Diane Keaton’s distinctive wardrobe choices became nearly as famous as her on-screen performances. Among the most consistent elements: hats, high collars, turtlenecks, scarves, and other ways to keep her neck and head covered. While many assumed it was purely a style quirk, Keaton herself spoke about deeper motivations behind the signature look.
The Role of Protection and Privacy
In interviews, she described those fashion staples as “protective.” She noted that covering her neck and wearing hats could “hide a multitude of sins” — a metaphorical shield against flaws, insecurities, and anxiety that she might otherwise feel exposed. She admitted this aesthetic choice allowed her to maintain a degree of privacy and emotional barrier, even as she stood in public view.
Battling Skin Cancer Through the Years
But there was also a more pragmatic, health-driven reason behind her fashion posture. Keaton was no stranger to skin cancer. Early in her life, she received a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma; later, she faced squamous cell cancer, requiring surgical interventions. Because skin cancer had affected her and others in her family, she took sun protection seriously, incorporating hats and high collars into her daily attire to shield vulnerable skin. She urged others to use sunscreen and see dermatologists regularly.
Fashion as Identity
Beyond protection, her choices became part of her identity. Keaton’s wardrobe often blended masculine and feminine elements—suits, blazers, bowties, oversized belts, and soft layers. Hats and glasses were constant companions. In a 2024 interview, she affirmed that certain pieces were integral to her vision: “a turtleneck, suit, large belt and of course a hat and glasses.” Though she moved among various fashion trends, these signature items persisted, underscoring a personal style that was never just for show.
Family Legacy and Personal History
Her commitment to sun safety reflected her personal history. She spoke about relatives who had suffered from skin cancer, including an aunt who lost her nose and a father and brother who had basal cell diagnoses. These connections, she said, shaped her vigilance about sun exposure and her belief in preventative care. She also admitted that in her younger years, she paid less attention to sun protection—something she later wished she had taken more seriously.
The Emotional Layer
For Keaton, clothing was never purely surface-level. In her own words, the coverings she chose spoke to internal struggles: self-esteem, fear, and the desire for control. She once confessed that she would feel uncomfortable revealing certain parts of her body, and that the layers offered solace. It was a way of managing vulnerability in an industry built around visibility.
Consistency Through Decades
Over the years, her style evolved, but her core aesthetic remained remarkably stable. She often picked neutral tones or minimal palettes, letting texture and tailoring take center stage. Her fashion sense was so closely tied to her persona that audiences came to expect the hats and the high collars as part of “the look.” She became not just an actress but a fashion emblem.
Legacy and Lasting Impressions
Now that she has passed, the conversation around why she protected her neck and wore hats is resurging. Her style is seen not as eccentric, but as deeply personal—and meaningful. It reflected her battles, her sense of self, and her way of navigating both public and private life. Her legacy is no longer only about performances, but also about the way she lived within her own skin—literally and figuratively.
Conclusion
Diane Keaton’s signature style was far more than a fashion statement — it was a reflection of her life, her health, and her individuality. The hats, scarves, and high collars she wore became extensions of her personality: elegant yet protective, bold yet vulnerable. Behind every accessory was a story of self-care, confidence, and resilience. Her awareness of the dangers of sun exposure, shaped by personal and family experiences with skin cancer, turned her wardrobe into both armor and message. Through her choices, she reminded others that beauty and safety can coexist — that covering up can be empowering, not restrictive.
