Keke Palmer has always been a style chameleon, but so far this year, she’s especially captured our attention with her affinity for vintage Chanel. From the red carpet to the streets of New York, Palmer has effortlessly woven archival pieces into her modern wardrobe, giving classic designs a fresh, edgy vibe—and a reminder that timeless style always finds its way back.
At the start of the year, she came out strong in a strapless black velvet 1985 Chanel gown, complete with gold embellishments and matching opera gloves at the 2025 SAG Awards. The stunning archive piece had been previously worn by Jamie Lee Curtis (who gave Palmer a glowing shout-out for re-wearing the gown). The look certainly echoed the sophistication of vintage haute couture while still feeling undeniably current, 40 years later.
For the BET Awards in June, Palmer switched gears, choosing a daring sheer mini dress adorned with gold sequins and a ruched miniskirt from Chanel’s Fall/Winter 1993 collection. The look was bold, flirty, and emblematic of the famed fashion house’s rebellious 90s spirit.
Even off the red carpet, Palmer proved that vintage Chanel isn’t just for the gala set. In New York, she was spotted in a cropped, lambskin coat from their spring 1995 collection. Pairing it with a chain belt and the Chanel Boy Bag, the phenom was a fashion chef’s kiss.
