Cher Proves She’s Ageless & Confident Despite Being Called ‘Ugly’ And Criticized For Wearing Risqué Clothes

May 18, 2023

Cher has been an icon for the majority of her life thanks to her amazing talents as an actress and singer. As a member of the musical duo Sonny & Cher, Cher skyrocketed to pop stardom in the late 1960s and went on to achieve great success in the years following. She has struggled with heartache and hard times throughout her life but has always been a beacon of positivity and happiness for many people all over the world.

With plenty of drive and ambition, Cher worked hard at perfecting her skills as an entertainer. Her bold personality helped her meet influential people along the way, but it was ultimately her own talent that made her the star she still is today. 

Cher’s powerful and unique voice helped her stand out against other singers. The performer has since become the Goddess of Pop for being a pinnacle figure in the male-dominated entertainment industry. With a career spanning nearly six decades, it’s no surprise that this talented woman has received a plethora of awards and praise for her incredible work

In Hollywood, ageism and beauty have been two of the most hotly debated topics among female celebrities and artists. Even pop culture icons like Cher can't escape these criticisms. On many occasions, Cher’s fashion and beauty looks have been criticized, with many deeming that she is “too old” to wear such revealing clothing. 

But at 76, Cher looks as ethereal as she was in her younger years. Yes, there may be a few wrinkles and reminders here and there, but her style, charisma and confidence come through. Read on to learn more about Cher and how she manages to overcome the criticisms about her age and beauty. 

Since Cher was labeled the “Goddess of Pop,” she has cemented her name in pop culture. Among many honorifics, Cher is a trailblazer when it comes to fashion. Upon meeting fashion legend Bob Mackie at “The Carol Burnett Show,” Cher became one of the fiercest and best-dressed celebrities in Hollywood. 

According to The Telegraph, Cher redefined glamour with the figure-hugging, illusionist outfits that Mackie made for her. Notably at the 1986 Academy Awards, Cher shocked everyone with her black bedazzled ensemble and a voluminous feather headpiece that got many people talking. In a video with Vogue, the singer recalled that she wore the outfit because she believed that the Academy did not take her so seriously. 

“I had the idea mostly because the Academy didn’t really like me,” Cher said. “They hated the way I dressed and I had young boyfriends so they thought I wasn’t serious. So I came out and said, ‘as you can see I got my handbook on how to dress like a serious actress.'”

The year after she snagged her very first Academy Award for Best Actress in “Moonstruck.”

Since then Cher has worn countless outfits that have been the inspiration for modern, younger artists like Dua Lipa, Christina Aguilera, Lady Gaga, Madonna and even Cyndi Lauper. 

Five decades later, Cher maintains the same image, and she has been revered as one of the pillars of entertainment. At the 2017 Billboard Music Awards, Cher received the Icon Award. She reflected on this by quoting her dear mother:

"When I was really young my mom said, 'You're not going to be the smartest, you're not going to be the prettiest, you're not going to be the most talented, but you're going to be special,'" she said. 

However, eccentricities and being unique, as much as they may be lauded by many, can also be hard to understand or digest for many people. Cher has faced a lot of criticism for dressing and feeling beautiful the way she wants to.

One user said this about her online: “First thing is Cher your too old to dress like a 20 yr old and 2nd just shut up!” Another even likened her to an “ugly Ozzy Osbourne”. But besides the criticisms of her looks and age, many have still defended the “Believe” singer for her choices, among which included dating younger people. 

But what many failed to understand is that Cher has put in the heavy work to stay beautiful and confident in this day and age. Sharing her secrets with People Magazine, Cher reiterated the importance of consulting a doctor before starting a skin regimen or treatment. 

Although some might still frown upon cosmetic surgery, Cher is unapologetically open about going under the knife. Cher believes it's up to each individual to decide if plastic surgery is for them or not, and it isn't anyone's place to judge – or make assumptions about why people might choose to do it.

Many seemed to diminish Cher’s efforts in staying ageless — which include eating healthy and working out, and avoiding smoking, alcohol and drugs —  as a result of plastic surgery, but she pointed out that she “killed” herself in the gym to attain the stunning body she has now. 

“What's ironic is that the press wants to write off my body as the result of cosmetic surgery. This way, they can dismiss me — and exercising — by saying, 'Well, look at her, she just went out and bought that body,’” she told the magazine. 

While Cher admitted to eating a healthy diet, like many people, she has a weakness for but tries to be disciplined around chocolate and desserts.  

What can you say about Cher’s style and beauty? Do you think she should wear clothes according to her age? Do you agree with her thoughts on keeping herself beautiful and fit throughout the years? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends and other loved ones!