Audrey Hepburn, a timeless fashion icon, epitomized the evolution of Fashion In The Sixties. From the elegant early-decade styles to the mod and hippie looks later on, Hepburn’s wardrobe reflected the changing trends. Her influence, solidified in the 1950s with films like Roman Holiday, continued to resonate throughout the sixties.
Audrey Hepburn’s Early Sixties Fashion
Hepburn’s early sixties style was characterized by sophisticated femininity, mirroring the iconic looks of First Lady Jackie Kennedy. This is exemplified in her 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Fig. 14). Designed by Hubert de Givenchy, the costumes, including the legendary black dress (Fig. 17), became instant classics. Givenchy’s collaboration with Hepburn, both on and off-screen, created a signature look: simple yet incredibly stylish and easily emulated. She often wore skirt suits, complemented by essential accessories like gloves and hats, as seen in the green Givenchy suit from the 1962 film Paris When It Sizzles (Fig. 18). Hepburn’s wardrobe in the 1963 film Charade (Fig. 15) further showcased this polished aesthetic, perfectly suited for Parisian adventures.
The Mod Era and Audrey Hepburn
The mid-sixties brought the Mod movement, and Hepburn embraced its vibrant energy. Minidresses and bold colors became prominent features of her style. In the 1966 film How to Steal a Million, she embodied the mod look with white-rimmed sunglasses, reminiscent of Space Age fashion, and a chic bob hairstyle accentuated by dark eyeliner (Fig. 16). This created the popular doe-eyed look of the era.
Audrey Hepburn’s Later Sixties Style
By the late sixties, fashion began shifting towards Eastern influences and longer hemlines. However, Hepburn remained true to her personal style. In 1969, she married Andrea Dotti in a pink minidress (Fig. 19), a testament to her enduring love for the iconic sixties silhouette. While the fashion world was embracing new trends, Hepburn, along with designers like Givenchy, represented a segment of society that held onto the classic sixties aesthetic. Her wedding attire symbolized a bridge between the earlier and later styles of the decade. She looked radiant and happy, showcasing a timeless elegance. Even as fashion continued to evolve, Audrey Hepburn’s influence on fashion in the sixties remained undeniable, cementing her status as a true style icon.
