TOP 10: Most Iconic Cher Looks

BY Eric Rezsnyak

This week the Great Pop Culture Debate discussed the very best songs from Cher‘s decades-spanning career. But Cher is much more than just a musical artist. She is an award-winning actor, a political activist and ally, and of course, a genuine fashion icon. Cher has presented innumerable memorable looks over her six-decade career. Here are 10 of our favorites. Did we miss yours? Drop it in the comments!

Cher at the 1985 Met Gala

Cher was slaying the game at the Met Gala before any of today’s influencers were even born. In this audacious Mackie gown, a simple black tulle/beaded skirt allows the viewer to focus on the sheer top and Cher’s rockin’ bod, and let’s hear it for those ear cuffs! Glamour! Drama!

Cher at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards

This bold outfit tells you everything you need to know about Cher as an artist. Worn while performing at a ceremony where she took home the Icon Award, when she was in her 70s, Cher will prove to you again and again that she CAN do what others would never THINK to do, and she will do it AMAZINGLY. We are not worthy, Cher!

Cher 60s Fur Vest Moment

Cher had a very clear lane during her early duo run with Sonny Bono — tight bellbottoms in loud prints, impractical vests, and that gorgeous head of hair. Many of her outfits from that time follow the model, and this is perhaps the best example of the aesthetic. (Minus the guns.)

Cher in “Shame Shame Shame” (The Cher Show)

What’s better than one queen absolutely serving in a sexy, shiny, eye-catching performance outfit? How about two queens? For a 1975 episode of “The Cher Show,” Cher was joined by her friend Tina Turner for this scorching duet, both of them wearing these fabulous frocks festooned in costume jewels. The garments only further accentuated the terrific number.

Cher in the “Take Me Home” album cover

In the 70s, Cher went from “half breed” to “alien princess” in this absolutely gonzo piece for the album titled after her disco classic, “Take Me Home.” It’s giving DeJah Thoris, princess of Mars. It’s giving “Flash Gordon” before that movie even existed. Would Lady Gaga even exist if Cher was not pulling out looks like this? We’ll never know. And we should be glad of that!

“Icon” Cher from her Vegas Residency

We all know Cher is a goddess, but she looked absolutely heavenly in this bejeweled garment, in which she performed the ballad “After All” during her late 2010s Vegas residency.

Farewell Tour Cher

Looking like the most luxurious, well-appointed pirate to ever sail the seven seas, Cher wore this modular piece for one of her early 2000s Farewell Tours. Looking at this, how could we ever say goodbye to Cher? Why would we want to? We are grateful she keeps coming back for more.

Cher in “Half-Breed”

There are a few variations on the “Half-Breed” look, but this is my personal favorite. Certainly controversial when looked through a 21st Century lens of, “my culture is not your costume” — several of Cher’s classis looks borrowed from other cultures — it’s important to remember that Cher herself identifies as part Cherokee. Setting all that aside, the look is stunning, it is powerful, and I don’t know what else you could possibly wear to perform that particular song.

Cher in the “If I Could Turn Back Time” Video

SEX. What more is there to say?

Cher at the 1986 Oscars

Arguably one of THE most memorable looks from Cher’s life/career, she wore this audacious Bob Mackie to present the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. You probably don’t remember who won the award (it was Don Amici for “Cocoon”) but you almost certainly know Cher’s look, which has been referenced, parodied, and on display at the Academy Museum.