How to Dress Like Audrey Hepburn: The Ultimate Style Guide
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Actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn was renowned for her beauty, elegance and humility. Her on-screen presence was undeniable, but it was her personal style that truly cemented her status as a fashion icon. From the little black dress in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" to the voluminous skirt in "Roman Holiday," Audrey Hepburn's outfits are as famous as the films themselves.
But Hepburn's style transcended just clothing. It was about her effortless grace and confidence, a way of being that continues to inspire women all over the world.
To channel your inner Audrey in the modern world, I’ve curated this guide featuring some of the actress’ most-loved style, beauty and lifestyle items. We'll delve into her wardrobe staples, iconic looks, and signature accessories, all with an eye towards creating a look that's both timeless and perfectly you.
Whether you want to curate a classic wardrobe inspired by Audrey’s timeless style or recreate some of her most recognizable outfits, this is your ultimate guide on how to dress like Audrey Hepburn.
Audrey Hepburn Style Guide
Little Black Dress
Perhaps the most iconic element of Hepburn's style is the little black dress. The image of her in "Breakfast at Tiffany's," window shopping with pearls, oversized sunglasses, and chic black gloves, is forever ingrained in fashion history.
The LBD has become a timeless wardrobe staple for many women, and every Audrey fan should have one in her closet. Look for a well-fitted knee-length or midi dress with clean lines that flatters your figure. With this classic piece, you’ll be ready to channel your inner Audrey Hepburn for almost any occasion.
Capri Pants
Capri pants were a chic staple in Audrey Hepburn's wardrobe, and for good reason. They’re incredibly versatile and comfortable without sacrificing sophistication. Whether in classic black or a bold print, these cropped trousers were featured in some of her most iconic outfits.
For a timeless look à la Audrey, opt for high-waisted, form-fitting styles. Capris pair beautifully with a crisp white shirt or a long-sleeve crewneck top, making them perfect for spring and summer.
And perfect timing, capri pants are a major trend for spring/summer 2024! This means you'll have a better selection of styles to choose from when curating your own Audrey-inspired wardrobe. You can shop some of my favorite capris and cigarette pants below.
Read More: 15 Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Trends That Are Actually Wearable
White Shirt
In the iconic film "Breakfast at Tiffany's," Audrey Hepburn made a memorable appearance wearing an oversized white shirt paired with a blue eye mask and purple tassel earplugs. She also frequently incorporated white shirts into her everyday attire, whether paired with capri pants, shorts, or a long skirt. You can’t go wrong by adding a crisp white shirt into your own wardrobe. Whether you dress it up or down, this timeless piece adds refinement to any look.
Trench Coat
Audrey Hepburn was a fervent fan of the classic trench coat both on and off-screen. This chic and practical outerwear option was a staple in her wardrobe, and it’s a must-have for any Audrey-inspired closet. For a touch of Holly Golightly glamour, straight out of "Breakfast at Tiffany's," wear a belted trench coat over a black dress with a silk headscarf, oversized sunglasses, and neutral kitten heels. Keep it casual for everyday by pairing a timeless trench with straight-leg trousers, black loafers and a turtleneck sweater.
Black Turtleneck
The black turtleneck. A seemingly simple piece, yet it was a cornerstone of Audrey Hepburn's effortlessly chic style. This versatile top adds a touch of sophistication and Parisian flair to any outfit, allowing you to recreate some of Audrey's most iconic looks.
For a cool and contemporary vibe, take inspiration from Hepburn in "Funny Face." Pair your black turtleneck with cropped trousers and classic black loafers. Channel your inner Parisian with a black turtleneck, cigarette pants and ballet flats. For a dressier look, tuck it into a voluminous skirt, creating a silhouette that's both playful and sophisticated, and complete the outfit with a kitten heel.
Striped Shirt
The striped shirt, another timeless staple, was a favorite of Audrey Hepburn. She frequently wore Breton stripe shirts, both long-sleeved and short-sleeved. If your closet lacks this versatile piece, a quick look at Audrey's vintage looks will surely convince you to add one (or maybe a few!) to your collection. Striped shirts offer a touch of nautical flair and can be easily dressed up or down. The best part? They come in a wide range of colors to flatter any complexion and color season.
Mid-Length Skirt
The mid-length, voluminous skirt was a mid-century style staple that Audrey herself wore on repeat. This playful silhouette is sure to make any outfit more feminine. To copy Audrey’s romantic “Roman Holiday” look, pair a mid-length circle skirt with a large belt and a white short-sleeve shirt. Complete this retro ensemble with a silk scarf tied around your neck and a pair of strappy sandals or ballet flats. Don't be afraid to put your own modern spin on this classic piece. Instead of a voluminous skirt, go for one that’s sleeker and more form-fitting. Either way, the mid-length is always elegant.
Ballet Flats
Ballet flats stand out as a stylish footwear option that looks incredibly chic with almost any outfit. They’re also a practical shoe that you can wear comfortably all day. Audrey seemed to think so too; she wore them frequently, perhaps it's inspired by her background in ballet.
While ballet flats are iconic, they might not be for everyone. Another comfortable, chic shoe that Audrey wore was black loafers. Take inspiration from her famous "Funny Face" look and sport a pair of black loafers paired with cropped trousers and a black turtleneck.
Oversized Sunglasses
Oversized sunglasses are the ultimate Audrey accessory. She famously wore a pair of cat-eyed tortoise shell frames as Holly Golightly in "Breakfast at Tiffany's", and the look is still remembered as one of her most glamorous fashion moments. Choose a pair of shades that suit your own face shape and complexion for a chic accessory that is undeniably Audrey-esque. For oval or heart-shaped faces, classic cat-eye frames are a perfect choice. Round or square faces can benefit from softer, rounded styles.
Hoop Earrings
Although Audrey Hepburn is known for wearing lavish diamonds and pearls as Holly Golightly in “Breakfast at Tiffany's”, the actress was more often seen in a pair of gold hoop earrings off-screen. This accessory is a simple yet sophisticated way to upgrade to an otherwise simple outfit. They add a touch of polish without overwhelming your look, making them a versatile accessory that will complement your personal style.
Silk Scarf
Whether in "Roman Holiday" or on her wedding day, Audrey Hepburn often adorned herself with silk scarves. Wrap them gracefully around your head or neck to infuse any ensemble with a hint of sophistication. For a nod to Audrey's iconic style in "Charade," consider pairing a silk headscarf with oversized sunglasses to effortlessly channel her timeless look.
“When I wear a silk scarf I never feel so definitely like a woman, a beautiful woman.” — Audrey Hepburn
Read More: 12 Essential Accessories You Need to Upgrade Any Outfit
Basket Bag
In lieu of an expensive designer bag, Audrey often carried a small straw basket. Add one to any ensemble to achieve Audrey’s feminine farm-girl style. In Lucca Dotti’s book Audrey at Home: Memories of My Mother’s Kitchen, Audrey is often photographed in the garden toting large baskets full of flowers. But straw baskets aren't just for the garden. A small or medium-sized basket in natural tones adds a touch of summer chic to your everyday look.
Read More: The Best Basket Bags to Tote Around This Summer 2024
Shop Audrey Hepburn Style
Audrey Hepburn Lifestyle Favorites
GivenchyHubert de Givenchy originally created L’Interdit for Audrey Hepburn in 1957. Although the original fragrance was discontinued, the new, modern version of Audrey’s signature scent features a similar blend of floral, woody and earthy notes.
Creed’s Spring Flower, a fruity, floral and fresh fragrance that embodies pure femininity, was originally formulated for Audrey in 1951. The scent didn’t officially become available to the public until 1996.
Erno LaszloHungarian dermatologist Erno Laszlo treated several famous clients, including Audrey Hepburn, who attributed her clear, beautiful skin to Laszlo and his skincare products. His Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar was one of Audrey’s favorite beauty items which you can still purchase today.
“I owe 50% of my beauty to my mother and the other 50% to Erno Laszlo.” — Audrey Hepburn
Phillip Kingsley
After years of damage from treatments and styling on set, Audrey asked to English hairdresser Philip Kingsley to help restore her hair. He created this repairing hair mask especially for Audrey, who loved it so much that she had jars of the now-cult product regularly sent to her home.
Audrey’s signature salmon pink pout in Breakfast at Tiffany’s has led to a debate over the exact brand and shade of the iconic lipstick. Although it’s still unknown, many cite Revlon’s Pink in the Afternoon as the original color. The actress was also photographed wearing the shade for Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipstick campaign in the 1980s.
TweezermanAudrey Hepburn's makeup artist, Alberto de Rossi, meticulously separated each of her lashes using a safety pin after applying mascara. Get the same look (more safely) by using a lash comb like this one from Tweezerman.
White Tulips
Audrey’s favorite flowers were white tulips, not only for their aesthetic, but their signification of hope during World War II as a source of sustenance. She even had a white tulip named after her. Add a bouquet of these creamy white blooms to your home for a lovely homage to Audrey.
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” — Audrey Hepburn
Enter Audrey Hepburn’s private world in this biography compiled by her son that combines recollections, anecdotes, excerpts from her personal correspondence, drawings, photographs, and more. The book also features 50 recipes that reflect Audrey’s life including Spaghetti al Pomodoro was an all-time favorite dish.
While Hepburn's style is classic, there are ways to modernize it for today. Don't be afraid to mix and match classic pieces with more modern trends. You can update Hepburn's signature looks by choosing a slightly looser or slimmer silhouette.
The most important thing to remember about Audrey Hepburn's style is that it was all about confidence and individuality. When you wear clothes that make you feel good about yourself, you'll naturally project the same elegance and grace that Audrey Hepburn embodied. So have fun experimenting and find what works best for you!
What do you think of Audrey Hepburn’s style? Which vintage icon should I create a style guide for next? Let me know in the comments below.
