An Audrey Hepburn style guide
Audrey Hepburn is considered one of the most famous style icons ever and remains so to this day. Her timeless, classic style still enchants us and looks as contemporary today as it did back then. In this article you will find out what defines her style and how you can dress like her.
Audrey Hepburn Style Guide: The Essentials
Audrey’s style is a great template for a capsule wardrobe.
What is a capsule wardrobe? The concept of the Capsule Wardorbe is simple. You limit yourself to the smallest possible number of different items of clothing per season, which can ideally all be combined with one another.
To build an Audrey Hepburn-style wardrobe, you really only need a handful of things and still be perfectly dressed. I recommend a black and white color palette as a basis. This fits Audrey’s style wonderfully. You can also combine any other color with it. I add a few color accents with red, beige and light blue.
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Audrey Classics: The little black Dress
When we think of Audrey Hepburn, the first thing we probably think of is the little black dress. The classic black dress in knee length suits almost every occasion and always looks elegant. By the way, I recommend a slim-fitting dress (e.g. via TopVintage*) and a flared little black dress (e.g. via TopVintage*). This brings variety into your wardrobe.
A modern alternative that Audrey would certainly have liked is a classic jumpsuit in black and white.
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A few Wow Pieces
Audrey didn’t just dress in black and white. A few clothes with a wow factor will add some zest to your wardrobe. The pieces are used on special occasions and whenever you feel like it. Nevertheless, the same applies here: less is more. Hubert de Givenchy was one of Audrey’s favorite designers and she even made it a condition that he dress her for films. Therefore, we can certainly be inspired by his extremely elegant creations. Great ensembles and eye-catching collars, for example, are a great choice.
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Capri pants, cigarette pants & skirts in the style of Audrey Hepburn
In addition to classic dresses, Audrey Hepburn also liked to wear trousers. Above all, the classic capri pants (e.g. via TopVintage*) were one of her style essentials. But she also regularly wore so-called cigarette pants (tight cut and waist-high). Both trousers are wonderful companions for everyday life, especially the long cigarette trousers are also ideal for the office. Classic midi-length skirts are also a wonderful choice, especially if you want to recreate her famous look from Roman Holiday. Simply add a classic blouse (see next point) and a scarf – done.
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Classic tops and blouses a la Audrey
The striped shirt in particular is a real classic that Audrey Hepburn didn’t want to miss. It looks casual yet stylish and goes great with the previously mentioned trousers as well as classic skirts. Simple, high-necked tops (e.g. via TopVintage*) for the summer and turtleneck sweaters for the winter as well as classic sweaters with a boat neck are also a great choice and won’t go out of fashion anytime soon. I think you can also add great color accents here. For example, a red top goes great with black pants or skirts. I also recommend a beige or white blouse, which can also be easily combined with a wide variety of bottoms – whether trousers or skirts.
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Audrey Hepburn Style Guide: Jackets & Coats
Audrey’s jackets and coats are also real classics. Above all, of course, the trench coat, which goes with almost every outfit and is perfect for the transitional season. Classic jackets and wool coats in a 60s look are also a great choice for the colder days. A little color can also come into play here.
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Ballet flats & kitten heels: timeless shoes in the style of Audrey Hepburn
Audrey also stayed classic and timeless when it came to shoes. She was best known for her ballet flats. If you want something more elegant, kitten heels (shoes with a narrow, low heel) are a perfect choice.
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Audrey Hepburn and the Speedy Bag by Louis Vuitton
Audrey was a big fan of the Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag and enjoyed using it as carry-on luggage when traveling. In the 1960s made a special request for a smaller version of the bag, the Speedy 25 was born. This bag became very popular and is still available today.
If an original Louis Vuitton is too expensive for you, you can simply choose another model in a similar shape. Elegant handbags also go very well with your timeless style.
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Jewelry & accessories a la Audrey Hepburn
We like to associate Audrey with big hats and lots of pearl necklaces. This is probably mainly due to her legendary role as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I also find these accessories very suitable for special occasions.
However, in everyday life you can be inspired by the private Audrey. Discreet earrings such as classic pearls or small hoop earrings and a little jewelry complement the timeless outfits perfectly.
Elegant cat-eye sunglasses are also a must.
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A Makeup a la Audrey Hepburn
Audrey is known for her large dark eyes and full but well-groomed eyebrows. Eyeliner and lipstick perfect the classic look. Of course, Audrey’s make-up has also changed over time. In the 50s she often wore red lips (I recommend Fire & Ice by Revlon), while in the 60s she increasingly preferred more neutral tones on her lips. Here you can choose what you personally like better.
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I think Audrey Hepburn is a wonderful inspiration. Her timeless look still looks great today and is totally wearable. I just think it’s important not to copy it one-to-one, but to really see it as inspiration and to style it according to your own style.
PS: I don’t want to withhold my wedding dress from you. The inspiration for this was Audrey’s bridal look Funny Face. 😉
Audrey’s collection of jackets and coats offers timeless elegance, from versatile trench coats ideal for transitioning seasons to chic 60s-inspired wool coats. Adding a touch of color ensures both style and warmth, making them essential pieces for any wardrobe.