Be inspired by Audrey Hepburn's greatest and most memorable fashion moments (2024)

Be inspired by Audrey Hepburn's greatest and most memorable fashion moments (1)Be inspired by Audrey Hepburn's greatest and most memorable fashion moments (2)

Breakfast at Tiffany's, the 1961 adaptation of the Truman Capote classic, is arguably the film for which Audrey Hepburn is best known. The classic movie is as beloved today as it was when first released, its style and aesthetic considered enduring signifiers of the ultimate in elegance and sophistication. Stills of Hepburn as the headstrong Holly Golightly in the film are indeed iconic - a word that is so often overused but in this case is the very definition of. As the film celebrates its 60th anniversary, we look back at the star who is synonymous with the film itself, and some of her greatest fashion moments.

Scroll on for some timeless sartorial inspiration courtesy of Audrey.

Breakfast at Tiffany's, 1961

Be inspired by Audrey Hepburn's greatest and most memorable fashion moments (3)

The actress wore a black co*cktail dress by Hubert de Givenchy - a designer she collaborated with throughout her career - and a dramatic wide-brim hat for a promotional shot for Breakfast at Tiffany's. The Little Black Dress was a piece that Hepburn turned to again and again, cementing its status as a forever wardrobe staple.

Breakfast at Tiffany's, 1961

Be inspired by Audrey Hepburn's greatest and most memorable fashion moments (4)

On the set of Breakfast at Tiffany's, accessorising her Givenchy dress with pearls, elbow-length gloves and a coffee, in one of the film's most famous fashion moments.

The Oscars, 1954

Audrey accepted the best actress Oscar for her role in Roman Holiday wearing a white lace Givenchy dress with a full flared skirt. It's widely considered one of the most iconic Oscars dresses of all time.

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Sabrina, 1954

Be inspired by Audrey Hepburn's greatest and most memorable fashion moments (6)

Another famous Hubert de Givenchy gown, this time a strapless dress with black embroidery, in a promotional image for the film Sabrina.

Sabrina, 1954

Be inspired by Audrey Hepburn's greatest and most memorable fashion moments (7)

The chameleon-like actress proved that sometimes even the simplest of looks can be striking in another publicity shot for Sabrina, wearing the quintessential beatnik wardrobe of capri pants, tight sweater and ballet flats.

JFK Airport, 1968

Be inspired by Audrey Hepburn's greatest and most memorable fashion moments (8)

The actress invested in enduring classics when it came to her off-duty wardrobe. She was pictured arriving at the airport in New York in 1968 wearing a chic camel coat with a neat collar, and round-frame sunglasses.

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Marrying Andrea Dotti, 1969

Be inspired by Audrey Hepburn's greatest and most memorable fashion moments (9)

For her wedding to Andrea Dotti in 1969 - her second marriage - Hepburn wore the new, fashion-forward mini skirt length, paired with a chic headscarf. The minimal style is often cited as inspiration today for modern brides looking for something a little different.

My Fair Lady, 1964

Be inspired by Audrey Hepburn's greatest and most memorable fashion moments (10)

The actress wore this beaded Givenchy dress to play Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. The look provided the inspiration for Kendall Jenner's 2021 Met Gala dress, designed by current Givenchy creative director Matthew Williams.

My Fair Lady, 1964

Be inspired by Audrey Hepburn's greatest and most memorable fashion moments (11)

Another of the film's most famous fashion moments saw Hepburn as Doolittle attending the Ascot races in this monochrome confection, the work of legendary costume designer Cecil Beaton.

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Kew Gardens, 1950

Be inspired by Audrey Hepburn's greatest and most memorable fashion moments (12)

Hepburn showed a keen sense of style from a young age. The actress posed for a photoshoot in Kew Gardens at the age of 21, wearing a checked belted dress with classic courts, elbow-length gloves and a beret.

With husband Mel Ferrer, 1955

Be inspired by Audrey Hepburn's greatest and most memorable fashion moments (13)

Cropped capri trousers and high-necked tops were two Audrey Hepburn style signatures, often paired with a classic pair of ballet pumps. She also demonstrated a fun penchant for co-ordinating couple style with husband Mel Ferrer in Italy in 1955.

Palm Grove, 1955

Be inspired by Audrey Hepburn's greatest and most memorable fashion moments (14)

In another sweet and simple style moment, the actress was pictured writing a letter in a palm grove in 1955, wearing a gingham boat-neck top with a white midi skirt, her sun hat resting alongside her. It's a look with enduring appeal, that wouldn't look out of place at a summer event today.

Be inspired by Audrey Hepburn's greatest and most memorable fashion moments (2024)

FAQs

Why is Audrey Hepburn an inspiration? ›

Inspired by her experience living through World War II in Europe, Hepburn spoke to the United Nations, earned a Presidential Medal of Freedom, and was posthumously honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her work as a UNICEF ambassador.

How did Audrey Hepburn influence the fashion industry? ›

Hepburn's style was a departure from the opulent, overly-decorated looks of the 1940s and instead embraced a more understated and refined aesthetic. This, in turn, had a major influence on the fashion industry, as designers began to focus on creating clothing that was simple, elegant, and easy to wear.

How Audrey Hepburn changed the world? ›

From her childhood activism to her role as UNICEF Ambassador, Hepburn was a true hunger hero. She worked tirelessly on behalf of the millions around the world — especially children — who needed a helping hand and a voice.

What makes Audrey Hepburn iconic? ›

It was the soulful amalgamation of her pleasing personality and her straightforward fashion sense which made her the unique style icon that she is considered to be. Her wardrobe staples included timeless and classic pieces that have found many copy cats and followers.

Why do you admire Audrey Hepburn? ›

The qualities that made Audrey Hepburn a great actress were, above all, also those that made her a great person: her genuine compassion and strength of character. Ultimately, it's not the roles she played that made her an enduring cultural icon, but who she was. And this is why we (still) love Audrey Hepburn.

What is the most important thing in life Audrey Hepburn? ›

“The most important thing is to enjoy your life. To be happy. It's all that matters.” “There is more to sex appeal than just measurements.”

Why is Audrey Hepburn a role model? ›

Hepburn's career in acting wasn't the only thing that made her a good role model. She also spent five years doing humanitarian work in Africa and Latin America and served as a special ambassador to the United Nations.

How did Audrey Hepburn influence America? ›

With her skinny waist, short hair, and thick eyebrows, she single-handedly changed the way leading ladies looked in Hollywood. In the age of Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn held her own as she ushered in a new era of femininity and fundamentally changed the way movie audiences perceived women.

What struggles did Audrey Hepburn face? ›

Hepburn and her family faced starvation, forced to eat tulip bulbs to survive, and at times became so weak they could not get out of bed (Harris 46). After almost being taken off the streets and sent to a work camp, Hepburn was forced to hide in the ruins of a building.

What lesson can we learn from Audrey Hepburn? ›

Audrey lived her life to the full, taking each day as it comes and went out of her way to help others. These are all lessons that we should try and incorporate into our own lives on a daily basis. It's so important to seize the moment you're in, don't focus on the negatives and just enjoy what's happening around you.

What is Audrey Hepburn's famous quote? ›

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone."

How was Audrey Hepburn in real life? ›

Audrey Hepburn, the iconic actress celebrated for her grace and charm on screen, was widely regarded as genuinely sweet and kind in real life. Renowned for her timeless beauty, elegance, and humanitarian efforts, Hepburn's off-screen persona mirrored the endearing qualities that made her a beloved figure on screen.

Who did Audrey Hepburn inspire? ›

After one of her most popular films Breakfast at Tiffany's, she influenced fashion everywhere. Some celebrities who have said that they were influenced by Audrey Hepburn include Taylor Swift, Zooey Deschanel, Mila Kunis, Leighton Meester, Anne Hathaway, and her sons.

Why is Audrey Hepburn considered a fashion icon? ›

Audrey Hepburn's style is one of the most emulated and admired in the world. She managed to balance simplicity, comfort and elegance to create a timeless, singularly European sophistication that came to define her persona.

Why do we celebrate Audrey Hepburn? ›

Audrey starred in many Broadway productions as well as numerous classic films, which earned her an Emmy, Tony, Grammy, and Academy Award. Audrey was known for her beauty and her grace, and remains as one of the most famous icons of all time.

What can we learn from Audrey Hepburn? ›

Important Life Lessons from Audrey Hepburn
  • Seize the day.
  • “Pick the day. Enjoy it – to the hilt. ...
  • “I've been lucky. Opportunities don't often come along. ...
  • Don't worry what anyone else thinks.
  • “I never think of myself as an icon. ...
  • Step outside your comfort zone.
  • “I was asked to act when I couldn't act. ...
  • Believe in yourself.
Aug 24, 2015

What inspired Audrey Hepburn to become an actress? ›

As a teenager, Audrey Hepburn studied ballet in Amsterdam and London. During her early 20s, she studied acting and worked as a model and dancer. Her big break came after she caught the eye of French novelist Colette, who insisted that Hepburn be cast in the title role in the stage adaptation of Gigi (1944).

Is Ariana Grande inspired by Audrey Hepburn? ›

Grande has spoken of her affection for Hepburn in the past. In 2010, she tweeted that "Breakfast At Tiffany's" was her favorite movie, and in a New York Times profile from 2014, Grande said she was trying to channel Hepburn with her aesthetic when she released her 2013 debut "Yours Truly."

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