Audrey Hepburn, a prominent figure in 1960s cinema, embodied the decade’s evolving fashion trends. From the elegant styles of the early ’60s to the mod influences of the mid-to-late ’60s, Hepburn’s on-screen wardrobe reflected the era’s dynamic shifts. Her collaboration with designer Hubert de Givenchy shaped her iconic look and influenced women worldwide.
In the early 1960s, Hepburn popularized sophisticated, Jackie Kennedy-inspired skirt suits. Much like the First Lady, she accessorized these ensembles with gloves and hats, as seen in the green Givenchy suit she wore in the 1962 film Paris When It Sizzles (Fig. 18). Hepburn’s wardrobe in the 1963 film Charade (Fig. 15) also showcased this polished aesthetic, mirroring Kennedy’s classic style while maintaining a distinctly Parisian chic. This era emphasized femininity and refinement, with structured silhouettes and tailored pieces.
The mid-1960s witnessed a shift towards the “Mod” movement, characterized by bold colors, minidresses, and geometric patterns. Hepburn embraced this trend, incorporating these elements into her personal and on-screen style. In the 1966 film How to Steal a Million (Fig. 16), she sported iconic white-rimmed sunglasses, reflecting the Space Age fascination, and a chic bob hairstyle accentuated with dark eyeliner, epitomizing the decade’s popular doe-eyed look. This period celebrated youthful energy and a more playful approach to fashion.
By the late 1960s, as Eastern influences and longer hemlines began to emerge, Hepburn remained a champion of the minidress. Her 1969 wedding to Andrea Dotti (Fig. 19), where she wore a pink minidress, exemplified her enduring commitment to this iconic sixties silhouette. While the fashion world was evolving, Hepburn’s style reflected a segment of society that held onto the decade’s defining trends.
Hepburn’s fashion choices throughout the 1960s showcased the decade’s most significant trends. From the ladylike elegance of the early years to the mod revolution of the mid-to-late ’60s, she remained a style icon whose influence continues to resonate today. Her collaboration with Givenchy, her embrace of evolving trends, and her inherent grace cemented her status as a pivotal figure in 60s women’s fashion.
