The Audrey Hepburn Style Guide

This blog post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through these links. Click here for the disclosure statement.

 

Actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn was renowned for her beauty, elegance and humility. The film and fashion icon dominated the silver screen in classic films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Roman Holiday and redefined the idea of female beauty. She continues to inspire women from all over the world due to her effortless grace and style. To channel your inner Audrey Hepburn, I’ve curated this shopping guide featuring some of the actress’s favorite style, beauty and lifestyle items. Whether you want to curate a classic wardrobe inspired by Audrey’s timeless style or add some of her favorite products to your beauty routine, take inspiration from the essentials below.

Cigarette Pants

 
 

This chic style staple was a favorite of Audrey Hepburn. Whether in black or a bold print, cropped cigarette trousers were part of many of her most iconic ensembles. Pair them with a white shirt or long-sleeve crewneck top for a timeless look à la Audrey.

 

White Shirt

In Breakfast at Tiffany's, Audrey famously wore an oversized shirt to bed with her blue eye mask and purple tassel ear plugs. She also often wore white shirts as part of her everyday style, either with cigarette trousers, shorts or a midi skirt.

 

Black Turtleneck

Recreate some of Audrey’s most iconic looks with a classic black turtleneck. Pair it with black loafers and cropped trousers to channel her cool Funny Face fit. Any black bottoms and flat footwear will look effortlessly elegant with this versatile top.

 

Little Black Dress

Hepburn’s style signature, the little black dress incites images of the actress window shopping with elaborate pearls and diamonds, oversized black sunglasses and chic black gloves in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The LBD has become a classic style staple for many women, and every Audrey fan should have one in her closet.

 

Silk Scarf

From Roman Holiday to her own wedding day, Audrey frequently wore silk scarves. Tie them around your head or neck to add a touch of elegance to any outfit. Try pairing a silk headscarf with oversized sunglasses to channel Audrey’s famous look from Charade.

“When I wear a silk scarf I never feel so definitely like a woman, a beautiful woman.”  —  Audrey Hepburn

 

Trench Coat

Audrey was a fan of the classic trench both on and off-screen. This timeless coat is a must-have if you want to cultivate Audrey’s elegant style. To channel Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, pair a belted trench coat with a silk headscarf.

 

Striped Shirt

Another classic style staple beloved by Audrey is the striped shirt. She usually opted for a high-necked striped top in both long and short-sleeve styles. If you don’t already have this timeless piece in your wardrobe, you’ll be inspired once you peruse some of Audrey’s vintage looks.

 

Statement Sunglasses

Statement sunglasses are the ultimate Audrey accessory. She famously wore a pair of cat-eyed tortoise shell frames as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's, and the look is still remembered as one of her most glamorous fashion moments.

 

Black Loafers

Audrey's Funny Face ensemble featuring a black turtleneck, cropped trousers and black loafers is still one her most famous looks. Black loafers are one classic style staple looks effortlessly chic with almost any outfit, but they’re also a practical option that you can wear comfortably all day.

 

Circle Skirt

The circle skirt was a mid-century style essential that Audrey herself wore on repeat. To copy her Roman Holiday look, wear a belted circle skirt with a white short-sleeve button-down shirt and a silk scarf tied around your neck. Complete this retro-inspired ensemble with a pair of strappy sandals or ballet flats.

 

Hoop Earrings

Although Audrey is known for wearing lavish diamonds and pearls as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's, the actress was more often seen in a pair of gold hoop earrings off-screen. This accessory is an easy way to add elegance to an otherwise simple outfit.

Straw Basket

In lieu of an expensive designer bag, Audrey often carried a small straw basket. Add one to any ensemble to achieve Audrey’s feminine farm-girl style. In Lucca Dotti’s book Audrey at Home: Memories of My Mother’s Kitchen, Audrey is often photographed in the garden toting large baskets full of flowers.

 

Audrey Hepburn Beauty Essentials

 
 

Givenchy L’Interdit Fragrance

Hubert de Givenchy originally created L’Interdit for Audrey Hepburn in 1957. Although the original fragrance was discontinued, the new, modern version of Audrey’s signature scent features a similar blend of floral, woody and earthy notes.

Creed Spring Flower Fragrance

Creed’s Spring Flower, a fruity, floral and fresh fragrance that embodies pure femininity, was originally formulated for Audrey in 1951. The scent didn’t officially become available to the public until 1996.

Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar

Hungarian dermatologist Erno Laszlo treated several famous clients, including Audrey Hepburn, who attributed her clear, beautiful skin to Laszlo and his skincare products. His Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar was one of Audrey’s favorite beauty items which you can still purchase today.

“I owe 50% of my beauty to my mother and the other 50% to Erno Laszlo.”

— Audrey Hepburn

Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer

After years of damage from treatments and styling on set, Audrey asked to English hairdresser Philip Kingsley to help restore her hair. He created this repairing hair mask especially for Audrey, who loved it so much that she had jars of the now-cult product regularly sent to her home.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Pink in the Afternoon

Audrey’s signature salmon pink pout in Breakfast at Tiffany’s has led to a debate over the exact brand and shade of the iconic lipstick. Although it’s still unknown, many cite Revlon’s Pink in the Afternoon as the original color. The actress was also photographed wearing the shade for Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipstick campaign in the 1980s.

 

Audrey Hepburn Lifestyle Essentials

 
 

White Tulips

Audrey’s favorite flowers were white tulips, not only for their aesthetic, but their signification of hope during World War II as a source of sustenance. She even had a white tulip named after her. Add a bouquet of these creamy white blooms to your home for a lovely homage to Audrey.

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” — Audrey Hepburn

Audrey at Home: Memories of My Mother's Kitchen

Enter Audrey Hepburn’s private world in this biography compiled by her son that combines recollections, anecdotes, excerpts from her personal correspondence, drawings, photographs, and more. The book also features 50 recipes that reflect Audrey’s life including Spaghetti al Pomodoro was an all-time favorite dish.

 
 

Which Audrey Hepburn essentials do you use? Which vintage icon should I create a style guide for next? Let me know in the comments below.

 

You May Also Like

Previous
Previous

August 2022 Mood Board

Next
Next

34 Carry-On Essentials to Pack for Your Next Trip