Diane Keaton’s wardrobe was famously “exactly her”, as Jess Cartner-Morley wrote in a recent tribute. Yet while her idiosyncratic blend of menswear, goofy accessories and bold patterns may be impossible to replicate exactly, there are plenty of lessons to take from her fearless approach. As Keaton herself said: “Just have fun. Smile. And keep putting on lipstick.”
Hats were a Keaton staple, though many of her choices were not for the faint-hearted. A simple black bucket hat can make a Keaton-coded statement without going over the top, while a chunkier knitted version captures the playful spirit she was known for. With menswear, Keaton was queen, but you needn’t go full Oscars tuxedo. A tailored waistcoat or blazer, such as those seen at the latest Chanel show, can bring a dash of masculine tailoring to even the most feminine wardrobe.
Ties have been circulating in style circles for a while, and vintage options from Rokit or Ralph Lauren are ideal – Keaton wore a Ralph Lauren tie in Annie Hall. Thinner ties are better, and crucially, less reminiscent of Trump. For a more classic look, Keaton loved teaming white with white, famously in The First Wives Club and later in a creamier, laid-back Hamptons vibe in Something’s Gotta Give. This autumn, off-white jeans with a relaxed T-shirt or flannel shirt can easily channel that energy.
A crisp blue-and-white striped shirt is timeless and very Keaton – she wore one to the Oscars in 1976. Contemporary takes, such as a poplin shirt with a dressy bib, offer an easy entry point. And when it came to accessories, Keaton’s mantra was more is more: she piled on corsages, scarves, pocket squares and pearl necklaces. Adding an offbeat brooch or patterned scarf can inject humour and interest into any outfit.
Keaton was also a pattern clasher, mixing polka dots with stripes or one check with another. The trick is to vary the scale of the prints and, if things feel too busy, anchor the look with a neutral. As she wisely put it: “So you make a mistake here and there; you do too much, but you’re having fun.” Ultimately, her style philosophy was about enjoying fashion and not playing it safe.
