Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning actress whose death at 79 was revealed this weekend, was not just a beloved star of classic films but also a pioneer of personal style. She embodied a unique and timeless aesthetic that transcended the fleeting trends of Hollywood fashion. Keaton, whose career spanned decades, was a true style icon — not because she conformed to the expectations of the fashion industry, but because she created her own rules. With her distinctive love for men’s suiting, layered outfits, and accessories like bowler hats and oversized glasses, Keaton’s style has become as integral to her legacy as her unforgettable roles in films such as Annie Hall and Reds.
At a time when many of Hollywood’s stars have outsourced their sartorial choices to stylists and become the faces of global fashion houses, Keaton was an anomaly. She never worked with a stylist and was one of the last movie stars to arrive before brands and their influence changed the celebrity dressing game. Keaton’s fashion sense, and her refusal to let the world dictate her looks, was a revolutionary act in an era when style was starting to become as commercialized as movie careers themselves.
The Birth of the Keaton Aesthetic: From ‘Annie Hall’ to Fashion Icon
Diane Keaton’s role as the quirky, charming, and impeccably dressed Annie Hall in the 1977 film Annie Hall forever changed the world’s understanding of personal style. Directed by Woody Allen, the film was both a romantic comedy and a commentary on the complexities of modern relationships. But beyond its intellectual and emotional depth, the movie became a showcase for Keaton’s fashion choices, which were nothing short of revolutionary.
Keaton’s portrayal of Annie was marked by oversized blazers, men’s trousers, vests, and layers upon layers of clothing — a bold rejection of traditional femininity that had, until then, defined much of Hollywood’s on-screen beauty. She wore ties, top hats, and a wide variety of other accessories that were borrowed from men’s wardrobes, a sartorial choice that made her both a feminist icon and a fashion trailblazer.
In Annie Hall, Keaton was not just an actress playing a role — she was a visual representation of independence, freedom, and self-expression, elements that would come to define her public persona both on and off the screen. Her outfits in the film reflected a style that was confident, slightly rebellious, and uniquely her own. These choices also marked the beginning of the Keaton aesthetic: clothes that were not dictated by trends or expectations but rather by the actor’s own whims and tastes.
An Iconic Love Affair with Men’s Wear
Keaton’s love affair with menswear continued well beyond Annie Hall. Whether she was attending a film premiere, a gala, or simply walking the streets of New York, Keaton’s style remained consistent in its fusion of classic tailoring, bold accessories, and a decidedly nonchalant approach to fashion. The actress had a deep appreciation for clothing that blurred gender lines and rejected traditional female silhouettes in favor of something more androgynous and comfortable. She was the antithesis of the glamorous, ultra-feminine actresses who dominated the silver screen at the time, and her wardrobe was both a reflection of her own personality and a challenge to the gendered norms of Hollywood.
Her penchant for well-tailored suits, oversized blazers, and layered turtlenecks — often paired with scarves or her signature bowler hat — became iconic elements of her signature look. These choices were a visual declaration of her refusal to conform to conventional standards of beauty and elegance. Keaton was not only dressed for success; she dressed for herself. Whether it was a crisp white button-down shirt or a slouchy pair of men’s trousers, each outfit was carefully chosen to project an image of elegance without the pretense that so often accompanies it in the world of celebrity fashion.
Her style wasn’t just about what she wore; it was also about how she wore it. Keaton carried herself with a casual, effortless air that made even the most formal attire look relaxed. She eschewed flashy jewelry, preferring instead understated pieces that complemented her outfits, never overshadowing them. Her accessories — from round glasses to thick belts — were always bold, but never overbearing. They were integral to her look, but never at the expense of her authenticity.
Keaton’s Legacy: Shaping Fashion, Not Following It
In today’s celebrity culture, it’s not uncommon for stars to wear carefully curated looks designed by stylists, often in partnership with luxury brands who aim to promote their latest collections. These collaborations, though lucrative, can sometimes strip away the individuality of the stars themselves, reducing them to walking advertisements for high-end labels. In stark contrast, Diane Keaton’s approach to fashion was entirely self-determined. She didn’t rely on a stylist or a brand to define her look; instead, her wardrobe choices were a direct extension of her personality and her values.
Keaton’s legacy in fashion is not just defined by what she wore, but by how she wore it — with conviction, confidence, and an unwavering commitment to self-expression. She shaped fashion rather than allowing it to shape her. In doing so, she became an icon of individuality, inspiring countless women (and men) to adopt their own personal style, rather than follow fleeting trends or corporate-driven fashion diktats.
Her approach to fashion also served as a reflection of the changing cultural landscape of the late 20th century. Keaton was part of a generation of women who sought greater autonomy in every aspect of their lives, from their careers to their fashion choices. Her unorthodox style was a visual representation of this broader cultural shift toward self-determination and liberation.
Diane Keaton: A Hollywood Legend and a Fashion Revolutionary
As we reflect on the life and career of Diane Keaton, it’s clear that her contributions to both the film industry and the world of fashion are inextricably linked. She didn’t just bring unforgettable characters to life on the big screen; she also redefined what it meant to be a woman in Hollywood — a woman who could be both stylish and independent, glamorous yet grounded, timeless yet modern.
Keaton’s impact on fashion is undeniable. She proved that style is not about following trends but about embracing one’s own identity, wearing what feels authentic, and rejecting societal expectations. Diane Keaton’s legacy will not just live on through her films but also through the sartorial choices that continue to inspire those who seek to carve out their own identity in the world of fashion.
As a style icon and Hollywood legend, Diane Keaton was truly in a league of her own. Her influence transcends fashion; it’s about the freedom to express yourself without compromise, to shape your own image rather than have it dictated by others. In a world where fashion often seems driven by external forces, Keaton will always be remembered as a woman who defined her own path, in both her career and her personal style.
