Sabrina Carpenter Wears Cher’s 1975 Bob Mackie Bodysuit at VMAs Afterparty — Retro Fashion Reborn

When it comes to fashion moments that stop everyone in their tracks, Sabrina Carpenter has consistently proven she understands the power of clothing as cultural storytelling. At the 2025 MTV VMAs afterparty, she made what may be her boldest style statement yet, stepping out in Cher’s legendary 1975 Bob Mackie bodysuit. The look, shimmering with history and glamour, instantly became the talk of the night and marked the rebirth of retro fashion in a way few young stars could pull off.

The decision to wear a vintage Bob Mackie bodysuit previously worn by Cher was not just about shock value. It was about connection — linking today’s pop stardom with the golden age of music and fashion. By reviving one of the most iconic looks of the 1970s, Sabrina Carpenter positioned herself as both a student of pop culture and a daring trendsetter, bridging eras with one breathtaking ensemble.

The Legacy of Cher’s 1975 Bodysuit

To fully grasp the weight of Sabrina’s fashion choice, it’s important to revisit Cher’s original 1975 performance outfit. Designed by Bob Mackie, the bodysuit epitomized the glamorous excess and bold experimentation of the decade. Mackie, often dubbed the “Sultan of Sequins,” was Cher’s go-to designer, responsible for many of her most daring and unforgettable looks.

The 1975 bodysuit, covered in sequins and beads, was both revealing and regal. It embodied the idea of fashion as performance art, perfectly complementing Cher’s larger-than-life persona. At the time, it shocked audiences while also cementing Cher’s role as a fearless fashion icon. The outfit has since become part of music and fashion history, referenced by stylists, studied by costume designers, and remembered by fans as a symbol of unfiltered star power.

For Sabrina Carpenter to bring it back in 2025 shows both reverence and confidence. Wearing a piece so tied to another star’s identity is a risk. But by doing it at the VMAs afterparty, where bold fashion thrives, she ensured the choice came across as homage rather than imitation.

Sabrina Carpenter’s Retro Fashion Moment

Walking into the afterparty, Sabrina Carpenter in Cher’s Bob Mackie bodysuit instantly drew every camera lens in the room. The outfit sparkled under the lights, just as it had when Cher wore it decades earlier. Yet Sabrina made the look her own with subtle modern touches: updated accessories, fresh hair styling, and a confidence that showed she wasn’t overshadowed by the legacy of the piece.

Critics and fans alike praised the choice. Some saw it as Sabrina embracing her role as a new-generation pop star who respects the icons who came before her. Others viewed it as a bold claim to fashion history, proving that Sabrina isn’t just participating in trends — she’s reviving and reshaping them.

Why Vintage Fashion Resonates Today

Sabrina Carpenter’s decision to wear a vintage Bob Mackie piece fits into a larger cultural fascination with retro fashion. In an age of fast fashion and constant trends, vintage pieces carry weight and meaning. They tell stories, hold history, and offer a sense of authenticity that resonates with audiences tired of disposable clothing.

By choosing Cher’s 1975 bodysuit, Sabrina aligned herself with that longing for authenticity while also showcasing her fashion knowledge. It was more than just a bodysuit — it was a symbol of craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural endurance.

Social Media Reactions

Within minutes of photos hitting the internet, Sabrina’s look was trending worldwide. Fans flooded X, TikTok, and Instagram with side-by-side comparisons of Cher in 1975 and Sabrina in 2025. Comments celebrated how Sabrina managed to honor Cher without being overshadowed, a balance few could achieve.

Hashtags like #SabrinaCarpenterVMAs and #BobMackie spiked, and beauty influencers quickly dissected her styling choices, from her makeup palette to her jewelry. The conversation wasn’t just about the outfit itself but about the larger theme of retro fashion reborn, with Sabrina positioned as the face of that movement.

The Importance of Bob Mackie’s Work

The fact that Sabrina Carpenter chose a Bob Mackie design cannot be overlooked. Mackie’s influence on fashion spans decades, with a client list that includes Cher, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, and more. His designs embody spectacle — glitter, feathers, sequins, and silhouettes that demand attention.

By reviving one of his vintage pieces, Sabrina not only honored Cher but also shined a spotlight on Mackie’s enduring influence. For younger fans who may not know the designer’s legacy, this moment served as an introduction, sparking curiosity about his legendary career.

Sabrina Carpenter as a Modern Style Icon

This VMAs afterparty look adds to the growing narrative of Sabrina Carpenter as a modern fashion icon. From bold stage costumes to carefully curated red-carpet ensembles, she consistently makes choices that are daring yet thoughtful. She doesn’t simply wear clothes — she tells stories with them.

Wearing Cher’s bodysuit was both a risk and a reward. It showed Sabrina’s willingness to take fashion beyond surface-level beauty and into the realm of cultural conversation. By tapping into retro history, she elevated herself from rising star to a figure shaping the future of celebrity fashion.

What This Means for Retro Fashion

Sabrina’s choice is already influencing trends. Stylists predict that retro-inspired fashion will dominate the upcoming season, from sequined bodysuits to 1970s-inspired silhouettes. Fashion houses may revisit archival designs, and younger fans will look to incorporate vintage pieces into their wardrobes.

The power of celebrity fashion moments lies in their ability to shift the culture, and Sabrina Carpenter just created one of those moments. By resurrecting Cher’s Bob Mackie masterpiece, she declared that retro fashion is not only relevant but reborn.

Conclusion

Sabrina Carpenter wearing Cher’s 1975 Bob Mackie bodysuit at the VMAs afterparty was more than just a fashion choice. It was a statement that honored the past, embraced the present, and influenced the future. By stepping into an outfit so deeply tied to Cher’s legacy, Sabrina showed both courage and respect, proving she is ready to stand among the greats.

The internet’s reaction, the cultural resonance, and the renewed interest in retro fashion all prove that this moment will be remembered. Just as Cher’s original look defined an era, Sabrina’s revival of it has now defined a new one. For fans and fashion historians alike, the VMAs afterparty will go down as the night Sabrina Carpenter made retro fashion shine once again.