From her iconic on-stage looks to unforgettable cameos on the big screen, the “Queen of Country” has a personal style that is simply unforgettable. Here, we share the top five Dolly Parton outfits of all time.
Known for her no-limits approach to rhinestones and teased-to-the-skies blonde hair, Dolly Parton’s signature style is larger than life, inspiring mainstream trends and adoring fans throughout the decades.
Parton pays homage to her Tennessee roots and popular styles from the Golden Age of country music, often wearing rhinestones, embroidery, denim, and fringe. Her signature is taking classic Western embellishments to new heights, drenching them in color (preferably pink!) and tying everything together with a sparkle fit for Hollywood. Parton’s style is uniquely her own, proving her dynamic ability to shine on any stage. In her famous words: “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap!”
Denim-On-Denim (1977)
Deep in her defining musical era, Parton leaned heavily into timeless country influence. This now iconic denim-on-denim look was featured in the album art for her 1977 record New Harvest…First Gathering. The 1970s solidified Parton’s legacy in country music, and her fashion reflected the sentiment. Blue jeans and a denim jacket paired with a polka-dotted shirt and bandana feels right at home with Parton’s roots, while the larger-than-life hoops give a playful style wink.
View this post on Instagram
Steel Magnolias Premiere (1989)
When reminiscing on the most iconic Dolly Parton outfits, this glitzy look is top of mind. Stepping out for the Steel Magnolias premiere in California, Parton dazzled on the red carpet, dripping in rhinestones and intricate beadwork. Parton’s signature wow-factor was made possible by her designer, Tony Chase, who created glamorous gowns and stage outfits for Parton beginning in 1987. “Dolly is one of the last true stars,” said Chase in a 1990 interview. “She is a star. She’s very conscious of her clothes … I have this great showcase, a modern day Marilyn Monroe. The closest thing we have to glamour is Dolly.”
View this post on Instagram
Hollywood’s Gone Country (1989)
The album art for Parton’s 1989 album, White Limozeen, brought one message loud and clear: Hollywood’s gone country! Stepping out of her white limousine, she set the scene in a white, floor-length beaded gown, wrapped in an icy fur stole. Country glamour on full display, Parton stepped onto the red carpet with paparazzi following behind. This moment became a snapshot of Parton’s visibility during this time, her influence being found on both airwaves and movie screens.
View this post on Instagram
Backwoods Barbie (2008)
“So read into it what you will, but see me as I am. The way I look is just a country girl’s idea of glam.” These lyrics from the title track of Parton’s 2008 album, Backwoods Barbie, summarize her perspective on style beautifully. After 40 years of dazzling stage presence, the art surrounding Backwoods Barbie felt true to Parton’s vision of beauty. A hot pink coat paired with cheetah print and high heels was the perfect mix of country and glam.
View this post on Instagram
Butterfly Beauty (2023)
With 56-plus years of stylish stage presence under her belt, Parton released Behind The Seams: My Life In Rhinestones, a coffee table book dedicated to her iconic outfits. Spanning across seven decades of her career, Parton reviews her incredible fashion eras, sharing the stories behind her one-of-a-kind wardrobe. Parton dons an incredible dress on the back cover — a black gown fitted with colorful, 3-D panels in the shape of a butterfly, her signature motif. If you look closely, each panel is created from tiny butterflies that trinkle down the bodice of the dress and onto the train. A true Parton masterpiece.
View this post on Instagram
The queen of country glamour, Parton has secured her spot in fashion history, inspiring new generations of female country artists to push the limits and embrace their own brand of authenticity. In her own words: “I have my own personal confidence, it comes from inside, and the way I choose to look on the outside is a country girl’s idea of glamour.”
Read more about Dolly Parton in our October 2023 cover story.