Even before her passing at the age of seventy-nine, Diane Keaton’s signature style was as instantly recognizable as her celebrated film career.

From her breakout role in Annie Hall to her later work in Something’s Gotta Give, Keaton’s bold fashion choices became a defining part of her identity.

But behind the perfectly tailored suits, oversized hats, and turtlenecks lay a profoundly personal narrative — one marked by health challenges, familial awareness, and a deep-seated commitment to self-preservation.

For Keaton, style was never purely about trends. It was a conscious act of storytelling, a means of protection, and a reflection of a life lived fully on her own terms.

In her final interviews, she explained that her wardrobe choices were much more than aesthetic decisions — they were shields against the world, statements of individuality, and even acts of self-care.

“A turtleneck, suit, large belt, and of course a hat and glasses!” she told People magazine in one of her last conversations. “Some things will never change for me.”

A Family History of Skin Cancer and the Origins of Her Protective Style

Keaton’s distinctive love of wide-brimmed hats, high collars, and layered ensembles was not just a stylistic preference — it was a survival strategy shaped by a family history of skin cancer.

In interviews over the years, she candidly discussed the impact of hereditary conditions on her wardrobe choices. “It’s a family history,” she told the Los Angeles Times.

“I remember my Auntie Martha had skin cancer so bad they removed her nose. My father had basal skin cancer, and my brother had it. It’s tricky with this skin cancer. That’s why you’ve got to put the sunblock on.”

In her youth, Keaton admitted she didn’t take sun exposure seriously. It wasn’t until her forties that she began to incorporate consistent sun protection into her routine — a precautionary measure she would adhere to rigorously for the rest of her life. Continue reading…