1979
Well, look. If anyone is going to make a leotard, nylons, boots, and a blazer look cool, it's Pat Benatar. If anyone out there is bold and needs a BIG Halloween costume for whenever parties are a thing again, here is a good one.
I have no idea when this was taken. The caption said 1899, and I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest this is not accurate. I put it here because it's thematically apt, although in place of a blazer, she put a Phillies jersey. When did she tour in Philly? 1979? 1989? 1899? IS SHE A TIME TRAVELLER???
1980
I feel like Juliette Lewis's "Juliette and the Licks" phase was heavily influenced by Pat Benatar's aesthetic.
1979: Pat Benatar
Pat historically loves an animal print, and spandex. And back-lit hair.
What did I tell you?
Apparently she also likes the garrote-style shirts. They make me squirmy just looking at them.
1980
"A blouse? A BLOUSE? I THINK NOT. Somebody give me a piece of leather and a belt and I'll show you how rock is done."
Pat Benatar and Devo 1981
I love this photo so much. OBVIOUSLY if you meet Devo, you have to try on one of those. I'm certain that's a rule. I did one of those Run Hit Wonder races where '80s acts played along the route, and it ended with a Devo concert in the Coliseum, and now I'm sad they didn't hand out these to the runners.
1982
This feels right, and also she kind of looks like Joan Collins in this photo?!? Can that be true?
1983
Hair in this decade really was a marvel.
Pat Benatar
This photo was undated. So it lives here now. She is how I always wish to look in leather pants. (Note: I have never actually put on leather pants. I think there is a coolness prerequisite, and also, I would Ross Gellar it for sure.)
1985
This is some real 80s soap opera Gloria Loring hair energy.
1993
Like so many people, she went through a sensitive beret phase in 1993.
1994
And then a giddy bike shorts phase in 1994, I guess? Maybe it was a Thighmaster moment for her. We all had those too. (Note: I didn't but my friend owned one and I tried it once and it didn't go well.)
2001
NOW she reminds me of Martina McBride?!?
2003
Pat married her guitarist Neil in 1982 and they're still married. I love a happy ending. I also love that she embraced cargo pants.
2012
Still fierce. Can we get another album? Whither the Benatar-assance?!? Perhaps it's not possible because she never truly left us. Happy birthday, Pat! We belong together.