The Heartbreaking Reason Diane Keaton Always Wore Hats and Covered Her Neck in Public

The deeply personal motive behind her iconic fashion was known to few

Renowned Hollywood icon Diane Keaton was celebrated for numerous attributes — her sharp wit, unique sense of humor, and a remarkable acting career spanning over five decades, yet there was more beneath the surface than many realized.

The cherished film star passed away on Saturday (October 11). Her family has requested privacy, and the cause of death remains unconfirmed.

Tributes have flowed in from fans and celebrities alike, including frequent collaborator Woody Allen, while a friend shared insights about her condition in the weeks preceding her passing.

Her style, just as iconic as her performances in Annie Hall, The Godfather, and The First Wives Club, featured turtlenecks, oversized suits, chunky belts, and those signature hats.

Fans admired her daring fashion choices and the quirky confidence she radiated, establishing her as one of cinema’s most unique personalities.

Her appearance became so iconic that it was nearly synonymous with her identity: timeless, elegant, and effortlessly cool.

Keaton once explained the formula behind her signature style, stating that to achieve her kind of flair, an outfit needed ‘a turtleneck, suit, large belt, and of course, a hat and glasses’.

Diane Keaton’s iconic hats became both a fashion statement and a form of protection

However, beneath the glamour and uniqueness, there was a poignant reason for her meticulously chosen wardrobe.

The actress’s choice to keep her neck and head covered wasn’t solely about style. It was a deeply personal decision and, at times, essential for her well-being.

In a 2019 interview with InStyle, Keaton explained that her distinctive look was more than a fashion statement, saying: “Yes, it’s very protective. It hides a multitude of sins. Flaws, anxiety—things like that. I would not feel comfortable in a short skirt or something cut off with my arms hanging out there.”

She also confessed that hats had become a form of armor for her. She elaborated: “And I’ve always liked hats. They just frame a head. But, of course, nobody really thinks they’re as great as I do.”

Nonetheless, the Oscar-winning actress had a very real medical reason for keeping herself covered.

Keaton had struggled with skin cancer throughout much of her adult life. At just 21, she was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, and decades later, she faced squamous cell cancer, necessitating multiple surgeries.

The Hollywood icon's turtlenecks showcased her style, confidence, and underlying vulnerability

She once mentioned to TotalBeauty: “Wear sunscreen. You’ve got to put it on,” noting that she always carried SPF 50 after her 'serious' diagnosis.

Skin cancer was prevalent in her family; her father, brother, and aunt had all been affected, with her aunt losing her nose to the illness. Keaton later confessed she had spent too much time in the sun when she was younger, calling it 'stupid' and advising others to protect their skin before it was too late.

She shared with the LA Times that her hats were part of her plan to shield her face from the sun. Likewise, her love for turtlenecks ensured her neck was covered.

While her iconic hats and high collars appeared effortlessly stylish, they also served as symbols of self-protection — from both the harshness of Hollywood and the risks of UV exposure.

Beneath that iconic brim, Diane Keaton was both a survivor and a style icon.