Diane Keaton’s style explained: 8 original outfits that defined independence and expression
The world lost a true original on October 11, 2025, when Hollywood icon Diane Keaton passed away at age 79. The Oscar-winning actress, director and author left behind a legacy that transcended film. For over five decades, Keaton was a cultural touchstone whose influence radiated from the screen into the very fabric of how we perceive style and femininity.
Her career—from her breakthrough in Annie Hall to beloved roles in The First Wives Club and Something’s Gotta Give—was remarkable. But her most enduring creation was her own public identity, expressed through a revolutionary approach to fashion that spoke of independence, intelligence and the radical act of being oneself.
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The foundational suit
Keaton in a crisp white suit with striped shirt and polka dot tie (Photo: @diane_keaton / Instagram)
At the 1976 Academy Awards, a year before Annie Hall premiered, Diane Keaton arrived in a white suit with a striped shirt and navy polka dot tie. This was radical proof that her menswear aesthetic was authentically hers, not a costume designer’s creation. The confident mixing of stripes and polka dots demonstrated sophisticated visual composition ahead of its time, challenging every convention of female celebrity dressing.
The unconventional sequin suit
A Gucci sequin suit proves Keaton could sparkle on her own tailored terms (Photo: @diane_keaton / Instagram)
At the 2021 LACMA Art+Film Gala, Keaton wore a custom navy blue sequin Gucci suit with a silk shirt and black beret. While the material screamed Hollywood glamour, the impeccable tailoring remained pure Keaton. This was her definitive answer to formal dress codes—sparkling brilliantly without ever compromising her menswear-inspired principles or sacrificing her signature high-necked, intellectual aesthetic.
The statement belt
A wide belt cinches Keaton’s plaid coat into a sculptural silhouette (Photo: @diane_keaton / Instagram)
This showstopping ensemble showcases Diane Keaton’s mastery of proportion. A full-length coat in bold plaid, layered over coordinating houndstooth (which appeared on the cover of her bookFashion First), creates dramatic volume. The key element is the formidable, wide leather belt, which transforms the voluminous fabric into an exaggerated hourglass silhouette.
The signature hat
A bowler hat tops an extreme wide-leg denim and signature turtleneck ensemble (Photo: @diane_keaton / Instagram)
This Instagram post became a viral sensation, with people clamouring to identify the extreme wide-leg jeans. The classic black bowler hat provides the essential finishing touch, serving as punctuation to the entire look. For Keaton, hats were never mere accessories—they were tools for privacy and self-protection, completing her iconic silhouette while allowing her to engage with the world on her own terms.
The foundational turtleneck
A grey plaid suit anchored by an essential black turtleneck and layered crosses (Photo: @diane_keaton / Instagram)
At the Green Eggs and Ham premiere, Diane Keaton’s grey-and-black plaid suit was grounded by her ever-present black turtleneck—a protective shield she wore constantly. The addition of nearly a dozen layered silver cross necklaces transformed the classic garment into art, creating a literal breastplate that merged spiritual symbolism with bold fashion, demonstrating her use of clothing as both armour and autobiography.
The neutral palette
This monochrome camel suit proves the sophistication of neutral dressing (Photo: @diane_keaton / Instagram)
In this collaboration with J Crew, Keaton wore a monochrome camel-coloured suit— blazer, wide-leg trousers, white shirt and waistcoat—topped unexpectedly with a casual straw hat. This look showcases her mastery of neutrals: black, white, beige and grey became a canvas for experimenting with silhouette and texture.
The bold pattern
A houndstooth jacket paired with a voluminous skirt and chunky combat boots (Photo: @diane_keaton / Instagram)
Captured in a mirror selfie, this outfit demonstrates Keaton’s fearless approach to classic patterns. A structured houndstooth jacket contrasts brilliantly with a full black skirt. The masterstroke is the chunky white lace-up combat boots, injecting tough, modern edge and proving that true style transcends age. Pattern, for Keaton, was never intimidating—it was an opportunity for bold self-expression.
The distressed leather jacket
A weathered leather jacket layered with a polka dot scarf and black gloves (Photo: @diane_keaton / Instagram)
This home selfie demonstrates Keaton’s sophisticated eye for mixing materials. A beautifully distressed brown leather coat provides rugged texture, while a playful beige-and-brown polka dot scarf tucked into the lapel adds softness. Black leather gloves and a hat pulled low create enigmatic privacy. Her skill in combining hard and soft, rough and refined, created looks with remarkable depth and character—fashion as three-dimensional art.
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