Tina Turner’s Top 15 Iconic Fashion Moments

Tina Turner, known as the iconic “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” was more than a powerhouse vocalist and performer; she was also a fashion icon whose style evolved dramatically over her illustrious career. From her starting days with the Ike & Tina Turner Revue to her triumphant solo period, Turner’s fashion choices were bold, daring, and sometimes ahead of their time. Her wardrobe ranged from glittering mini dresses to edgy leather ensembles, each encapsulating her vibrant personality. Here, we celebrate 15 of her best fashion moments.

Houndstooth Suit (1966)

Tina appeared on the television show “Ready Steady Go!” in 1966 wearing an eye-catching houndstooth suit. The suit’s pattern, a bold black-and-white check, was complemented by her choice of slouchy leather boots and oversized sunglasses. Although the houndstooth pattern was popular in the ’60s, Tina made it even better.

Pearl-Accented Mini Dress (1971)

At the Greek Theatre situated in Los Angeles, she wore a dazzling mini dress adorned with pearls and fringes. The dress, while sparkling, allowed her to move with her energetic performance style and gave off a dynamic visual effect.

Mackie Flame Dress (1977)

One of Tina’s most memorable outfits was designed by Bob Mackie, known for his imaginative creations. It was the flame dress, which featured vibrant orange turkey feathers. Other celebrities who have rocked this design include Cher and Beyonce. Today, the dress is synonymous with stardom.

Showgirl Outfit (1977)

Tina once performed in Las Vegas in a silver and white showgirl costume with strategic cut-outs and nude illusions. Tina rocked the silver and white clothing with thin strapped heels, and it reflected her liberation from her abusive ex-husband, Ike.

Lingerie Look (1978)

For her first solo performance in London after leaving Ike, Tina made a bold statement with a lingerie-inspired outfit by Bob Mackie. The ensemble included a single stocking, plenty of fringing, bedazzling elements, and a lacy, exposed bra. It gave a provocative and daring vibe, reflecting the trends that have lasted beyond her time.

Zebra Patterned Dress (1975)

A performance in Yugoslavia saw Tina clothed in a zebra-patterned dress designed by Bob Mackie. This dress was notable for its fluid movement, designed to move from side to side with her hips. The zebra pattern added a wild, untamed element, which matched her raw energy on stage.

All-Black Ensemble (1984)

By the mid-80s, Tina’s style had evolved to incorporate a rock ‘n’ roll edge. During a T.V. appearance, she flexed an all-black piece that included tight leather pants and a fitted top. At some point in her life, black leather pants became a valuable part of her wardrobe, and there are many images of her rocking them with various tops.

Live Aid Concert (1985)

At the historic Live Aid concert, Tina performed alongside Mick Jagger in a leather mini skirt and bustier combo by Azzedine Alaïa. She paired this with fishnet stockings and high heels and topped it off with her iconic, voluminous blonde mullet. Her performance and outfit from this event remain some of the most memorable moments in rock history.

White-Feathered Costume (1985)

During her “Private Dancer” tour, Tina returned to her roots with a showgirl-inspired mini dress covered in white feathers. This nod to her early career is a sleeveless beauty with most of its bottom ending around her knees, while one long flair goes closer to the ground.

Meeting Prince Charles (1986)

Before performing at The Prince’s Trust All-Star Rock Concert, Tina met Prince Charles and Princess Diana in a demure outfit—a knee-length skirt and blazer accessorized with a pearl necklace. However, for her stage performance, she switched to a mini.

Hollywood Walk of Fame (1986)

When Tina received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, she wore an ensemble that showed much of the skin around her shoulders, adorned with a long pearl necklace. The strapless gown was a multicolored print with a split in the front. She completed the look with gold earrings and gold and silver bracelets.

The Ripped Dress (1983)

In another iconic London performance, Tina wore a shredded dress that embraced her sensual and daring side. The dress featured extreme thigh-high splits, showcasing her legs and her fearless approach to fashion.

Denim and Leather (1980s)

Tina fully embraced the grungy, punk-inspired trends of the ’80s with outfits that combined denim and leather. Once synonymous with rebellion and toughness, these materials perfectly aligned with Tina’s persona. This attire was complete with three main items: a leather mini, denim jackets, and stilettos.

The Naked Minidress (1990)

As trends shifted towards more revealing fashion, Tina adopted the “naked” dress look, featuring nude illusion elements that created a striking visual impact. This dress from 1990 showed that Tina was fearless about pushing fashion boundaries.

Versace Mini Dress (1997)

During her “Wildest Dreams” tour, Tina showed off a stunning Versace mini dress—a bright and sparkly dress hemmed at the top and bottom with black lace. The shiny straps, the single band on her hands, and feather-like hair perfected the garment.