The Faces That Defined a Decade: A Look at the Most Influential Fashion Icons of the 1970s

Farrah Fawcett's style was the definition of all-American, girl-next-door sportswear. She popularized high-waisted, flared denim jeans, often paired with simple T-shirts, athletic sneakers like the Nike Cortez, and casual button-down shirts. Her most famous accessory was her hair; the iconic "Farrah Fawcett" feathered hairstyle, with its voluminous layers swept back from her face, was copied by millions of women throughout the decade.

Bianca Jagger was the queen of disco-era glamour, known for her sharp, androgynous, and daring looks. A regular at Studio 54, she favored the designs of Halston, often wearing his flowing, bias-cut gowns and sequined outfits. She famously wore a white Yves Saint Laurent tuxedo jacket with nothing underneath for her wedding and frequently incorporated tailored suits, wide-leg trousers, and dramatic turbans into her wardrobe, solidifying her status as a sophisticated style leader.

Iman arrived on the fashion scene in the mid-1970s and quickly became a muse for designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Halston. Her style was one of pure elegance and exoticism. On the runway and in editorials, she showcased long, flowing silhouettes, including caftans and draped jersey gowns that highlighted her long neck and graceful posture. Off-duty, she embraced a sophisticated look with tailored separates and classic accessories.

As the frontwoman of Blondie, Debbie Harry created the look of punk-rock cool. Her style was a mix of street grit and high-fashion sensibility, combining leather jackets, ripped band T-shirts, and denim with designer pieces. Her two-tone bleached blonde hair became her trademark, and she often completed her look with dark sunglasses and a bold red lip, creating an aesthetic that was simultaneously tough and glamorous.

As both a designer and a style icon, Diane Von Furstenberg defined the look of the empowered, professional woman of the 1970s. Her signature creation, the jersey wrap dress, became a staple for women seeking a stylish yet comfortable and practical garment. Her personal style reflected this ethos; she wore her own designs, often in bold, graphic prints, projecting an image of effortless confidence and European sophistication.

Liza Minnelli's 1970s style was pure theatricality and showbiz glamour. Her Oscar-winning role in the 1972 film *Cabaret* defined her look for the decade, with its bowler hat, shorts, and dramatic, dark eye makeup. Off-screen, she embraced the disco trend with a wardrobe full of shimmering, sequined outfits, wide-leg pantsuits, and Halston designs that were perfect for a night out.

Faye Dunaway’s style was one of sophisticated, cinematic elegance. Her role in the 1974 film *Chinatown* solidified her image as a glamorous, 1930s-inspired beauty with tailored suits and elegant hats. In her personal life, she embraced a chic and minimalist look, often seen in wide-brimmed hats, silk blouses, high-waisted trousers, and trench coats, projecting an air of intelligence and cool detachment.

Joni Mitchell was the epitome of bohemian and Laurel Canyon folk style. Her look was natural, artistic, and deeply personal. She wore long, flowing maxi dresses, peasant blouses, fringed suede vests, and handmade jewelry. Her long, straight blonde hair and bare feet became part of her signature aesthetic, reflecting the earthy and poetic nature of her music.

Olivia Newton-John's early 1970s style was sweet and wholesome, featuring prairie dresses, denim shirts, and a girl-next-door aesthetic. This look underwent a dramatic transformation with her role as Sandy in the 1978 film *Grease*. The film's finale saw her in a skin-tight, black leather outfit with high-waisted pants and an off-the-shoulder top, creating one of the most iconic style moments of the decade.

As one of the first American supermodels, Cheryl Tiegs represented a healthy, all-American look. Her style was casual and sporty, often consisting of simple T-shirts, denim shorts, and classic jeans. Her famous 1978 poster, in which she wore a pink bikini, became an iconic image of the era and solidified her status as a mainstream beauty and style inspiration.

Anjelica Huston's 1970s style was one of effortless, statuesque elegance with a bohemian edge. As a model and the partner of Jack Nicholson, she was often photographed in flowing caftans, Halston gowns, and wide-brimmed hats. She favored long, clean lines that accentuated her height, and her look was both sophisticated and relaxed, often incorporating ethnic jewelry and natural fabrics.

Jane Fonda's style in the 1970s was marked by two distinct phases. In the early part of the decade, her role in *Klute* popularized the "shag" haircut, which she paired with trench coats, boots, and a tough, urban look. Later in the 70s, as she became more politically active, her style shifted to a more practical, activist-oriented aesthetic with simple shirts, jeans, and natural hair.

Stevie Nicks created a completely unique and enduring style that became synonymous with her music. As the frontwoman of Fleetwood Mac, she crafted a mystical, bohemian-goth look. Her wardrobe consisted of black chiffon dresses, velvet capes, lace shawls, and sky-high platform boots. Her layered, ethereal style was instantly recognizable and became a powerful part of her on-stage persona.

Margaux Hemingway, a supermodel and granddaughter of the writer Ernest Hemingway, embodied the natural, sporty glamour of the mid-1970s. She was known for her tall, athletic build and her bold eyebrows. Her style was often simple and clean, featuring turtlenecks, classic sweaters, and tailored trousers. She was also a fixture at Studio 54, where she embraced disco glamour with Halston gowns and shimmering tops.

Nico, the German singer and collaborator with The Velvet Underground, had a dark, gothic, and androgynous style that was ahead of its time. In the 1970s, she often wore all black, favoring long coats, trousers, and men's shirts. Her look was stark and dramatic, with her long blonde hair providing a sharp contrast to her dark clothing, creating an influential and minimalist anti-fashion statement.

Pam Grier was the undisputed star of 1970s Blaxploitation films, and her style was as powerful and confident as her on-screen characters. She popularized looks that included high-waisted bell-bottom jeans, crop tops, halter tops, and form-fitting jumpsuits. Her large afro hairstyle was an iconic part of her image, projecting a message of Black pride and bold self-assurance.

Barbara Bach became a global style icon after her role as Bond girl Anya Amasova in the 1977 film *The Spy Who Loved Me*. Her look was one of sophisticated, European glamour. She was often seen in elegant evening gowns, tailored daytime outfits, and chic swimwear. Her long, dark hair and classic beauty made her a representative of a more polished and luxurious 70s aesthetic.

Lauren Hutton pioneered a relaxed, all-American sportswear style that felt both accessible and chic. As a top model, she was famous for the gap in her teeth, which she refused to fix, signaling a new, more natural standard of beauty. Her personal wardrobe consisted of safari jackets, classic trench coats, simple trousers, and button-down shirts, often worn with a casual, unstudied elegance.

Janice Dickinson, who often claims to be the "first supermodel," had a dramatic and exotic look that came to prominence in the late 1970s. Her style was bold and glamorous, and she was a favorite of designers like Versace. She was known for her striking, angular features and was often photographed in high-fashion, avant-garde clothing, representing the more extreme and decadent end of the fashion spectrum.

Ali MacGraw's role in the 1970 film *Love Story* made her a major style influence. Her look was preppy and bohemian, a style that became known as "American collegiate." She popularized knit caps, camel-colored coats, plaid skirts, and simple, natural-looking makeup. Her accessible and earthy style was a refreshing contrast to the high glamour of other trends.

Jerry Hall emerged in the mid-1970s as a top model, famous for her long blonde hair and statuesque height. Her style was pure disco-era glamour and rock-and-roll decadence. A regular at Studio 54 and the partner of Bryan Ferry and later Mick Jagger, she favored slinky, shimmering gowns by designers like Antony Price, as well as bold animal prints and form-fitting jumpsuits.

A leading model of the 1970s, Marie Helvin was known for her versatile and sophisticated look. She worked with top photographers like David Bailey, whom she later married. Her style could shift from elegant eveningwear, such as slinky dresses and couture gowns, to more casual and chic daytime looks. She was a chameleon who could embody the full spectrum of 1970s fashion.

As Bond girl Tiffany Case in the 1971 film *Diamonds Are Forever*, Jill St. John showcased a glamorous and playful early 70s style. Her on-screen wardrobe featured everything from a memorable purple pantsuit to a white bikini. In her personal life, she embraced a chic, sophisticated look with tailored outfits and elegant eveningwear that was popular in Hollywood circles.

As one of the stars of *Charlie's Angels*, Jaclyn Smith represented a more classic and refined version of 1970s style. While her co-star Farrah Fawcett popularized sportswear, Smith's character often wore more sophisticated outfits, including elegant blouses, tailored pantsuits, and feminine dresses. Her look was polished and accessible, appealing to women who wanted a more understated take on 70s fashion.

Patti Smith was the poet laureate of the New York punk scene, and her style was as deconstructed and androgynous as her music. She created a signature look out of simple elements: a men's white button-down shirt, a skinny black tie, black trousers, and work boots. Her unkempt, shaggy hair and bare-faced look were a direct rejection of mainstream glamour and became a powerful uniform for a new generation of artists and musicians.

Charlotte Rampling's style was defined by a cool, androgynous, and intellectual sensibility. The British actress favored minimalist and often menswear-inspired pieces, such as tailored suits, simple blouses, and wide-leg trousers. Her look was understated and confident, projecting an air of mystery and intelligence that made her a favorite of European filmmakers and a unique style icon.

The third of the original *Charlie's Angels*, Kate Jackson was known as "the smart one," and her wardrobe reflected this persona. Her style was more mature and professional than that of her co-stars. She often wore tailored blazers, turtlenecks, and sensible trousers, creating a look that was both stylish and authoritative, providing a more grounded fashion inspiration for working women.

As one half of the musical duo The Carpenters, Karen Carpenter had a wholesome, all-American style in the early 1970s. She often performed in modest maxi dresses, peasant blouses, and bell-bottom pantsuits. Her look was soft and feminine, reflecting the gentle sound of her music and appealing to a mainstream audience that preferred a less extreme version of 70s trends.

Jane Seymour gained international fame as a Bond girl in the 1973 film *Live and Let Die*. Her style was romantic and feminine, often featuring long, flowing dresses with floral prints, delicate blouses, and soft, natural fabrics. Her long, dark hair and classic beauty lent themselves to this ethereal and bohemian aesthetic, which she maintained throughout the decade.

Shelley Duvall was known for her quirky and unconventional style, which stood out in 1970s Hollywood. She had a unique, waifish look and often dressed in vintage-inspired outfits that she put together herself. Her style included large-collared blouses, pinafore dresses, and layered ensembles that reflected her eccentric on-screen persona in films directed by Robert Altman.

In the late 1970s, as a member of the all-female rock band The Runaways, Joan Jett crafted a tough, glam-rock look that would define her career. Her signature style consisted of a black leather jacket, tight leather pants or jeans, and simple sneakers or boots. Her shag haircut and rebellious attitude created a powerful and influential punk rock uniform.

A key figure in the Rolling Stones' inner circle, Anita Pallenberg was a quintessential bohemian rock-and-roll style icon. Her look was a rich mix of textures and influences, featuring fringed jackets, snakeskin boots, fur coats, and wide-brimmed hats. She had an effortless ability to layer different patterns and accessories, creating a look that was both decadent and eclectic.

A model and actress, Marisa Berenson was a prominent figure in the high-fashion world of the 1970s. A muse to Yves Saint Laurent, she was known for her glamorous and exotic style. She was a regular at Studio 54 and was often photographed in opulent, detailed gowns, turbans, and elaborate jewelry, representing the jet-set, high-fashion side of the decade.

As the star of the hit television show *The Mod Squad*, Peggy Lipton brought California cool to the masses. Her signature look consisted of bell-bottom jeans, simple turtlenecks, and long, straight blonde hair. Her style was understated and accessible, representing a relaxed and youthful aesthetic that was widely copied.

The iconic French actress Catherine Deneuve remained a symbol of chic, bourgeois elegance throughout the 1970s. As a muse for Yves Saint Laurent, she often wore his classic designs, including the "Le Smoking" tuxedo and his impeccably tailored safari jackets and trench coats. Her style was timeless, sophisticated, and always polished, representing a classic French approach to fashion.

Beverly Johnson made history in 1974 as the first African American model to appear on the cover of American *Vogue*. Her style was one of fresh, all-American glamour. She was often seen in classic sportswear, including wrap dresses, tailored blouses, and high-waisted jeans, but she could also embody high-fashion elegance in designer gowns, representing a new, more inclusive standard of beauty.

Diane Keaton's role in the 1977 film *Annie Hall* created one of the most enduring fashion moments of the decade. Her character's quirky, androgynous style was Keaton's own. She popularized a look consisting of a man's waistcoat, a necktie, a bowler hat, and baggy, wide-leg trousers. This layered, menswear-inspired aesthetic was a radical departure from mainstream fashion and became a hugely influential look.