Robin Williams' dress sense was as fantastically scene-stealing as his comedy (especially when it eclipsed Kim Kardashian)

His bizarre outfits reminded you of an embarrassing father - yet they always worked

The death of the multi-talented Hollywood star Robin Williams has shocked legions of fans. (Kevin Winter | Getty Images)

The death of the multi-talented Hollywood star Robin Williams has shocked legions of fans because of the breadth of his career: his work spanned five decades and a variety of genres.

President Obama said: “Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between.”

Through it all, there was something about Robin Williams that reminded you of the ultimate yet slightly embarrassing father. He always sought to steal the show; always sought to impress your friends; always sought to win you over.

Yet, if anything, it was Williams' bizarre style that made you think of your dad: the flamboyant suits, that Nehru collar at the Oscars in 1998, the American-take-on-the-Mandela shirt and the custom-made shoes. His Mrs Doubtfire attire - perhaps his most famous - worked because, well, you would not have been surprised if he wore it on the red carpet.

He even joked last year in a tweet that he could pull of a dress better than Kim Kardashian:

Yet unlike your own dad, Williams’ outfits always worked. Why? Because the character he was most alike from all his films was Peter Pan in Hook: a boy who never really grew up. Any shirt, any suit, and any colour for any occasion.

That was his style motto. And like with so many of his roles, it just worked.

It made you smile.