Dolly Parton's Stylist Steve Summers Reveals the Secrets Behind Her Iconic Looks

Steve Summers, Dolly Parton's longtime stylist and creative director for over 30 years, discusses the singer's unique fashion approach in a Vogue interview. Summers highlights that Parton's style is highly customized, with approximately 300 custom outfits produced annually. Every garment, even off-the-rack pieces, is tailored to fit her petite frame, often featuring cinched waists and monochromatic designs. Parton's signature look includes sky-high 140-mm stilettos, also custom-made for comfort. Her fashion team archives all her outfits since 1964, documenting each piece by color, genre, and style. Summers notes that Parton does not follow trends, maintaining a consistent style throughout her career. He cites the mirrorball outfit she wore to open the ACM Awards in 2022 as a favorite. The interview reveals that Parton's style is simple yet intricate, designed to avoid overwhelming her small stature. Summers and Parton prefer to look forward rather than revisit past looks, aiming to keep their creative momentum rolling.