Audrey Hepburn, a prominent figure in 1950s and 1960s cinema, effortlessly transitioned through the evolving fashion landscape of the sixties, even embracing elements of the later hippie movement. Her influence, solidified by iconic roles in films like Roman Holiday, Sabrina, and Funny Face, continued to resonate throughout the decade.
Hepburn’s style in the early 1960s mirrored the elegant and feminine aesthetic of First Lady Jackie Kennedy. She often donned tailored skirt suits, complete with coordinating gloves and hats. A prime example is the green Givenchy suit she wore in the 1962 film Paris When It Sizzles (Fig. 18). Similarly, her wardrobe in the 1963 film Charade (Fig. 15) showcased this classic style while she navigated the streets of Paris. Her collaboration with designer Hubert de Givenchy, both on and off-screen, resulted in a timeless and easily emulated wardrobe for women of all backgrounds, epitomized by the iconic black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Fig. 17), released in 1961 (Fig. 14).
The mid-1960s witnessed a shift in Hepburn’s style towards the “Mod” look, characterized by vibrant colors and minidresses. In the 1966 film How to Steal a Million (Fig. 16), she embraced this trend with white-rimmed sunglasses, reflecting the Space Age influence, and a chic bob hairstyle accentuated by dark eyeliner, creating the popular doe-eyed look of the era. This evolution demonstrated her adaptability and keen sense of contemporary trends.
By the late 1960s, as fashion gravitated towards Eastern-inspired designs and longer hemlines, Hepburn maintained her individual style. Her 1969 wedding to Andrea Dotti saw her in a pink minidress (Fig. 19), a testament to her personal preference and the enduring appeal of the minidress silhouette. While the fashion world embraced new directions, Hepburn, along with designers like Givenchy, represented a segment of society that remained faithful to the established styles of the decade. Her enduring influence on Casual 1960s Fashion continues to inspire today.
