From her iconic partnership with Hubert de Givenchy—who crafted her signature looks like the bateau neckline dress—to her preference for minimalist pieces that emphasised her slender silhouette, Audrey Hepburn redefined beauty and grace in the fashion world.
Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn’s timeless elegance and distinctive style have left an indelible mark on global fashion, transcending trends to become an enduring symbol of sophistication.
The Hepburn-Givenchy friendship was one of perfect fashion synergy; the legendary fashion designer created many of her iconic on-screen looks. Hubert de Givenchy told The New York Times: “Audrey was someone who knew perfectly how to dress, and knew perfectly what she should wear. What counted was her eyes, her face and her silhouette. We refined, purified, cleared away for her face. We had to, as I would say, surround Audrey. The results were extraordinary because her face and her style became my style.”
Audrey Hepburn championed the idea that women should cultivate a unique style, favouring classic items such as cigarette pants, ballet flats, and trench coats. Her understated yet polished wardrobe, often featuring a muted palette of black, white, and beige, complemented her natural features, and inspired the future generations to appreciate the art of simplicity.
Whether wearing luxury fashion brand Givenchy on-screen or choosing elegant casuals like Ralph Lauren off-duty, Audrey Hepburn’s fashion philosophy was clear: quality over quantity, and elegance over excess. Her influence remains a cornerstone of fashion history, proving that true style is eternal.
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5 Iconic Fashion Trends Inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s Timeless Style
The Little Black Dress
Audrey Hepburn’s role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s solidified the little black dress as a fashion staple. In the opening scene, filmed on Fifth Avenue, Hepburn wore a little black dress, regarded as one of the most iconic in cinema. Her simple Givenchy column gown, three-strand pearl necklace, long gloves, tortoiseshell sunglasses, diamond earrings, and cigarette holder will always be known as an Audrey Hepburn-inspired look!
The LBD has since become a versatile essential in every woman’s wardrobe, embodying the idea that fashion can be stylish and functional. Audrey Hepburn’s interpretation of this trend highlights how an understated dress can make a powerful statement, and is a testament to her ability to combine grace with modernity, inspiring generations to embrace the beauty of classic fashion.
The Boat Neckline
Another iconic fashion moment of Audrey Hepburn was her love for the boat neckline, showcased in her film Sabrina. The wide, graceful cut that runs horizontally across the collarbone adds a touch of poise and elongates the neck, drawing attention to the face. This style, often seen in her fitted tops and elegant evening gowns, became synonymous with Audrey Hepburn’s charm. The boat neckline’s structured silhouette perfectly complemented her slender frame, highlighting her poised elegance and setting a new standard for elegant fashion.
This neckline style offers a blend of classic and contemporary aesthetics, making it a favourite among those seeking a timeless look. It creates a flattering line that suits a variety of body types and can be styled to appear both formal and relaxed. Hepburn’s influence popularised the boat neckline as a wardrobe staple, encouraging women to experiment with this graceful style that effortlessly elevates any outfit. Whether paired with a pencil skirt or a full skirt, the boat neckline remains a chic choice for anyone looking to channel their inner Audrey.
Cropped Pants
Audrey Hepburn’s introduction of cropped pants in mainstream fashion was revolutionary. Seen in films like Funny Face and Sabrina, these ankle-grazing trousers challenged the traditional notion of women’s formal wear. Paired with ballet flats, the style exuded a sense of casual elegance and sophistication. Cropped pants provided a chic alternative to skirts and dresses, allowing women freedom of movement while looking polished. The look, characterised by its slim silhouette and clean lines, became a hallmark of Hepburn’s off-duty style, reflecting her penchant for blending comfort with chic aesthetics.
The beauty of cropped pants lies in their versatility; they can be dressed up with a tailored blazer or kept casual with a simple top. Hepburn often wore them with fitted sweaters or button-down shirts, showcasing how effortlessly stylish the ensemble could be. This trend encouraged women to embrace a relaxed yet refined approach to dressing, making it a timeless option for different occasions. Audrey’s influence on the popularity of cropped pants is still felt today, as they continue to be a staple in modern fashion, perfect for achieving that effortlessly chic look.
The Ballet Flats
Audrey Hepburn’s love for ballet flats is a hallmark of her influence on fashion. Favouring comfort without compromising on style, she made this practical footwear choice a symbol of understated elegance. Often seen in her films and personal life, Hepburn paired ballet flats with everything from cropped pants to full skirts, showcasing their versatility. The minimalist ballet flats, which complement almost every look, has since become a must-have item in every fashion-forward wardrobe. Audrey’s approach to this trend highlighted the power of simple, well-crafted pieces to elevate any look.
The appeal of ballet flats lies in their effortless blend of form and function. Unlike the high heels that dominated fashion at the time, flats provided a chic alternative that was both comfortable and stylish. Hepburn’s preference for ballet flats encouraged women to prioritise comfort while looking polished. The enduring popularity of ballet flats in contemporary fashion is a testament to Audrey’s influence, proving that elegance can indeed be achieved without sacrificing comfort.
The Headscarf
Audrey Hepburn fashion trends
Audrey Hepburn’s use of the headscarf is an iconic trend that has left a lasting impact on fashion. Often tied under the chin or wrapped around her hair, the headscarf added a touch of old-world glamour to her outfits. It was not just a functional accessory but a statement piece. Paired with oversized sunglasses and a sleek trench, the headscarf became synonymous with Hepburn’s off-duty elegance.
The versatility of the headscarf allows it to be styled in various ways, making it a favourite for those looking to add a touch of vintage charm to their wardrobe. Whether used to tame unruly hair or as a bold accessory, the headscarf has become a timeless piece thanks to Hepburn’s influence. This trend reflects Audrey’s knack for elevating everyday items into fashion statements, encouraging women to experiment with accessories that are both practical and stylish.
How to recreate the Audrey Hepburn look
To recreate the iconic Audrey Hepburn look, focus on the art of timeless elegance and simplicity. Start with a few classic wardrobe staples like a little black dress, cropped cigarette pants, and a crisp white shirt. These pieces form the backbone of Audrey Hepburn’s effortlessly chic style. Simply accentuate the look with a pearl necklace, ballet flats, or oversized sunglasses.
Per Glamour: “According to Jo Elvin, editor of Glamour magazine: ‘Audrey Hepburn definitely remains a style icon… Her image is clean-cut, gamine yet feminine, chic. When we do features at Glamour on how to achieve a “timeless” look, we often look back to Audrey.'”
Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany’s. Image Source: At The Movies
Here are some of the frequently asked questions on recreating Audrey Hepburn fashion trends:
- What are the key elements of Audrey Hepburn’s style?
Audrey Hepburn’s style is characterised by simplicity, elegance, and timelessness. Key elements include classic silhouettes, minimalist accessories, monochromatic colour schemes, and an emphasis on well-tailored pieces that flatter the figure without being overly revealing.
- How can I recreate Audrey’s iconic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” look?
To recreate Audrey’s iconic look from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” opt for a little black dress with a fitted bodice and a simple, elegant cut. Pair it with pearl accessories, long gloves, oversized sunglasses, and a chic up-do. Don’t forget a swipe of red lipstick for a classic finish.
- What wardrobe staples should I invest in to achieve Audrey’s timeless style?
Invest in classic pieces like a well-fitted little black dress, tailored trousers, ballet flats, a trench coat, a simple white shirt, and a structured handbag. These versatile items form the foundation of Audrey’s sophisticated and polished look.
- How do I incorporate Audrey’s style into my everyday wardrobe?
Incorporate Audrey’s style by choosing simple, high-quality basics that can be mixed and matched. Opt for neutral colours, clean lines, and minimal accessories. Focus on quality over quantity and choose pieces that are both comfortable and flattering.
- What colours did Audrey Hepburn often wear?
Audrey often wore classic, neutral colours such as black, white, beige, and navy. She also favoured pastels and occasionally incorporated pops of colour, like red or pink, in her accessories or lipstick.
- How can I achieve Audrey’s effortless chic look with makeup?
Audrey’s makeup was all about enhancing her natural beauty. Focus on defined eyebrows, a subtle cat-eye eyeliner, and natural-looking lashes. Keep the skin fresh and dewy, and opt for a soft, neutral lip colour. For a more dramatic look, choose a classic red lipstick.
- What kind of accessories did Audrey Hepburn wear?
Audrey was known for her love of minimal and elegant accessories. She often wore pearl earrings, scarves, structured handbags, and classic sunglasses. Choose accessories that add sophistication without overwhelming your outfit.
- How do I style my hair like Audrey Hepburn?
Audrey’s hairstyles were often sleek and sophisticated. For a classic look, try a polished chignon or French twist. For a more casual style, opt for a neat ponytail or a short pixie cut. Use hair accessories like headbands or ribbons to add a touch of elegance.
- How can I adapt Audrey Hepburn’s style for different occasions?
For daytime, choose simple, tailored pieces like cropped trousers, ballet flats, and a fitted top. For evening events, opt for a little black dress with understated jewellery and classic pumps. For casual outings, pair a white shirt with high-waisted jeans or a chic skirt.
- How do I embody Audrey Hepburn’s overall elegance and poise?
Audrey’s style was as much about her demeanour as her wardrobe. To embody her elegance, focus on good posture, a graceful attitude, and a genuine, warm smile. Choose clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable, and remember that true style comes from within.
Conclusion
Audrey Hepburn’s influence on fashion extends beyond her lifetime. In the post-war youth culture, she represented modernity and liberation, while maintaining a youthful lady-like image. Inducted into the International Best Dressed Hall of Fame in 1961, her iconic style became a cultural touchstone, inspiring a dedicated clothing line at Barneys New York. Following her death in 1993, many of her legendary gowns were donated by Givenchy to museums, preserving her fashion legacy for future generations.
After Givenchy’s retirement in 1995, Audrey Revivalism sparked a renewed fascination with her timeless elegance, as admirers around the world sought to emulate her distinctive style. This enduring admiration culminated in 2017 when her personal collection, including cherished pieces from her wardrobe, was showcased at Christie’s London. Hepburn’s sartorial legacy continues to captivate, embodying an elegance and sophistication that remain unrivalled in the world of fashion.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
