Searching for that one jaw-dropping outfit to make your New Year's Eve totally unforgettable (and highly Instagrammable)? Well, sometimes to go forward in the fashion realm, you need to take a step back. Mentally transport yourself to a few decades ago, and you'll be smack-dab in the middle of an era where being glamorous was the norm and getting dressed up to the nines for even the most casual A-list soirée was non-negotiable.
You couldn't have turned up to Studio 54 wearing jeans and a tee. Oh no, it was all lights, camera, action when it came down to choosing party ensembles. The sparklier the better. The more risqué the better. The more elaborate and memorable the better. All of which is to say it makes sense that many looks from the time are still inspiring new generations of partygoers.
We've delved through the archives to select the after-dark celebrity looks of the past that have stood the test of time, looking just as iconic now as they ever did. From Bianca Jagger's glitzy red halter dress through to Edie Sedgwick's saucy take on the LBD, keep reading to see our favorite old-school party outfits.
Style Notes: Diana Ross, an artist intrinsically linked to the disco scene, has always blazed a highly glamorous trail. What could be more showstopping and right for 2020 than a silver sequined dress?
Style Notes: Okay, so this isn't the 1970s, but we have certainly seen a comeback for chainmail. Versace has been bringing it back for the second time, and celebs across the globe are revisiting the idea for red carpets and parties. Very few match up to the sassiness of these two supers, though.
Style Notes: Just when you thought you'd never touch a sequined dress again (thanks to their ubiquity come party time), along comes this resurfaced Bianca Jagger ensemble. She flips the fancy idea on its head by pairing a matching jacket and beret—now that's dedication.
Style Notes: The combination of jeans-and-a-nice-top is definitely back on the menu, so it's no small wonder we're revisiting these classic Destiny's Child looks for new inspiration.
Style Notes: Did Cher kick-start the trend for the naked dress in this Bob Mackie creation? Quite possibly yes. This is the very same look that Kim Kardashian West paid homage to at the Met Gala.
Style Notes: Here's Jerry Hall making a strong case for all-gold everything—and justifying our latest cowboy boot purchase.
Style Notes: Just when we'd almost run out of fresh ideas for wearing leopard print, along comes this absolute gem of an archive shot. Here's Iman wearing no fewer than three animal-print pieces in one look and making it seem oh so easy.
Style Notes: Some combinations really never age. A little red dress, matching shoes, and crystal jewelry still check all the boxes for us right now.
Related: The Party Shoe Style A-Listers Are Wearing 24/7
Style Notes: Been invited to a black-tie event? Or a ball? Then best channel Joan Collins (or is she more Alexis Carrington here?) and go all-out for frills, lamé, metallics, diamonds, and big hair to match your big ambitions for the night.
Style Notes: The 20th-century It girl's ensemble still looks exactly like something you'd find styled up on any one of your favorite fashion e-tailers. From the feather coat to the mini pouch bag, this look has it all going on.
Style Notes: From the fun furry coat through to the lingerie-style slip dress, this Wintour party look has so much going for it.
Style Notes: IRL, you could probably leave the tiara at home, but a Millennial Pink dress is always a good party choice—and the more OTT the stronger, we say.
Style Notes: As previously discussed for the shot of Cindy Crawford above, this formula works, whether you want to add Cher's feather boa or not.
Style Notes: Not every partygoer will be on board for a skintight purple catsuit, but should the idea tickle your fancy, we'd highly recommend looking to Newton-John for inspiration.
Style Notes: Those Hall girls sure know how to accessorize. Add pearls or fancy tights to your LBD and watch it go.
Style Notes: Liza Minnelli's satin dress is all I want for Christmas (and beyond). With the gold necklaces layered over the top, please.
Style Notes: Brooke Shields was photographed in many puffy dresses in the '80s, but it's these mix 'n' match separates that really stand the test of time.
Next up, see what fashion girls wore to parties in the '90s.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK and has since been updated by Aleksija Vujicic.
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