Rare Times Dolly Parton Dressed Down Her Denim Looks & Absolutely Stunned

There was nothing low-key about Dolly Parton until she embraced the dressed-down look. Known as the "Queen of Country," the late singer and philanthropist always seemed larger than life with her high heels, rhinestones, and over-the-top wigs that were quintessentially Dolly. Her signature look was so distinct that Dolly Parton will be remembered as a fashion icon, although she didn't necessarily agree. "I always laugh when I get called a fashion icon. I'm more of an eyesore!" Parton quipped in a 2023 interview with Vogue. "Only because I overdo it." Still, Parton sometimes opted for a more casual style — and in the rare times she dressed down, she was just as gorgeous as ever.

Dolly Parton's style changed throughout the decades, but one thing always remained consistent: she was always unapologetically herself. No doubt this is why she could pull off both bold styles and more basic looks. In her 2023 podcast series, "What Would Dolly Do? Radio," Parton opened up about her unwavering approach to fashion that made her feel good. "My true belief with most things, you've got to really find out who you are, what makes you happy, what you're comfortable in, and if you feel like you look your best, according to your rules, then you are going to do your best," she said (per Today). Parton often felt her best in the glittering, over-the-top ensembles that she was known for — but there were exceptions. When she wore simpler denim styles, she was just as effervescent as ever.

Dolly Parton was just your typical American woman with skinny jeans and boots in this 1987 photo. The "9 to 5" singer wore a white button-down shirt tucked into high-waisted skinny jeans as she posed in front of an Excalibur car. Her medium-wash denim jeans were tight enough that she could barely fit her hands into the front pockets, and they were tucked into a pair of gray, high-heeled, suede boots. She completed the outfit with a gray-and-blue handbag worn over one shoulder.

With her windswept blond hair loosely curled down to her shoulders and her big, bright smile, Parton looked like a model in this photo despite her laid-back look. She truly could have been getting ready to clock into her 9-to-5 job — if she wasn't one of the most famous country singers to ever exist, that is. This effortless look is one that can easily be copied, making Parton seem even more relatable and down-to-earth.

Pure happiness exudes from Dolly Parton in this image taken in New York in 1994, where she was caught mid-laugh. Years before Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears wore denim-on-denim at the 2001 American Music Awards, Parton was rocking her own double denim fashion — except hers featured mismatched colors and (ironically) fewer rhinestones.

Parton wore a low-cut red tank top underneath a fitted, dark blue jean jacket with three-quarter sleeves and shoulder pads in this photo. She paired this colorful top with light-wash skinny jeans, complete with two ripped knees, and off-white cowboy boots. Instead of anything sparkly, she simply accessorized with red hoop earrings. Her makeup matched too, of course, with red lipstick that looked glamorous with her blond curls and voluminous, feathered bangs. Overall, this cute and casual outfit was a far cry from some of her other, flashier ensembles, but we love it just the same. 

Dolly Parton showed off her country-Western style at a 1995 fan fair in Nashville, Tennessee. In a picture from the event, we can see she kept it casual in a pair of high-waisted jeans that highlighted her trimmed waist. Parton wore a three-quarter-length white shirt tucked into her jeans, which matched the white cowgirl hat she wore over her blond curls. She accessorized with a pair of aviator sunglasses, orange hoop earrings, and a matching orange bangle around one wrist.

There is nothing extraordinary about a white T-shirt and jeans, but somehow, it looks ultra glamorous on Parton. She had that natural charisma that made any outfit into a fashion statement, and we particularly love how this one featured a nod to her country-girl roots without being too showy. She may have worn sparkles and extravagant outfits often, but clearly she could rock simple looks just as well.

A go-to pair of your favorite jeans is essential, whether you are a celebrity or not. Dolly Parton proved that in 1989, during a rehearsal for the Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. In a photo from the event, her poofy blond hair was crimped, and her makeup was stunning with a smoky eye and flawless foundation. Despite her glamorous hair and makeup, she wore what looked like a comfortable pair of skinny jeans. 

Choosing a comfortable piece of denim is a fashion choice we can always get behind, even if you're used to using tons of rhinestones every day as Parton did. The singer's casual outfit was completed with a brown leather jacket featuring tassels hanging off the shoulders. She had such a chic, effortless style that we still want to recreate it decades later.