Steve Summers, Dolly Parton’s stylist and creative director for over 30 years, discusses the singer's custom wardrobe, signature silhouettes, and extensive fashion archive.

For more than three decades, Steve Summers has served as the stylist and creative director for Dolly Parton, managing a wardrobe that reflects her multifaceted career as a singer, actress, and philanthropist. Summers works with a dedicated costuming team to produce hundreds of custom outfits annually, ensuring every garment is tailored to Parton’s specific preferences. The pair prioritizes comfort and consistency, maintaining a distinct aesthetic that avoids shifting fashion trends.

Customization and Signature Silhouettes

Parton’s wardrobe is defined by a consistent, monochromatic hourglass silhouette designed to complement her petite frame. Summers notes that even garments sourced off-the-rack undergo significant customization to ensure they fit perfectly without overwhelming the wearer. The team produces approximately 300 custom outfits each year, with production occurring daily to accommodate her various public appearances and performances. Footwear is a central component of her look, with Parton almost exclusively wearing custom-made 140-mm stilettos. Because of the high pitch of these shoes, the team works with manufacturers in Nashville and a personal contact to create custom lasts that prioritize comfort.

Managing an Extensive Fashion Archive

The team maintains a comprehensive archive of Parton’s clothing in a warehouse, documenting nearly every garment she has worn since 1964. Each piece is photographed and cataloged in a computerized system organized by color, genre, and style. Despite the depth of this collection, Summers notes that he and Parton generally avoid revisiting past looks, preferring to focus on creating new designs rather than recreating historical outfits.