The Mary Tyler Moore Show was a popular American sitcom. It ran from 1970 to 1977. The show starred Mary Tyler Moore as Mary Richards, an unmarried, independent woman who focused on her career as associate producer of a news show at the fictional local station WJM in Minneapolis. The show earned praise from critics and audiences alike. Specifically, it had humour, realism, and portrayal of an independent career woman. One of the most memorable aspects of the show was Mary’s wardrobe. Namely, it reflected her personality and the fashion trends of the 70s.
Plaid and Print
A picture of Mary Tyler Moore wearing a plaid jacket and a printed blouse On her namesake TV show, Moore wore peppy workplace wear. She often mixed plaid and print, creating a lively and colourful look. In addition to her clothing choices, she also accessorized with scarves, belts, and hats to add some flair to her outfits. This style was fresh and fun. Consequently, it showed that Mary was not afraid to express herself through fashion.
Giant Lapels and Giant Hair
Mary Tyler Moore often wore jackets with large lapels and skirts in matching colours. She also had a big hairstyle that complemented her outfits. She wore jackets with oversized collars that framed her face and accentuated her neck. A voluminous hairstyle also enhanced her appearance by adding height and drama. Mary wrote in a bold and confident style. As a result, she showed no intimidation by the male-dominated newsroom.
Emmy Awards Dress
Moore’s fashion sense was not limited to her screen roles. She also dazzled on the red carpet with her elegant dresses. She won five Emmy Awards for her role as Mary Richards, and she always dressed to impress at the ceremonies. One of her most stunning outfits was a white dress with ruffles. For instance, she wore it at the 1976 Emmy Awards. The dress flattered her figure. Moreover, it had elegance and femininity. Mary’s style showed her pride in her achievements. Furthermore, her style was sophisticated and graceful.
Cultural Impact
The Mary Tyler Moore Show was not only a groundbreaking comedy but also a showcase of 70s fashion.
Many women who watched the show felt inspired by Mary’s costumes.
The show became not only a comedy hit but also a cultural phenomenon. It showed a positive image of a single woman who was happy and successful in her career. The show launched three spin-offs: Rhoda, Phyllis, and Lou Grant, which featured characters who were also independent and strong-willed. The Mary Tyler Moore Show had a dual impact on the 70s culture. It was a fashion icon as well as a feminist icon of television history. Mary’s style and spirit influenced generations of women who admired her.
Fashion Legacy
The Mary Tyler Moore Show had a lasting influence on American fashion. It shaped the style of working women. In addition, it inspired many fashion designers who grew up watching the show. Moore’s style inspired many famous designers in their work. Some of them are Michael Kors, Isaac Mizrahi, Vera Wang, Diane von Furstenberg, and Marc Jacobs. Her ability to balance femininity and professionalism, as well as her use of colour, texture, and accessories, impressed them.
These designers’ collections and many modern women’s wardrobes keep Moore’s fashion legacy alive. They still wear her plaid jackets, knit dresses, pantsuits, berets, and turtlenecks that are relevant and chic today. She taught us that fashion can be fun, expressive, and empowering.