Audrey Hepburn, a prominent figure in 1950s and 1960s cinema, epitomized the evolution of women’s fashion throughout the decade, embracing trends from classic elegance to the burgeoning hippie aesthetic. Building on her established stardom from films like Roman Holiday, Sabrina, and Funny Face, Hepburn’s influence on 1960s fashion for women was undeniable.
Her role as Holly Golightly in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s solidified her status as a style icon. The film showcased iconic costumes designed by Hubert de Givenchy, including the legendary little black dress from the opening scene. The 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.
In the early 1960s, Hepburn often wore feminine skirt suits reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy’s style. Mirroring the First Lady, she accessorized these ensembles with gloves and hats. A prime example is the green Givenchy suit she wore in the 1962 film Paris When It Sizzles. The outfits she donned in the 1963 film Charade, while echoing Kennedy’s style, also exuded a chic Parisian flair.
As the 1960s progressed, Hepburn’s fashion sense evolved alongside the changing trends. She embraced the “Mod” style, incorporating minidresses and vibrant colors 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 hairstyle accentuated by dark eyeliner, achieving the popular doe-eyed look of the era.
By the late 1960s, as fashion shifted towards Eastern influences and longer hemlines, Hepburn maintained her signature style. Her choice of a pink minidress for her 1969 wedding to Andrea Dotti demonstrated her personal style preference. She represented a segment of the population, including designers like Givenchy, who had not yet fully embraced the newer styles of the late sixties.
