When you think of 70s fashion, you can't help but think of of African American style icons. Black women in the 70s were the blueprint—bold, radiant, and way ahead of their time. From glam on the dance floor to effortlessly cool street style, they shaped the entire 70s aesthetic.
And today? Their influence is still everywhere. In the curves of a platform heel, the drama of a wide-leg pant, the freedom of natural hair and self-expression—it's all rooted in what these queens started.
In this post, we're celebrating 70's Black women who didn’t just follow trends—they made them. And if you’re feelin’ that vibe and ready to wear it loud? We’ve got the shoes to match.
Pam Grier: The Unapologetic Femme Fatale
Pam Grier owned the screen in the 70's—and she did it in leather, halters, high-waisted flares, and her signature afro. As the star of Blaxploitation films like Foxy Brown and Coffy, she wasn’t just serving looks—she was flipping the script. Her fashion made power feel sexy, and sexy feel strong.
How she influenced fashion:
Pam made the tough-girl aesthetic hot. She paved the way for edgy, empowered fashion—especially for Black women—at a time when softness was expected. Her style still lives on in modern takes on leather jumpsuits, fitted denim, and bold footwear.
Pam Grier Outfit Inspiration:
– A curve-hugging jumpsuit or flared jeans with a cropped top
– Oversized sunglasses (always.)
– Hoop earrings and a fierce afro or blowout
– And most importantly… a pair of power platforms or go-go boots
Diana Ross: The Supreme Glam Goddess
Nobody—and I mean nobody—served drama like Diana Ross. From her days with The Supremes to her solo superstardom, Diana brought elegance, sparkle, and larger-than-life glam to every stage she stepped on.
Her looks were dripping in sequins, feathers, and floor-length everything. If it shimmered, swayed, or sparkled under a disco ball, she wore it.Her hair? Voluminous and iconic. Her gowns? Custom and unforgettable. Her aura? Pure diva
How she influenced fashion:
Diana made high-glamour feel accessible and fun. She helped turn the nightclub into a runway and inspired a whole wave of disco fashion—from Halston to the modern-day red carpet. Her influence is alive in today’s love for sparkle, metallics, and unapologetically fabulous silhouettes.
Diana Ross Outfit Inspiration:
– A dramatic maxi dress or jumpsuit in satin, metallic, or sequins
– Glitzy accessories—think chandelier earrings, stacked bangles
– Fluffy fur coats or feather-trimmed jackets (faux, of course)
– Big, bouncy curls or a full glam blowout
– And for the finale… a statement shoe that shines under lights
Chaka Khan: The Funky, Free Spirit
When Chaka Khan hit the scene in the 70's, she brought the funk—and then some. Her look was all about flowing fabrics, bold patterns, and oversized accessories that screamed freedom. Chaka was unapologetically herself, with a style that celebrated her roots, her body, and her limitless energy. Whether she was rocking an afro that defied gravity or a dazzling disco ensemble, Chaka made sure her presence felt as loud as it looked.
How she influenced fashion:
Chaka’s style was one of freedom and fluidity. She blended funk, soul, and glam in a way no one else had before—and her iconic outfits are still a source of inspo today. Her use of metallics, fringe, and vibrant colors set the tone for bohemian chic with a heavy dose of rock and roll. She was the perfect blend of fierce and free.
Chaka Khan Outfit Inspiration
– Flowy, bold-patterned bell-bottom pants or maxi skirts
– Top with metallic fabrics or fringe details
– Statement headbands or scarves
– Layered jewelry—think chunky bracelets and big, bold rings
– A huge natural or voluminous curls
– And don’t forget—a platform boot or heel that lets you strut your stuff
Grace Jones: The Androgynous Trailblazer
Grace Jones wasn’t just a model, singer, or actress—she was an experience. A visionary in both fashion and music, she shattered every expectation of what a woman should look like. With her signature flat-top hairstyle, sharp cheekbones, and sculptural fashion choices, Grace’s style wasn’t just an aesthetic—it was a statement of rebellion, boldness, and pure artistry.
She didn’t play by the rules—she wrote her own. Her looks were futuristic, geometric, and at times, gender-defying, combining masculine and feminine elements in a way that had never been seen before.
How she influenced fashion:
Grace Jones defined the androgynous look, making it high-fashion and fierce. From her sharp suits to her bold, structured silhouettes, she broke fashion conventions while embracing avant-garde, futuristic designs. Her influence still echoes in modern street style, high fashion, and music videos today.
Grace Jones Outfit Inspiration:
- Structured blazers or oversized suits (think sharp shoulders)
- Bold, geometric accessories—chunky earrings, exaggerated hats
- Leather, PVC, or metallic fabrics for that hard edge
- An architectural hairstyle—flat-tops, high buns, and sculptural cuts
- And for the feet—bold, kitten heels or platforms to keep your look strong
Donna Summer: The Disco Queen
The voice of a generation, Donna Summer ruled the disco era, and her style was as unforgettable as her music. Known for her shimmering, body-hugging dresses, sparkly gowns, and dramatic flair, Donna’s look was all about bringing the drama and the glam.
Her fashion was a perfect reflection of her music: loud, electric, and absolutely fabulous. Donna knew how to own a stage in gowns that sparkled under the lights and made sure her fans knew she was the star of the show—both musically and stylistically.
How she influenced fashion:
Donna Summer’s style was all about glamour and escapism. She made the disco era synonymous with glitter, metallics, and flowy fabrics. Today, her influence still dominates red carpets, music videos, and any event where sparkle is a must.
Donna Summer Outfit Inspiration:
– A shimmering, figure-hugging dress or gown
– Lots of glitter and metallic accents
– Statement jewelry like oversized earrings or chunky bangles
– Long, voluminous hair or a sleek, bouncy blowout
– And, of course—platform heels to help you dance all night long
![platform heels](<img%20src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/719FWKE1mJL._AC_SX679_.jpg"/>){kind=link}
Conclusion: Channeling the Legends of 70s Black Fashion
The 70's were defined by these fierce Black women—each with her own unique style, but all united by their unapologetic confidence and boundary-pushing fashion. From Pam Grier’s tough-girl glamour to Donna Summer’s disco magic, these icons didn’t just influence the trends of their time—they shaped the way we think about fashion today.
Want to bring that bold, free-spirited energy into your own wardrobe? Embrace their fearless style and step into the iconic looks they pioneered. And don’t forget: the perfect pair of statement shoes (from Nectarine Dreams, of course) can bring your 70's-inspired outfit to life.