11 Dolly Parton Outfits That Prove, Once and for All, She Is the Blueprint

She works it 9-to-5!

Long before there was “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” there was Dolly Parton. The “Nine to Five” singer practically invented camp through her notoriously flamboyant style. Just as dramatic off stage as she is on, Parton wears rhinestones, fringe, leather, and metallics with abandon (and often all at once).

Her taste for sartorial theatrics goes back to some of her earliest public appearances, in the '60s and '70s. Even then, the country singer was the blueprint for over-the-top Western style. Similar to her present-day aesthetic, Parton favored electric colors, skin-tight costuming, and the overuse of embellishments. The only visible difference between then and now is the utilization of the era’s trends, like bell sleeves and flared pants.

More than 50 years later, Parton’s signature look is still going strong. Though most stars ease up on playful aesthetics as they age, Parton’s wardrobe has gone the opposite direction. Decades later, she still gravitates toward the flashy and dramatic—potentially, even more so than when she first started. With each passing year, Parton has seemingly become more in-tuned with her style, leading to some of her wildest, most Dolly outfits of all time.

Ahead, we take a look back at Parton’s most iconic looks in history—from New York Fashion Week in 1994 to her 2022 appearance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

'Rockstar' Album Press Conference, 2023

Dolly Parton is aging like a fine wine: she gets funkier and more interesting with each year. This outfit—which features neons, metallics, rhinestones, and fringe—is a shining example of that fact. There’s nothing she can’t pull off.

At the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony, 2022

While attending a 2022 induction ceremony at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the country star wore a black mini dress that would leave your average LBD shaking in its boots. The embellished number was covered in chains and grommets in a mix of metallic finishes. Also noteworthy are her lucite naked heels, which were likewise embellished with silver chains.

'Joyful Noise' Premiere, 2012

This shimmery white number is easily one of Parton’s most low-key ensembles. That said, it still features many of her favorite design details. Despite its subdued colorway, the knee-length dress is covered entirely in beadwork. She styled the look with pearl-studded mesh gloves and a fistful of diamond-encrusted statement rings.

CMT Giants Event, 2006

Parton’s love of the naked shoe goes all the way back to 2006 when she wore the style for a CMT's red carpet. She paired the revealing footwear with a leather co-ord covered in laser cut-outs.

At a White House Luncheon, 2000

No one has ever slayed this hard at the White House and no one ever will again. To discuss her charity "Imagination Library," Parton wore an embroidered chartreuse skirt suit with matching peep-toe pumps. It was history in the making.

On 'The Tonight Show' with Jay Leno, 1998

Though her red carpet looks are always a slay, on stage is where Parton really shines—and I mean that literally. On The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, she sparkled in a metallic mini dress topped with a white chiffon overlay. It featured crystals and silver fringe, naturally.

Vanity Fair Oscar Party, 1997

I could dedicate a full story to Parton’s expansive collection of elevated LBDs, but I won’t. Instead, I’ll just wax poetic about this velvety number from the 1997 Oscars after-party. The low-cut dress was covered in holographic gold triangles for an added layer of glitz.

Calvin Klein Fashion Show, 1994

Dolly Parton was the blueprint for cowgirl style, as well as TikTok’s “Mob Wife” aesthetic. She attended Calvin Klein’s Fall 1994 fashion week show wearing a leopard print mini dress with a peplum waist, styling it with a pair of oversized statement earrings to match.

At the Los Angeles Airport, 1993

If you’ve gotten this far into the story, it should come as no surprise to you, dear reader, that Dolly Parton dresses to the nines for even the most humble occasions. While at the airport, the singer wore skinny jeans and a white tee, styled with bauble earrings and a black-and-white fringe jacket. All in all, it was the perfect ’90s look.

Premiere of 'Steel Magnolias,' 1989

I can think of no better reason to go all-out in the wardrobe department than the premiere of sapphic classic Steel Magnolias. A gay icon in her own right, Parton attended the 1989 event dressed all in blue. Her off-the-shoulder dress was covered in intricate pearl embellishments and featured a sheer illusion neckline.

At the Grammy Awards, 1977

Parton attended the 19th annual Grammy Awards wearing hot, hot pink Spandex—as one does. The bodysuit had voluminous bell sleeves and a smattering of rhinestones across the bodice. Even then, the singer was loyal to her signature style.

For more InStyle news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on InStyle.