We have lost someone truly unique. Diane Keaton’s passing feels like the close of an era shaped by her one-of-a-kind style, honesty, and her rare ability to mix comedy with real emotion. She was more than an Oscar-winning actress—she was a cultural icon whose impact will last for years to come.
In honour of her incredible life and career, we celebrate just five of her most enduring cinematic achievements:
A Cinematic Quintet: Five Unforgettable Diane Keaton Films
- The Family Stone (2005): Playing Sybil Stone, the loving and free-spirited mother of a lively family, Keaton gave a performance that was both touching and moving. She was the heart of the film, showing a woman facing her own mortality while caring for her children. Her role showed both strength and vulnerability, sometimes all at once.
2. Something’s Gotta Give (2003): In this beloved romantic comedy, Keaton shone as Erica Barry, a successful, sophisticated playwright who unexpectedly finds love later in life. Starring opposite Jack Nicholson, she was utterly captivating, earning an Academy Award nomination for her witty, charming, and deeply relatable performance. The film was a testament to her enduring appeal and her ability to portray the modern woman with intelligence and grace.
3. First Wives Club (1996): Alongside Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler, Keaton brought great energy to this well-loved story about friendship and empowerment. As Annie Paradis, who starts out shy and nervous, she goes on a journey of self-discovery and payback. The film was a big hit, and the trio’s final song, “You Don’t Own Me,” became a generational anthem.
4. Father of the Bride (1991): As the warm and patient Nina Banks, Keaton was the perfect foil to Steve Martin’s comically overprotective father. She brought a sense of calm and elegance to the delightful chaos of wedding planning, creating a portrait of a loving and supportive wife and mother that resonated with audiences everywhere. Her chemistry with Martin was undeniable, making the Bankses one of cinema’s most cherished couples.
5. Mad Money (2008): In this fun and frivolous heist comedy, Keaton played Bridget Cardigan, an affluent woman who, after a sudden financial downturn, takes a janitorial job at the Federal Reserve—and hatches a plan to steal worn-out cash. Teaming up with Queen Latifah and Katie Holmes, Keaton showcased her knack for physical comedy and her ability to lead an ensemble with her signature quirky charm.
The Fashion Legacy: How Diane Keaton Dressed Her Way to Icon Status
Beyond the screen, Diane Keaton was a revolutionary figure in fashion. She didn’t follow trends; she set them by authentically wearing what made her feel most comfortable and protected: menswear.
Her signature style—wide-leg trousers, tailored suits, vests, high-necked shirts, and the ever-present hat—was famously her own, even for the costume of her Oscar-winning turn in Annie Hall. As Woody Allen famously told the costume department, “Leave her. She’s a genius. Let her wear what she wants.”
Her sartorial choices reflected her independent spirit. She favored tailored suits, crisp white shirts, and a menagerie of hats, creating a look that was both intellectual and effortlessly chic. Keaton’s style was never about chasing trends; it was about self-expression and comfort. She once said, “I don’t discredit anyone for showing their style,” a mantra she lived by, whether on the red carpet or in her everyday life.
From her early days of thrift store finds to her enduring love for designers like Ralph Lauren, Keaton’s fashion journey was a celebration of individuality. She taught us that style is not just about the clothes you wear, but the confidence with which you wear them.
Diane Keaton was a true original, a woman of substance and style who left an indelible mark on the world. While she will be deeply missed, her spirit will live on through her timeless films and her fearless, iconic fashion.
Keaton blurred the lines between the masculine and feminine, showing that power dressing didn’t have to be rigid. Her look was an eclectic, brainy, and deeply personal form of armor—a blend of Fred Astaire’s kinetic elegance and a modern, New York cool.
Key Elements of Her Iconic Style:
- The Power of the Suit: She embraced the relaxed-fit suit as her personal uniform, often choosing neutral tones like black, white, and camel, and styling them with simple stripes or polka dots. She even once described an oversized coat as her version of a ballgown.
- The Protective Neckline: Almost always, her look included a turtleneck, high collar, or scarf—a style choice she admitted was partly “protective” due to her family history of skin cancer, turning a personal necessity into a sophisticated signature.
- The Signature Hat: Whether a bowler, a fedora, or a wide-brimmed sun hat, the hat was her punctuation mark and a tool for “privacy,” completing a powerful silhouette while allowing her to engage with the world on her own terms.
Diane Keaton’s life and art were a testament to being an absolute original. She showed us that the best style is self-knowledge, and the best performances are rooted in honest, sometimes messy, humanity. She will be dearly missed, but her influence in film and fashion will forever remain an elegant, perfectly tailored benchmark.
thestyleartisan.com 
I love everything about this. Her style was amazing.
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