21 of ABBA's most outrageously groovy outfits ahead of the 2023 Grammys (2024)

21 of ABBA's most outrageously groovy outfits ahead of the 2023 Grammys (1)

GIMME, GIMME, GIMME ABBA’s outfits.

While there’s a slew of stars who, if given the chance, I’d happily raid their closets for fabulous fits and accessories —I’d still pick ABBA’s first. It’s the feathers, glitter, sky-high platform boots and those iconic bell bottoms —which seemingly define the effervescence and frivolity of ’70s fashion. Otherwise known as ‘dopamine dressing’ in 2022.

I’d even go so far as to say ABBA —consisting of Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid (Frida) — is partly the reason why the ’70s continue to be a decade of sartorial and musical inspiration. In the most literal sense, from the global stage production of Mamma Mia! to the two star-studded Hollywood films. Also, does anyone remember Madonna’s 2005 synth-pop song, Hung Up? The Princess of Pop apparently begged ABBA for permission to sample ‘Gimme, Gimme, Gimme (A Man After Midnight)’on her track.

“I had to send my emissary to Stockholm with a letter and the record begging them and imploring them and telling them how much I worship their music, telling them it was an homage to them, which is all true,” Madonna told Attitude magazine that year.

Naturally, Madonna also wore an ABBA-inspired ensemble during the music video, which included a pink spandex leotard and a bright sequinned belt, as well as a ’70s shag hairstyle. FYI the shag is a la mode again this year.

But like most groovy looks from the disco era, ABBA was at the forefront. They sang about ‘Dancing Queen'[s] after all.

The quartet became known (and adored) for their outrageous Scandi style, ever since they rocked up to Brighton, England in 1974 for Eurovision. Amongst the mostly grey and blustery British weather, ABBA shone in cobalt blue bomber jackets, sparkly caps and satin pantaloons whilst singing about Napoleon’s surrender at the Battle of Waterloo, naturally. And after winning Europe’s biggest song contest that year, ABBA kept on delivering the sartorial goods. On stage, they shimmied away in emerald green capes, white ruffled jumpsuits and royal blue catsuits —another resurged sartorial item — and on the street, they expertly wore high-waisted denim flares, colourful boleros and beautifully embroidered waistcoats.

21 of ABBA's most outrageously groovy outfits ahead of the 2023 Grammys (2)

While style was strategic to their musical success — it was also a savvy way of cutting costs. Interestingly, frontman Björn Ulvaeus revealed in their documentary ABBA: The Official Photo Book that the group evaded a Swedish tax law, which rendered all work clothes tax deductible if you could prove they were too outrageous to wear in daily life. Although, I beg to differ.

Nonetheless, more than 40 years after the band broke up, millennials continue to stream, boogie and replicate ABBA’s expressive and colourful clothing —perhaps courtesy of the films, an appreciation for retro fashion and general chatter on social media. Oh and also the fact that they released new, and groundbreaking, music over the past year. Therefore, it should come as little surprise that ABBA has been nominated for two of the top categories at the 2023 Grammys —Record of the Year category, for ‘Don’t Shut Me Down’ and Album of the Year for Voyages. While they face some stiff (and equally stylish) competition, including Adele, Beyoncé, Harry Styles, Lizzo and more —I certainly think ABBA’s in for a good chance. Please ‘Take A Chance’ on them Recording Academy?

With the Grammys just around the corner —BAZAAR has rounded up some of ABBA’s best and brightest fits to inspire you to get out your flares and fringed jackets —or whatever shamelessly outrageous outfit you own — to wear while watching music’s biggest night. Because no one does bodacious fashion quite like the boppiest of groups.