Cher stepped onto the deck of the USS Missouri in 1989 and basically reset the parameters of what a pop star could wear. She was 43. At an age when the industry usually tries to usher women toward "sophisticated" evening gowns, she chose a sheer slined bodysuit, a leather jacket, and a thong. It was chaotic. It was brilliant. It was also, for a hot minute, banned by MTV.
The If I Could Turn Back Time outfit isn’t just a piece of music video history; it’s a masterclass in risk-taking that still terrifies and inspires stylists today. If you look at the sheer "naked dresses" on the Met Gala red carpet last year, you’re looking at the DNA of Bob Mackie’s most controversial creation.
The Bob Mackie Magic and the Navy’s Accidental Cameo
Bob Mackie and Cher are the ultimate power couple of fashion. They’ve been working together since the Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour days, and Mackie knew exactly how to highlight Cher’s athletic frame while pushing the boundaries of decency standards. For the "If I Could Turn Back Time" video, the goal wasn't just "sexy." It was meant to be a high-octane, rock-and-roll spectacle.
Interestingly, the U.S. Navy wasn't exactly briefed on the specifics of the wardrobe. When the crew of the USS Missouri agreed to the shoot, they expected a patriotic, morale-boosting video. What they got was Cher straddling a 16-inch gun turret in a fishnet body stocking. The sailors in the background? Their reactions are 100% genuine. You can see the pure shock and excitement on their faces because they weren't seeing a "costume"—they were seeing a cultural shift in real-time.
Mackie used a black "nude" mesh that was incredibly thin, layered with a one-piece swimsuit-style cut that utilized a high-cut hip to elongate Cher's legs. It’s a trick that makes anyone look ten feet tall. Then came the leather jacket. It added that necessary "toughness" to balance out the sheer vulnerability of the lace.
Why the If I Could Turn Back Time Outfit Almost Didn't Air
MTV had a panic attack. Seriously.
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The network initially refused to play the video during the day. They relegated it to post-9:00 PM slots because of "excessive nudity," even though Cher was technically covered by the mesh and the strategically placed patches of the bodysuit. It’s funny looking back, considering what passes for a music video in 2026, but in 1989, it was scandalous.
Honestly, the controversy only served to make the outfit more iconic. By trying to hide it, the media turned it into a "must-see" moment. Cher, being Cher, didn't apologize. She knew the power of the visual. The If I Could Turn Back Time outfit became a symbol of female agency—the idea that a woman can be over 40, incredibly fit, and completely unapologetic about her sexuality.
Breaking Down the Components of the Look
If you're trying to recreate this for a costume or just want to understand the architecture of the look, you have to realize it's all about the layers. It’s not just one piece.
First, the base. It’s a one-piece black leotard with a very high-cut leg. This is the "V" shape that defines the 80s silhouette. Over that goes the fishnet bodysuit. Mackie didn't use standard hosiery; he used a custom-fitted mesh that hugged every curve without sagging. This is the hardest part to replicate. Cheap fishnets will bag at the knees or elbows, but Cher's looked like a second skin.
Then there are the boots. Thigh-high, black, and usually leather or suede. They bridge the gap between the skin and the outfit, creating a continuous line of black that makes the whole ensemble feel cohesive rather than just a bunch of random pieces.
Finally, the hair. You can't talk about the If I Could Turn Back Time outfit without the hair. It was a massive, curly, "big hair" wig that added height and drama. It balanced out the "nakedness" of the body by adding significant volume up top. It’s about proportions. Without the hair, the outfit might have looked too sparse. With the hair, she looked like a rock goddess.
The Cultural Ripple Effect
We see the ghost of this outfit everywhere. When Dua Lipa or Miley Cyrus hits the stage in a sheer catsuit, they are paying rent to the house that Cher built. Before this video, female pop stars often fell into two categories: the "girl next door" or the "glamour queen." Cher created a third category: the "unrestrained warrior."
The USS Missouri setting was also a stroke of genius. Placing such a feminine, provocative figure against the backdrop of a massive, grey, masculine warship created a visual tension that is still studied in film schools. It’s the "soft" against the "hard."
How to Capture the Energy (Without the Scandal)
Look, most of us aren't going to walk onto a battleship in a thong. But you can take the "essence" of the If I Could Turn Back Time outfit and work it into a modern wardrobe. It's about the play between sheer and structured.
- The Sheer Layer: Try a black mesh turtleneck under a tailored blazer. It gives that "peek-a-boo" effect without the MTV ban.
- The Leather Factor: A cropped motorcycle jacket is the ultimate equalizer. It makes any dress or outfit look instantly more grounded and rebellious.
- The High-Waist Silhouette: Use high-waisted trousers with a bodysuit to mimic that long-legged Mackie look.
Cher proved that fashion is a tool for longevity. She didn't "age out" of being provocative; she redefined what being a certain age looks like. The If I Could Turn Back Time outfit isn't just about the skin—it's about the confidence required to show it.
Getting the Details Right for Cosplay or Tribute
If you are actually building this, don't skimp on the wig. A flat wig will kill the vibe. You need something with serious "oomph" and texture. For the bodysuit, look for "dance grade" mesh. It has a higher Lycra content, which means it will snap back to your body and won't get those weird wrinkles at the joints.
And don't forget the silver hardware. The jacket Cher wore had specific studding and zippers that caught the light of the ship's flares. It’s those tiny reflections that make the video feel so electric.
Ultimately, this outfit works because it was authentic to who Cher was at that moment. She wasn't trying to be a 20-year-old. She was being a 43-year-old powerhouse who happened to have the best legs in the business. That’s the real takeaway.
Actionable Next Steps
To truly channel this iconic era, start by focusing on the "structural contrast" in your own style. Experiment with pairing a heavy, oversized leather jacket with a very delicate, sheer top or a lace camisole. This recreates the "hard vs. soft" aesthetic of the USS Missouri shoot without requiring a naval escort. If you are shopping for pieces, search for "high-cut bodysuits" and "industrial mesh" to find materials that mimic the Bob Mackie silhouette. Focus on the fit—the 1980s look was all about precision tailoring, even when the garment was barely there.