Audrey Hepburn, a prominent figure in 1950s and 1960s cinema, effortlessly transitioned through the evolving fashion landscape of the sixties, ultimately embracing the hippie aesthetic that defined the latter part of the decade. Her influence, solidified by leading roles in iconic films like Roman Holiday, Sabrina, and Funny Face, continued to resonate throughout the 1960s.
In 1961, Hepburn starred as Holly Golightly in the timeless classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Her portrayal of Holly solidified her status as a fashion icon. Hubert de Givenchy designed the costumes for the film, including the unforgettable black dress featured in the opening scene. This collaboration between Hepburn and Givenchy, both on and off-screen, resulted in a wardrobe characterized by simplicity and elegance, easily emulated by women of all backgrounds.
During the early 1960s, Hepburn often wore sophisticated, Jackie Kennedy-inspired skirt suits. Mirroring the First Lady’s style, she accessorized these ensembles with gloves and hats, exemplified by the green Givenchy suit she wore in the 1962 film Paris When It Sizzles. The ensembles she donned in the 1963 film Charade were reminiscent of Kennedy’s style yet maintained a distinct chicness as she navigated the streets of Paris.
As the decade progressed, so too did Hepburn’s fashion choices. By the mid-1960s, she began incorporating more “Mod” styles into her wardrobe, characterized by vibrant colors and minidresses. In the 1966 film How to Steal a Million, she showcased white-rimmed sunglasses reminiscent of the Space Age trend and a chic bob hairstyle accentuated by dark eyeliner, achieving the popular doe-eyed look of the era.
Hepburn’s fashion influence persisted throughout her life. In 1969, as the fashion world shifted towards Eastern influences and longer hemlines, she married Andrea Dotti in a pink minidress, showcasing her enduring preference for the styles that had defined the earlier part of the decade.
Hepburn’s choice reflected the sentiment of a segment of the population, including prominent designers like Givenchy, who had not yet embraced the emerging fashion trends of the late 1960s. Her enduring style continues to inspire and influence fashion choices today, solidifying her position as a timeless icon of 1960s female fashion.
