Steal her style successfully.
The moment she stepped on screen in her soon-to-be iconic vest, tie, and bowler hat combo, Diane Keaton cemented herself as a style icon. From her legendary looks in Annie Hall to inspiring the recent “Coastal Grandma” trend (if you haven’t seen it, watch the movie Something’s Gotta Give), Keaton has curated an unmistakable aesthetic that manages to be both quirky and chic at the same time, perfectly mirroring her personality.
While her on-screen abilities cannot be ignored, she’s widely known and admired for her signature style, which is a mix of menswear-inspired pieces, dramatic proportions, and neutral palettes. Her easily recognizable look has influenced so many of us way beyond Hollywood. She even released a style book in 2024 that chronicles her rise to fashion fame from her childhood, when she would pick out patterns and request that her mother make her custom outfits.
At the heart of Keaton’s style is her ability to transform traditionally masculine pieces into something uniquely feminine. How does she manage to get her look to come across as powerful, intelligent, casually elegant, and alluring all at once? The key isn’t in trying to look masculine but rather playing with the tension between structured and fluid elements, tailored and sexy at the same time. Keaton’s oversized blazer becomes somehow inherently feminine, even when she wears it over a shirt and tie, because she pairs it with something softer like flowy wide-leg trousers.
Diane Keaton Style
Diane Keaton Style
Diane Keaton Style
Diane Keaton Style
Diane Keaton Style
Diane Keaton Style
Diane Keaton Style
Diane Keaton Style
Diane Keaton Style
Diane Keaton Style
Diane Keaton Style
Diane Keaton Style
Diane Keaton Style
How can you incorporate her unique aesthetic into your own wardrobe? I have a few suggestions about where to start. But most importantly, I don’t recommend directly copying a specific look of hers because it can come across as a costume since her look is so distinctive. Instead, have fun getting creative and coming up with your own versions inspired by her style.
- Start with proportions: Choose one oversized piece (like a blazer or pants) and balance it with something more fitted. I usually go by the rule that if what you’re wearing on your top half is fitted, go with something more generously cut on the bottom half, and vice versa.
- Layer strategically: A turtleneck under anything instantly channels Keaton’s smart sophistication.
- Stick to neutral colors: Black, white, beige, and gray form the foundation of her wardrobe.
- But don’t shy away from patterns: While you might not see Keaton in neon, she brightens an outfit with a vibrant pattern that draws attention despite being monotone. Her go-tos? Polka dots and plaid.
- Add personality through accessories: Keaton tops off every outfit with a bold accessory, like bowler hats, dramatic sunglasses, multiple strands of long pearls, scarves, and wide belts — these make any outfit distinctly “Keaton.” While any and all of these are up for grabs (yes, you can wear more than one at once — Keaton does!), I encourage you to lean into whatever accessories make a look uniquely you. Maybe you used to love big, flashy earrings but stashed them away when that pesky quiet luxury trend set in. Or perhaps you’ve become known for your unique choice in specs. Don’t be shy about your choices — Keaton sure isn’t!
As I mentioned above, what makes Keaton’s style truly iconic isn’t just the clothes — it’s the accessories, her hairstyle, her “no-makeup” makeup, and the confidence with which she wears them. Her looks work because they’re authentic to her personality, and she enjoys dressing; it’s a creative outlet for her.
My final piece of advice is that this style isn’t for everyone. Before you try a new look inspired by someone else, ask yourself a few questions: Does this piece of clothing work with my body and coloring? Does this look work with my lifestyle? Does it look like me? Do I have pieces already in my wardrobe that can be used to add to this look and make multiple outfits? Asking yourself these questions will help you make wise investments and avoid those costly mistake purchases that eternally hang in the closet with the tags still on — no guilt here, we all have them!
Remember, fashion sets the scene, but it’s your personality that defines you. Just ask Diane.
