There are very few who have managed to hold their title as a style icon for as long as Audrey Hepburn has. Her partnership with Hubert de Givenchy produced some of the most iconic fashion moments in cinema history, and her minimalist personal style continues to be a major source of inspiration today. Whether it be the purchase of a little black dress or a fondness for basics, in one way or another, Audrey Hepburn has influenced each and every one of us.
And, like all great style icons, the importance lies in knowing what we can learn from their approach to dressing. Of course, there are several defining factors of Audrey Hepburn’s style, mainly that she didn’t follow trends. She knew what she liked, she knew what suited her, and that is what she wore. She prioritised quality or quantity and ended up curating a signature look that she carried throughout her life.
And if you want to channel your inner Audrey, here are five style lessons to follow…
Simplicity is Key
Embed from Getty ImagesThe backbone of Audrey Hepburn’s style is centred around simplicity. She leaned into clean lines, timeless pieces, and neutral colours with crisp white shirts and perfectly tailored trousers forming the basis of her everyday wardrobe. I try to adopt the ‘invest now, wear forever’ approach to my own spending habits, opting for minimalist, trendless designs that I know I’ll wear for years to come.
Sometimes A Little Black Dress Is All Your Need
Embed from Getty ImagesOne of Audrey Hepburn’s most famous outfits is, of course, the little black dress by Hubert de Givenchy that she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. A look so famous that it is recognisable by just the silhouette and has been replicated countless times over the decades. If this teaches us anything, it’s that no matter the occasion, no matter your age, sometimes the only choice is a timeless black dress.
Flats Are Your Best Friends
Embed from Getty ImagesAs women, we are often conditioned to think that heels equal sophistication. Well, if anyone can prove this wrong, it’s Audrey Hepburn. Due to her background in ballet, Audrey found flatter soles more comfortable and wore them with everything from capri trousers to maxi skirts – she even wore them on her wedding day!
Prioritise Fit
Embed from Getty ImagesAudrey Hepburn’s style may have been minimalist, but it was also extremely well-fitting. She focused on high-quality garments that fitted her to perfection and complemented her shape. Audrey was also a huge fan of a waist belt to further cinch her silhouette.
Grace Never Goes Out of Style
Embed from Getty ImagesIf there’s one word that can be used to describe Audrey Hepburn, it’s grace. It’s a quality that she not only exuded through style, but through personality, too. Thanks to her gentle demeanour, balletic poise, and effortless elegance, Audrey continues to remain an icon. And while her sense of style may not be for everyone, there’s no doubt that she sets the tone on how we should conduct ourselves – with kindness, humility, and compassion.
Featured Image Credit: Hans Gerber, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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