An enduring icon of the 1960s, Audrey Hepburn epitomized the evolution of fashion throughout the decade, from elegant early 60s styles to the mod trends of the mid-60s. Her influence, established in the 1950s with films like Roman Holiday, continued to soar in the following decade.
In 1961, Hepburn starred as Holly Golightly in the iconic film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Hubert de Givenchy designed her costumes, including the legendary black dress from the opening scene. This collaboration between Hepburn and Givenchy, both on and off-screen, resulted in a timeless and effortlessly chic wardrobe that resonated with women of all backgrounds.
In the early 1960s, Hepburn favored feminine skirt suits reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy’s style. Like the First Lady, she accessorized with gloves and hats, as seen in the green Givenchy suit she wore in the 1962 film Paris When It Sizzles.
The ensembles she donned in the 1963 film Charade showcased her sophisticated style as she navigated the streets of Paris. These outfits would have looked perfectly at home on Jackie Kennedy, highlighting the prevailing fashion trends of the time.
Her fashion choices evolved alongside the changing trends of the decade. By the mid-1960s, Hepburn embraced the “Mod” aesthetic, incorporating vibrant colors and minidresses into her wardrobe.
In the 1966 film How to Steal a Million, she sported white-rimmed sunglasses, reflecting the Space Age trend, and a stylish bob haircut accentuated by dark eyeliner, achieving the popular doe-eyed look of the era.
Hepburn’s fashion influence extended throughout her life. In 1969, as fashion shifted towards Eastern influences and longer hemlines, she married Andrea Dotti in a pink minidress.
While representing a segment of society, including designers like Givenchy, who hadn’t yet embraced the newer styles, she still looked radiant and fashionable in her mini dress, proving her timeless style. Even the iconic little black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s solidified her status as a 1960s fashion icon.
