The Best of Cosmopolitan

The hot fashion tip of 1973: tape your hair down before you go out. No, really. The ice lolly is optional. Photograph: National Magazine Company

Ian McShane as a 'Cosmo pin-up' in 1973. Do you take him home and give him a nice warm bath? Or cross the street to avoid him? Either way the dog looks a little distressed Photograph: National Magazine Company

Liz Taylor shimmers on to the front in December 1976 when we are told living together is a 'Rotten idea'. Plus ca change? Photograph: National Magazine Company

It's November 1978 and Kim Basinger smoulders on the Cosmo front. A silky sinuous late-night gown cost £15.95 back then. In today's money that's roughly £250,000 according to our calculations Photograph: National Magazine Company

This feature from 1979 tells us how to create a look on a budget. All you need is a T-shirt and some inspiration from a Kandinsky or Malevitch painting Photograph: National Magazine Company

Pink Lycra leggings. Roller skating. 1981. In the inset photograph, Linda Blair, child star of The Exorcist, takes part in a rollerskating contest. She turned a few heads, apparently Photograph: National Magazine Company

Still in 1981 and this lady gives us a taste of the orient, donning the ultimate fashion accessories - a couple of similarly attired children Photograph: National Magazine Company

Annie Lennox looks suitably vampish in October 1984. We are also enticed by a teaser asking 'What makes a lady a witch?' The pointy hat and broomstick are generally a giveaway Photograph: National Magazine Company

Boy George hit the front cover in December 1984 - as Cosmo was dishing out advice on what to do before watching Ghostbusters.

• All photographs taken from The Best of Cosmopolitan - The 70s and 80s, published by Portico Books, £12.99 Photograph: National Magazine Company