This Sunday marks the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards, with performances slated for Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton and more. Before the ceremony, top country stars will walk the red carpet, wearing glam dresses and dapper suits with just a touch of country flair — whether cowboy boots or hats, or oversize, engraved belt buckles.
Quite tragically, the country-glam fashions of today aren’t nearly as dramatic as they used to be. For example: You just don’t see shoulder pads anymore. Here are some looks from the 1990 ACMs that we desperately hope make a comeback.
1. Patty Loveless wears a structured, shoulder-pad-chic light purple frock with a flared lamé bottom.
Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage
2. Actress Rebecca Holden flaunts super voluminous hair and a bedazzled, strapless top that ends with a poof.
Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage
3. Janie Fricke rocks four Navajo-inspired patterns, a big color, and a skirt-top combo with lots and lots of fringe.
Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage
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4. Paulette Carlson (of Highway 101) rocks a shimmering, layered, princess blue dress and mile-high bangs.
Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage
5. George and Norma Strait go full country, with George rocking a bow tie and gaudy, silver belt buckle and Norma working pointy shoulders and a white pencil skirt.
Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage
Tell us: What do you think of these throwback looks? Have a favorite? Sound off below.
–Maria Yagoda
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