Everything Bella, Kim or EmRata Wears, Cher Did It First

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…

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

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(Image credit: Rex Features)

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

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

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

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

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

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(Image credit: Rex Features)

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.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

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

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(Image credit: Rex Features)

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

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

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

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

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

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

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

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

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

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

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(Image credit: Rex Features)

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.

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(Image credit: Rex Features)

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

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(Image credit: Rex Features)

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

Related: The 1980s Singer Who Is So on Trend for Now

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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.

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(Image credit: Rex Features)

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…

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(Image credit: Rex Features)

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.

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(Image credit: Rex Features)

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

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(Image credit: Rex Features)

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

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(Image credit: Rex Features)

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.

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah 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. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.