Audrey Hepburn remains a style icon, her fashion choices from the 1950s and 60s continuing to inspire modern trends. Her influence extended through the sixties, evolving from the sophisticated elegance of early decade styles to the freer, more expressive looks later in the era.
In 1961, Hepburn starred in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, a film that solidified her status as a fashion icon. Her collaboration with Hubert de Givenchy was central to creating her memorable on-screen looks. The black dress from the opening scene is perhaps one of the most famous dresses in cinematic history.
The simplicity and chic design of Hepburn’s wardrobe, crafted with Givenchy’s vision, were widely admired and emulated by women seeking accessible style. Her looks were both aspirational and attainable, setting trends that resonated across different social circles.
Hepburn’s early 1960s style often featured feminine skirt suits, reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy’s polished aesthetic. These ensembles, complete with gloves and hats, projected an image of refined grace. A green Givenchy suit worn in Paris When It Sizzles exemplifies this sophisticated style.
The outfits Hepburn wore in Charade in 1963, while perfectly suited for the film’s Parisian setting, also reflected the elegant and fashionable trends of the time. Her clothing choices were versatile, transitioning seamlessly from on-screen roles to her personal life.
As the sixties progressed, Hepburn’s fashion evolved, embracing the Mod styles that gained popularity in the mid-decade. Brighter colors and shorter hemlines began to appear in her wardrobe, reflecting the changing fashion landscape. How to Steal a Million (1966) showcased this shift, with Hepburn sporting white-rimmed sunglasses and a chic bob, embodying the doe-eyed Mod look.
By 1969, while the fashion world was moving towards longer skirts and Eastern-inspired designs, Hepburn’s personal style remained distinct. Her marriage to Andrea Dotti in a pink minidress showed her continued preference for shorter, simpler styles, a choice shared by many, including designers like Givenchy, who were yet to fully embrace the emerging trends. This moment captured a transitional point in fashion, with Hepburn representing a classic elegance that, while evolving, still held its appeal.
