Audrey Hepburn’s Five Style Secrets
I recently watched the documentary Audrey on Netflix, which followed her life from her early years growing up in the Netherlands where she endured five years of Nazi occupation to her stardom in the blockbuster Roman Holiday and beyond. The documentary showcases Audrey’s talents, her longing to love and be loved, as well as her close relationship with fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy.
Audrey’s rare waifish beauty changed how elegance and style where viewed in 1950s and 60s, which contrasted with her contemporaries such a Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor who showcased more buxom glamorous beauty. Her features came together in perfect harmony with many of her iconic looks accentuating her thin and model-esque frame. Audrey, in collaboration with Givenchy, curated her style to become a fashion icon who lives on to this day in the hearts and minds of her admirers.
Start the above video at 7:30!
1. Express Your Personality with Small Touches
Givenchy conveyed Audrey’s lively and youth-filled personality through her clothing. He did so adding unique touches to each of her looks.
Here are some examples of how Givenchy and Audrey used accessories in her looks:
Using scarves as belts or tying small scarves tied around the neck
Wearing elegant gloves
Lacing up heel straps over top of pants
Adding small bows to dresses
Wearing elegant bold hats that framed her face
Pairing statement jewelry with minimalist dresses
Wearing a good pair of oversized sunglasses with a good dress (Audrey is why Tiffany’s sunglasses have done so well!)
2. Keep your Wardrobe Basics in well-cut styles
Audrey frequently kept her fashion pieces simple and timeless with slick dress cuts featuring high necklines. She also frequently wore long trench and wool coats while making sure not to wear too many different colours or fabrics at once. Her little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is the epitome of Audrey’s classic elegant style.
You don’t need an extensive wardrobe to re-create some of her most elegant looks. In terms of colour choices, black, beige, red, and navy were Givenchy’s go-to neutral colours. Audrey wore few colours at once and rarely wore patterns unless they were monochromatic.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Wear Your Hair Up
Audrey was known for her elegant hairstyles which changed with the times. She is famous for her up-dos and short haircuts, which accentuated her fine bone structure and large doe eyes. Her haircuts also helped to keep her evolving look and on-screen presence modern and fresh.
4. Style is Key to Confidence
Audrey once said how “Givenchy’s creations . . . gave [her] a sense of security and confidence” that allowed her to work “more easily . . . [and look] absolutely right.”
I believe this to be true. Whenever I am dressed well, I feel better equipped to take on whatever is put in my path. When you dress the part, you also feel the part!
5. Carry Yourself with the Posture of a Ballerina
Audrey was a trained ballet dancer and it was obvious from the way she carried herself and how she posed for photographs. She stood up straight and knew how to fold her body into elegant angles.
You can’t help but take someone seriously who knows how to hold themselves in an refined and confident manner.
What is your favourite feature of Audrey’s style and what was her best look ?
Let me know in the comments!