Channel Your Inner Cher
By Jamie Randall, Contributing Writer
Powerful, influential and feminist are words that come to mind when describing Cher, pop icon of the 70s. Through her style, music, movies and unforgettable one-liners, Cher has made a name for herself in an industry dominated by men. She has demonstrated that you shouldn’t feel the need to fit within anyone’s expectations and has paved the way for others to do the same. Whether you desire more self-confidence, a sense of independence or a new hairstyle, here are four ways you can channel your inner Cher in your everyday life.
Embrace your independence.
When Cher was younger, her mother told her to settle down and marry a rich man. To this, she responded, “Mom, I am a rich man.” In a 1996 interview with talk show host Jane Pauly, Cher stated that “a man is a luxury, not a necessity” (Bruk, 2016).
After going through two divorces in the late 1970s, Cher remains single today. Her impeccable success, with more than 300 awards and 100 million records sold, sets the tone for female autonomy (Cher, n.d.). Women should celebrate their ability to be successful on their own—no man necessary.
These two quotes act as an inspiration for women everywhere, reminding them that they can do wonders without a man by their side. This is a sign that you should embrace your independence, whether it’s living by yourself, ending a toxic relationship or owning your own credit card. Independence is what you make of it, be sure to embrace it.
Take risks, and ignore what others think.
Cher exuded confidence from a young age. When she left home at only 16 years old, she described herself as “this teenage ball of fire with unbelievable energy” (Galanes, 2018).
Cher is known for taking unconventional risks, from style choices in movie premieres to features in her concerts. She believes it’s okay to look foolish in order to become the greatest version of yourself (Lasher, 2016). In her words. “I’ve always taken risks and never worried about what the world might think of me.”
In 1980, Cher brought up two drag queens impersonating Bette Midler and Diana Ross, a move that was risky at the time, and didn’t think twice about it. From this, she gained a massive following in the LGBTQ+ community that remains to this day (Zoladz, 2019).
There’s strength in openly being your most authentic self, so be bold and be confident. Risks vary in size and they can be as small as a new piercing, or as big as leaving your job to chase after a new one. Do what’s best for you, not what’s best for others around you. Be confident with your decisions.
Wear something you wouldn’t normally wear.
In 1978, Cher wore a dress designed by Bob Mackie, covering her body in bright, burning flames (Périer, 2018). Mackie, known for his work with sequins, can also be credited for Cher’s looks at the 1986, 1973 and 1988 Academy Awards (Périer, 2020). He went against traditional styles, but Cher was what truly brought his work to life.
In 1986, Cher made a sartorial statement at the Academy Awards after being denied a nomination for her role in “Mask,” wearing a sequined gown with a cut-out halter and feather headdress (Lack, 2021). She turned heads in this bold, bedazzled ensemble designed by Mackie.
It is evident that Cher’s one-of-a-kind style has made a lasting impact on the celebrity fashion world. For the 2021 Academy Awards, Zendaya wore a yellow Valentino gown that closely resembled Cher’s cut-out jumpsuit from the “Sonny and Cher Show” (Hess, 2021). For Halloween, Kim Kardashian and Jonathan Cheban channeled Sonny and Cher at the 1973 Oscars, wearing the two-piece gold sequin set. In 2005, Beyonce paid tribute to Cher in the burning flames dress in her performance at the Annual Kennedy Center Honors (Perier, 2018).
Cher has always expressed herself through style. Let her iconic looks inspire you to make a statement of your own whether it’s buying a new style of jeans or “overdressing” for an event. Be bold in your choice.
Be bold and get that haircut that you’ve been wanting.
In the 1960s, when most women wore beehive hairdos, Cher was notorious for her long, straight black hair. She went against the standard and was confident in her choice to wear her hair differently. Today, many celebrities such as Kourtney Kardashian, Naomi Campbell and Dua Lipa have revived Cher’s straight hair and look beautiful doing so (Ruffo, 2016).
You don’t need to have Cher’s straight hair to make a statement. Use her as an inspiration to experiment with your hair. Cut bangs, dye your hair a bright color, try extensions. From a change as small as a haircut, the options are endless.
Sources:
Bruk, D. (2018, March 21). Cher's explanation of why she doesn't need a man is the reason she is so iconic. Good Housekeeping.
Cher. (n.d.). Wikipedia.
Galanes, P. (2018, September 4). Cher Has Never Been a Huge Cher Fan. But She Loves Being Cher. New York Times.
Hess, L. (2021, April 26). Zendaya's knockout oscars look was a playful nod to Cher. Vogue.
Lack, H. (2020, February 6). Remember when Cher wore a towering feather headdress at the 1986 Oscars? CNN.
Lasher, M. (2016, May 20). 10 Cher quotes to make you feel like anything is possible. Time.
Marie Périer, translated by I. N. (2018, March 17). Cher, Tina Turner or Beyoncé: Who wore Bob Mackie's Flame dress best? Vogue Paris.
Marie Périer, translated by I. N. (2018, March 16). 11 times Bob Mackie dressed Cher. Vogue Paris.
Jillian Ruffo Updated October 19, 2016 04:24 P. M. (n.d.). Stars wearing long, straight, waist-length 'Cher hair'. PEOPLE.com.
Zoladz, L. (2019, July 30). Believe in Her or Not, Cher Has Always Believed in Herself. The Ringer.