Olivia Newton-John's Best-Dressed Moments During Her Storied Career

Not only was the late Olivia Newton-John one of the most sought-after actors and singers of her generation, but she was also a major style icon. Before, during, and after she found success as Sandy in "Grease" in 1978, Newton-John had a clear interest in fashion ("I love clothes. I don't know a woman who doesn't," she told Interview in 2011). She loved fashion so much that she even opened her own boutique, Koala Blue, which promoted Australian style and had stores around the world.

This star was never afraid to have fun with her style, either. She embraced everything from all-black fits to bold colors and sparkles. As Newton-John's life and career evolved, so did her clothing, even though she was the first to admit that not everything she wore was chic. "When I look back at some of the pictures from years ago, I question my style, but that's okay," she told "Today" in 2016. Despite the odd misstep (which everyone is entitled to), the "Xanadu" actor's best-dressed moments throughout her storied career are truly stunning and often meaningful.

Around 1970, Olivia Newton-John proved her early dedication to fashion. She had yet to release her debut album (though it came the following year), but ensured the eyes of the world were on her via her fashion. The British-born star looked like a supermodel as she posed in London in flared, muted red pants that were so of the time with a matching sweater over a blue-and-white patterned shirt. The real statement pieces were her oversized fur hat and jacket, though it's unclear if the pieces were real or faux. 

She wore them during a time when fur in fashion was widely discussed and way before statement faux fur outerwear made a comeback in 2023, proving she was ahead of her time. To wear Newton-John's look today, get the LA CARRIE Faux Fur Headband in Natural with Loveimgs' Fluffy Faux Fur Coat in Khaki over a flared, monochrome ensemble. That will give Newton-John's standout '70s aesthetic in a more contemporary, ethical way.

Around 1983, early in Olivia Newton-John's post-"Grease" transformation, she stepped out in New York City wearing a monochromatic look that was so trendy at the time, but has also stood the test of time (trendsetter Gigi Hadid rocked a similar piece in 2017). Newton-John's turned up, short-sleeved, utility number looked comfortable and slouchy, and the material stopped it from looking too starchy, which wouldn't have fit her fun, casual, Australian beach girl aesthetic.

What really put this look amongst one of the singer and actor's best, though, is the simple yet effective accessories. Belting the one-piece at the waist helped showcase Newton-John's figure and stopped the white number from overwhelming her frame. It also added a hint of femininity and glamor to a look that was otherwise casual and unpolished. She paired it with an oversized white clutch, which contributed to the simple, everyday appeal of her single-color ensemble. Belt a white jumpsuit with either the JASGOOD Skinny Leather Belt in D-White or the ANHAISHUILV Leather Belt in White/Gold to steal the look and get in on the modern skinny belt trend.

In 2018, Olivia Newton-John stepped out for the G'Day USA Black Tie Gala in a long-sleeved, black maxi dress with strategically placed rhinestones. The placement created a classy and mature silhouette. Too many sparkles add unflattering visual weight to a dress or overwhelm it.

Newton-John's garment also seemingly represented where she was in her life. The star was a few months away from celebrating her milestone 70th birthday, but this conservative, sophisticated garment still brought the fun — just like Newton-John. "I'm finally probably at the stage in my life where I trust what I put on, that I feel comfortable and confident in it," she told "Today" two years earlier. The heipeiwa Rhinestone Maxi Dress will give a similar sparkly yet covered vibe that's perfect for older women wanting more coverage, as will the VOUIAO Formal Evening Gown in Black.

In 2014, Olivia Newton-John arrived in Las Vegas for her residency shows in a black-and-white buttoned-down shirt, form-fitting leather-look pants, black boots, and a structured blazer. She prevented the outfit from being overly monochrome by adding a classic red lip. Not only did the vibrant lipstick inject fun and glamor, but it also contributed to the fit, serving as a sophisticated, mature take on one of her most famous "Grease" looks.

In the iconic movie musical, Sandy's style drastically transforms when she swaps her youthful, feminine look for a sultry, black, off-the-shoulder top, black spandex pants, and a red lip. Newton-John's tight pants and lipstick gave us Sandy vibes, but the actor adapted the look to feel true to who she'd become. She was 65 and opted for looser, leather-look pants that likely made her feel more comfortable and gave her more room to move (and breathe!). The spunky pants proved she was still having nostalgic fun with fashion. You can recreate the look via the ELDI Straight Leg Faux Leather Pants in Black or the HDE Faux Leather Pants in Black.

Olivia Newton-John visited the White House for a state dinner alongside her mom, Irene Newton-John, and sister, Rona Newton-John, in 1991. The strapless, shiny silver number with a sequin bodice gave Cinderella going-to-the-ball vibes and was tailored to perfection. The bodice closely fit the "Physical" singer's torso and, though it can be tough to keep strapless dresses in place, this one seemed to have been executed well enough to avoid that issue.

The matching sheer wrap added another layer of elegance and class, as the flowy piece wrapped around her shoulders to create a juxtaposition with the structured bodice. That helped it fit Newton-John's more down-to-earth, breezy personality. The K-Elewon Solid Color Scarf in Gray can be added to a similar silver dress to get the same effect, as can the Sheer Chiffon Shawl Wrap Scarf from Sanmoury in Silver Gray.

During a 1978 performance in London, Olivia Newton-John served '70s fashion in a pink satin shirt tied around her waist over what appeared to be shiny, navy spandex pants and a dark top. She brought extra glam to the look via her block heel gold sandals, which elevated the fit from casual to a statement-making look that showed her enviable figure. Though spandex and skin-tight pants were a once-popular fashion trend from the '70s, and fashion has since leaned into baggier bottoms, we could totally see this look working on multiple celebs today, like Sabrina Carpenter or Dua Lipa.

Get Newton-John's look by pairing the Lilax High Waisted Leggings in Navy or the High Waisted Yoga Pants in Darblue from Sghenr with a bubblegum-pink collared shirt that can be tied at the waist. Part of what made this ensemble one of Newton-John's best fits was the baggy top with the skin-tight bottoms. Style an oversized shirt or size up to create a flattering balance.

Olivia Newton-John made another case to be crowned the queen of jumpsuits in 1979, an old-school trend from the '70s we'd love to see return. The "If You Love Me" hitmaker wore a shiny pink one-piece to her 35th birthday, co-signing that it's possible to combine style and comfort in your 30s. The slouchy, cropped number seemingly offered plenty of flexibility for dancing (making it the perfect choice for her birthday party), but the color and shimmery fabric dressed it up to make it appropriate as eveningwear. It was her smart accessory choices that really made this one-piece one of her top looks, though.

The late star added a dressy, patent-black snakeskin-print clutch, which stopped her ensemble from looking too casual. She also stacked several pieces of silver jewelry on her left wrist, including a watch, a bangle, and two bracelets. She added gold hoop earrings with beads and matched her lipstick to her fit, both of which were unexpected choices that proved her flair for fun fashion. The Frigotine's Natural Stone Beaded Hoop Earrings and SPUNKYsoul's Boho Dangle Earrings will provide a similar aesthetic. The earrings emphasized Newton-John's dedication to the boho trend that reigned supreme in the '70s.

Olivia Newton-John helped break down barriers surrounding gendered dressing in 2016. She walked the CMA Awards red carpet in an outfit that bucked tradition, as she'd previously worn a dress to the country music award show. She paired a black-and-turquoise blazer with shiny, black pants, a white buttoned-down shirt, and a black bow tie. The western wear-inspired number ensured her outfit was appropriate for the country music event, but it also helped her stand out amid the glitzy, more traditional long gowns worn by her peers. Genderless clothing was increasing in popularity at the time, and this star clearly had no problem embracing it.

The ensemble also fit the style mantra Newton-John told "Today" that year. "I think you need to wear what makes you feel good, what makes you feel comfortable and hopefully what makes you look the best," she said. Copy her menswear-inspired look by adding the AWAYTR Pre-Tied Bow Tie in Black or the JEMYGINS Solid Color Pre-tied Bow Tie in Black.

In 2015, Olivia Newton-John appeared at a Breast Cancer Awareness Month event in Las Vegas in a loose, hot-pink shirt jacket over a black top, straight-leg pants, and pointed-toe, low-heeled stilettos. The fit was stylish (a colorful jacket is a fun way to upgrade a boring monochrome black look), but this was also one of her best because of what it represented. 

The superstar had previously postponed her Vegas shows following the death of her sister, Rona Newton-John, due to a brain tumor, and the "Grease" actor had experienced two breast cancer diagnoses (one publicly and one privately). By stepping out in her bright pink jacket (pink is associated with multiple breast cancer charities), she not only inspired us with her powerful cancer journey but also showed solidarity with others affected by the disease. The bright shade represented brighter days ahead for the star as she dressed for comfort and stayed true to her style in her 60s. 

The G4Free Cardigan in Hot Pink offers a similar vibe and UV protection, which is particularly important for anyone affected by cancer. The HIYIYEZI Cardigan in Hot Pink also offers a similar bold, feminine aesthetic. Tragically, Newton-John would receive a third breast cancer diagnosis before her passing in 2022, but was dedicated to giving back via the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Australia.

Olivia Newton-John proved formal dressing doesn't have to be stuffy or boring at a 2006 G'Day LA event. The talented multi-hyphenate wore a sophisticated, classy white maxi dress with a sheer panel covered in sparkly embellishments over her chest. The gown featured a flattering, floaty skirt and slight ruching around the middle for a flattering silhouette. She donned the number in January, which made a case for ignoring the long-standing "no white after Labor Day" fashion rule.

Though formal attire can be stuffy and uncomfortable, Newton-John made sure she brought the fun. She added a matching wrap with wispy feathers draped over her lower arms. She also carried a metallic micro bag with rhinestones, which added extra sparkle and whimsy to her ethereal look. To get the actor and singer's aesthetic, pair a white maxi dress with the LVCOMEFF Natural Ostrich Feather Shawl in White or the LA CARRIE Fluffy Faux Fur Shawl in White.

The look made sense in Newton-John's fashion timeline, as it seemingly marked her emergence from a tough time. The year prior, her boyfriend Patrick McDermott was declared missing, and she alluded to another tough time: her first cancer diagnosis. She reflected her determination to fight on. "I'm an Aussie battler," she told Pop Culture Classics that year. And dressing up and smiling on the red carpet was one way of proving that.

During a 1982 gig, Olivia Newton-John showed her strong legs in a sparkly, hot-pink dress with red sequins. She was one of the biggest stars of the time and released the compilation album "Olivia's Greatest Hits Vol. 2" that year, which celebrated years of hits, so it makes sense why she wanted all eyes on her when she hit the stage. The youthful, feminine number was super flirty, and the hot-pink shade was so '80s, proving again that Newton-John had her finger on the pulse.

While the floaty number sparkled in the spotlight, she stopped it from overwhelming her frame by adding a red, leather-look waist belt. That cinched it in the middle to create definition. Belt Catheive's Sequin Sparkly Dress in Hot Pink or FEMI SEMI's Short Sleeve Sparkle Shift Dress in Hot Pink for a similar aesthetic.

While attending the 2010 G'Day USA Black Tie Gala, Olivia Newton-John gave a masterclass on how to wear a monochrome black outfit that's both fashion-forward and exciting. She paired a ruched dress with long, black boots, which blended together to draw the eye down her body. While the main outfit may not have been black-tie gala appropriate by itself, she upgraded the monochrome fit via her silver, statement-making sequin wrap. The accessory added serious sparkle and texture to avoid an overly dark, bland fit.

Newton-John wisely wore her locks in a chic bob and kept her makeup simple via fluttery lashes and a nude, glossy lip. By keeping her outfit, hair, and makeup neutral, the full-sequin addition had its moment to sparkle without looking overdone. The SHINEVAN Sequin Scarf in Silver is an easy way to upgrade a dark monochrome outfit like Newton-John's, as is the Sparkling Metallic Shawl in Silver from KUNINDOME.

Olivia Newton-John gave modern-day pop girls a lesson in stage dressing in 1983. She served Zara Larsson "Midnight Sun" aesthetic vibes in a sheer, sparkly lilac top with exaggerated sleeves and matching shiny pants. By mixing textures, she kept her monochromatic look interesting, while the sparkles made her outfit shimmer under the stage lights. By opting for a flowy top, she also ensured her fit moved as she did, which likely added more excitement to her show.

The number confirmed that Newton-John wasn't afraid of daring colors and finishes that other stars may have shied away from. Lilax High Waisted Leggings in Purple will bring the shiny aesthetic into the modern day and would make an ideal outfit for a night out. As would pairing a matching, flowy top with the Loxdonz Wet Look Shiny Metallic Leggings in Purple.

In 2002, Olivia Newton-John attended the Melbourne Cup in a look that gave us major hat envy. Again, she showed how to dress up a basic black outfit by choosing the right accessories to upgrade a dark fit without overwhelming it. She wore a flattering, plunging, black column dress with a crisscross lace trim over her chest.

The main event, though, was her seriously wide-brimmed leopard-print hat. The size and print made a major statement, but because the dress was so simple, the accessory didn't clash with her fit. She also tied the two together via the hat's black, floral embellishment. Pairing a simple LBD with Julpsk's Leopard Print Wide Brim Sun Hat in Brown will give a similar chic yet feisty vibe. For those who want an understated hat with more subtle leopard print to make it formal-occasion-appropriate, try the Straw Sun Hat in Leopard Khaki from FENELY.

Though orange can be tough to pull off, Olivia Newton-John showed how to wear it the right way at the Myer Precious Metal Ball in 2009. Her floaty, off-the-shoulder gown was youthful and warm-toned to complement her skin and combined multiple soft, blended orange shades, which made it easier to wear than a single block, neon hue. It also extended the warmer months during the May event in Melbourne, Australia, as the city geared up for winter. The tropical gown featured subtle gold sparkle, which shimmered in camera flashes and matched her gold bracelet.

What we loved most about this look, though, is what it represented. She'd dealt with cancer and the disappearance of her boyfriend, but had found love again with John Easterling. The two married in 2008 when Newton-John was 59, and her happiness as a celeb who found their happily ever after later in life was palpable. The dress seemingly represented a new summer chapter of her life — even as the colder months approached. The Caracilia Off The Shoulder Formal Maxi Dress in Orange offers a more modern take on the gown, as does the BTFBM 2026 Summer Maxi Dress in Orange.