable haircuts. Cher, on the other hand, had straightened locks, mod boots and plenty of striking outerwear.

Style Notes: This summer, the yellow dress is trending—if only we could hunt this down from 1970.

Style Notes: Even the platform boots look like Bella Hadid could own them…

Style Notes: Cher's purple blouse and embellished party pants from the '60s look just right for next season's elaborate, decorative runway trends.

Next up, how to pose in photos like a celebrity.

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Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. She joined in 2015 when she launched the UK sister site following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine as fashion news and features editor. With experience in print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 18 years of experience as a journalist, editor and content strategist. Her opinion has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com and she is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.