15 Beauty Icons Everyone Tried to Copy in the 70s

The 1970s produced some of the most iconic beauty figures, inspiring fans to emulate their feathered hairstyles, sun-kissed skin, bold makeup, and shiny waves. Whether on TV, in films, at concerts, or dancing at Studio 54, these women shaped the decade’s unique style.

Jane Seymour

With her enigmatic green eyes and luxurious hair, Jane Seymour became a symbol of poised elegance. Long before her Dr. Quinn fame, Seymour caught Hollywood’s eye after British TV producers spotted her, leading to her breakout turn as the tarot-reading Bond girl Solitaire in 1973’s Live and Let Die, as reported by IMDb.

Bianca Jagger

Known for her socialite aura and impeccable sense of high fashion, Bianca Jagger captivated audiences with her sleek bob and powerfully chic wardrobe. Her most legendary moment came at a 1977 birthday celebration thrown in her honor at Studio 54, where a surprise white horse brought onto the dance floor became one of the club’s most retold tales, according to Rolling Stone.

Goldie Hawn

America’s comedic sweetheart, Goldie Hawn, lit up screens with her sparkling blue eyes and iconic layered blonde hair. Her breakout turn in 1969’s Cactus Flower earned her an Academy Award, and she later picked up a second nomination for Private Benjamin.

Kate Jackson

With her smart, refined presence on television, Kate Jackson became a style muse for fans of understated elegance. Jackson spent three seasons leading the original Charlie’s Angels cast as the sharp-witted Sabrina Duncan.

Lynda Carter

Embodied by her empowering role as a superheroine, Lynda Carter dazzled with her striking features and voluminous brunette locks. Carter’s pageant win as Miss World USA in 1972 helped pave the way for her to land the title role in Wonder Woman just a few years later, according to Miss World.

Diana Ross

Queen of Motown Diana Ross balanced boldness and grace with her glamorous curls and unforgettable stage presence. After stepping away from the Supremes in 1970, Ross quickly rose among music’s elite solo names, drawing comparisons to legends like Barbra Streisand and Ella Fitzgerald.

Olivia Newton-John

With her dazzling smile and relatable aura, Olivia Newton-John became a poster child for fresh-faced, natural beauty.  Her portrayal of sweet-natured Sandy opposite John Travolta in 1978’s Grease catapulted her into international stardom.

Cher

Famed for her style, wild hair, and fearless attitude, Cher proved that glam had no boundaries. Her career surged in 1971 with The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, which ran for several seasons and showcased her string of elaborate, sequined designer gowns.

Jaclyn Smith

Jaclyn Smith‘s soft brown waves and classic Hollywood poise brought a sophisticated edge to network television. Smith took on the part of Kelly Garrett when Charlie’s Angels premiered in 1976 and was the sole original cast member to stay on board for the show’s entire five-year run.

Barbara Carrera

Mysterious and elegant, Barbara Carrera‘s distinct features and alluring gaze set her apart in both film and fashion circles. She famously turned down a starring role in Octopussy to play the villainous Fatima Blush in Never Say Never Again, so she could work alongside Sean Connery.

Barbi Benton

With her bouncy hair and beaming smile, Barbi Benton epitomized the fun-loving, bold spirit of her time.  She joined the cast of the country-comedy variety show Hee Haw in 1972, a gig that also launched her into a modestly successful recording career with hits like “Brass Buckles,” according to Rocks Off Magazine.

Susan Anton

Towering above the crowd with her honey-blonde hair and luminous smile, Susan Anton graced variety shows and musical stages with glamorous elegance. Anton became a familiar face nationwide as the sultry spokesmodel for Muriel Cigars throughout the decade, per AOL.

Ali MacGraw

Famed for her natural beauty and expressive features, Ali MacGraw evoked an East Coast chic that audiences rushed to imitate. Her role as the doomed Jenny Cavilleri in the 1970 film Love Story opposite Ryan O’Neal earned her a Golden Globe win and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

Cheryl Ladd

Stepping into the spotlight as one of television’s beloved angels, Cheryl Ladd became instantly recognizable for her sunny blonde locks and radiant charm. Her approachable style and beauty made her the envy of viewers everywhere, turning her into a ’70s beauty icon whose influence persists today. Ladd stepped into the role of Kris Munroe on Charlie’s Angels in 1977 after Farrah Fawcett‘s exit and remained with the show through its final season in 1981.

Bo Derek

With a bold, athletic beach look and those signature braids, Bo Derek burst into pop culture as the ultimate seaside siren. Her appearance on and off screen inspired countless fans to emulate her sun-kissed glow and effortless vibe. Creating her famous cornrowed look for the 1979 film 10 was no quick task, as it reportedly required two stylists, roughly 10 hours, and a bit of adhesive to keep the braids in place during shooting, per IMDb.