36 of Tina Turner’s Most Iconic Style Moments
So many incredible sequined stage looks.
The legendary Tina Turner will always be known for her catchy songs, energetic performances, and incredible fashion sense. For years, the “Proud Mary” singer took the stage in headline-grabbing costumes that were just as memorable as the tunes she belted out. Spanning a range of head-turning shades, Turner’s concert getups often featured exciting details like beading, fringe, sequins, and sparkles.
Her great sense of style also bled into her everyday dressing, where she was frequently photographed in lovable looks, ranging from chic airport ensembles to leather-clad party outfits. In other words, Turner was a fashion icon.
The music superstar died in 2023 at age 83, but her talent and style will be remembered for years to come. Ahead, we take a look at some of her most iconic style moments through the decades.
More: Who Was Tina Turner’s Husband, Edwin Bach? • Meet Tina Turner’s Four Children • Tina and Ike Turner’s Tumultuous Relationship
1961: Performing in Texas
The singer sported a strappy white beaded dress with matching pumps during a performance in Texas. Her side-parted hair and cocktail ring tied the look together.
1964: Photo Session
How fun is this look? Turner laughed in a picture-perfect green printed dress while doing a photo session in Dallas. The ensemble featured a ruched chiffon hem and a simple silver bracelet.
1964: Gilded in Gold
She looked gorgeous in a gilded gold gown while belting out a song during an early ’60s performance with then-husband Ike Turner. Her matching gold kitten heels were the cherry on top.
1966: Gingham Print
Could Turner have been any cooler? For a TV recording, the singer rocked a gingham printed black and white blazer with oversized sunnies, metallic pearl nail polish, and simple jewelry.
1968: With the Ikettes
Turner poses for a photo with Ike Turner and the Ikettes in a ruffled look. Meanwhile, the dancers sported mock neck sequined mini dresses with block-heeled pumps.
1969: With Janis
She took the stage with Janis Joplin in a velvety number paired with layered pearls.
1970: Backstage at the Apollo
She kept the looks coming when she was snapped backstage at the Apollo Theater in New York City wearing a sleek two-piece set with an oversized leather bag and a lightweight plaid coat.
1970: The Ed Sullivan Show
The singer’s incredible stage costumes only get better from here, such as this fringed mini dress she styled with embroidered mules.
1973: In Concert
Turner wore another fringed look while performing on ABC’s In Concert series. This outfit included a dress with a beaded cut-out bodice with a swingy red hem.
1976: Landed in London
Turner had airport style down to an art. She’s pictured arriving with Ike Turner at London’s Heathrow Airport in a tailored blazer, matching trousers, and pointed leather boots. Her oversized black handbag and floppy hat cemented this look as one of her best on-the-go outfits.
1977: A Winged Costume
Turner donned an iconic winged costume for a photo shoot in Los Angeles. The legendary Bob Mackie designed the creation, which included a daring sequined one-piece and pleated wings.
1977: A Flower and a Fedora
Turner struck a pose in a white three-piece suit worn with a black blouse, pastel pink tie, and banded fedora. The pink floral pin added a dimension of femininity to the ensemble.
1979: Tiger Stripes
She performed on stage in the late ’70s in a sequin-dotted tiger print blouse styled with shiny high-waisted pants.
1981: With Grace Jones
She even looked stylish in loungewear. Turner rocked a bright white sweatpants set with Grace Jones at The Ritz Hotel in New York City.
1982: 24th Annual Grammy Awards
Turner arrived at the 24th Annual Grammy Awards in a deep green belted dress styled with a basketweave clutch and an oversized gray fur coat.
1984: At Home
Turner did a photo shoot at home in a belted light blue romper with white ballet flats and a pair of periwinkle-hued drop earrings. Her deep red lip and scarlet nails provided the perfect amount of detail to the laid-back look.
1984: MTV Video Music Awards
For the MTV Video Music Awards, Turner sported teased hair, a gray tweed overcoat, a silky striped blouse, and plenty of chunky jewelry.
1985: With Lionel Richie
She sang a duet with Lionel Richie in a beaded rouge-hued mini dress with a plunging neckline. Her pearl drop earrings were something else.
1985: 12th Annual American Music Awards
Turner opted for an embroidered floral above-the-knee-length dress for the American Music Awards in 1985. The look showcased a flouncy ruffled hem, all-over beading, and an interesting neckline.
1985: Winning Duo
Turner celebrated her Grammy wins wearing a sequined black, silver, and blue look.
Brittany is a freelance writer based in her hometown of New York City. She writes about everything from fashion and beauty to food and wellness. When she's not writing, she can often be found at her local library, playing with her cats, or exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
