Vijayashanthi completely changed the fashion landscape for actresses with her groundbreaking film Karthavyam (1990). By playing fierce police officers and vigilantes, she introduced "power dressing" to female stars in Indian cinema. Her stills from these action films remain some of the most culturally significant images in Indian pop culture.

No analysis of her style is complete without the khaki uniform. This wasn't just a costume; it became a core part of her identity as a "Lady Superstar". She mastered the "stern but stylish" look, often paired with dark sunglasses that added an air of authority and mystery, making the uniform her most memorable "ensemble."