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I proudly had an Audrey Hepburn phase in my 20’s, which is possibly true of many women. Drawn to vintage pieces that reflected her elegant, refined look. I’d scour the vintage shops in San Francisco for just the right little black dress and satin wrap. Whether that meant dressing as Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s for our annual Christmas party, (we had a “Noel Noir” theme once which especially lent itself to my Audrey re-creation), or copying her signature cat-eye liner look, I was obsessed. Anyone who loves animals, which she did, immediately has huge points in my book and… she was a humanitarian to boot.
Hepburn was of course best known for the enchanting personality she brought to the silver screen in cinematic gems such as Roman Holiday where she won an academy award for her role as Princess Ann, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s where she played the troubled and mercurial Holly Golightly. Her infectious smile, vulnerability, and charisma have made her a symbol of class and beauty to this day, as well as an undeniable fashion icon.
Born in Brussels, Belgium in 1929, Audrey pursued musical theatre after surviving World War II with her mother. A trained ballerina, she moved through the world with grace and poise. After meeting the novelist Colette in Paris, she was led to her starring role in Gigi on Broadway. From there, she went on to star in Sabrina, where she began her lifelong friendship with designer Hubert De Givenvchy, who outfitted her in many of her films per Audrey’s request. Which leads us to…
FASHION
Audrey’s effortless elegance made each outfit she wore a sartorial moment. While most are struck with the distinct image of Audrey in the Givenchy gown munching on a croissant while longingly looking in Tiffany’s windows, the life she brought to each and every garment she wore (both on screen and off) make her looks admired widely, and recreated through the years. Known for her effortless glamour, the key to pulling off an Audrey-inspired look is to find minimal, classically-tailored pieces that showcase streamlined sophistication.
Here are some Audrey-inspired looks for you to try!
The little black dress remains one of Audrey Hepburn’s most famous looks, as well as a known closet staple in its versatility. Here, she is shown in the previously-mentioned Givenchy gown from the opening credits of Breakfast At Tiffany’s. Whether donning this look as a cocktail dress or a gown, you can never go wrong with the simple elegance of a little black dress. Add a similar outfit to your wardrobe with the items below!
p.s. The addition of a tiara, kitten heels, and cat-eye sunglasses is not required, but highly encouraged.
With its simple silhouette and blush hue, this pink dress is the embodiment of Audrey’s classic femininity, as well as an homage to her ballerina roots. Top this look off with a modern gold cuff to add a little shine, and strike a pose next to any pink flowers in your path. For extra Audrey points, pair this look with a sweet berry lip stain and a light dusting of blush on the apples of the cheeks.
This playful outfit from Roman Holiday (which won Audrey an Oscar for her Best Actress!) is all fun, flirty, vacation goals. With its effortless, billowing skirt in a playful shade of blue, coupled with a tailored, gauzy white button up, this outfit is the epitome of fuss-free fashion. Top off the look with a whimsical neck scarf and comfortable lace-up sandals!
This all-black ensemble is endlessly chic. With its slim cut, body-hugging silhouette, it’s the perfect outfit to wear to work, for travel, date night and beyond. The ankle-skimming slacks plus the monochromatic look creates an elongating, slimming effect, sure to make you embody Audrey’s poised demeanor. Throw on some feminine flats or a sleek pair of penny loafers, and feel free to break into dance just like Audrey did in Funny Face!
Powder blue communicates girly innocence in a really upscale, sophisticated way, especially when combined with a sheath shape. While this vintage set was difficult to replicate, a powder-blue cocktail dress will give you the same refined, classy look. We even included some white opera gloves to finish off the entire aesthetic!
Tip: When it comes to purchasing white gloves, always go for satin without any extra seams to communicate Hollywood glamour, rather than Mickey Mouse or mime!
BEAUTY
Aside from her unparalleled sense of style, Audrey was also known for her doe-eyed gaze, dewy skin, and full brows. The key to mastering this beauty routine is to hydrate the skin, and incorporate products to enhance features in an understated, uncomplicated way. Below, here are some Audrey-inspired items to incorporate into your daily routine!
Steam Facials
To keep skin hydrated and plump, Audrey Hepburn loved steam facials. In fact, sources say she enjoyed steam facials twice per week. This steam facial kit is the perfect way to give yourself the Hollywood treatment from the comfort of your home. Include dried rose petals and have an aromatherapy experience at the same time!
Moisturize
While Audrey believed in aging naturally and gracefully, she was a huge advocate for protecting your skin from the sun and moisturizing regularly to avoid harsh lines and wrinkles. This PCA anti-aging sunscreen is the perfect formula to keep skin hydrated and protected. Choose a hyaluronic-based moisturizer to wear under your sunscreen, such as MyChelle Dermaceuticals Ultra Hyaluronic Hydrating Cream , and spritz liberally with rose water prior to applying for extra hydration and antioxidant protection.
Defined Lashes
To achieve Audrey’s signature bright-eyed look, Audrey’s makeup artist Alberto De Rossi separated her lashes individually using tweezers after applying mascara. By fanning out the lashes individually, it made her eyes appear rounder and wide. For a similar approach to fabulous lashes, try this same method with false eyelashes, or simply comb through lashes with a lash comb after applying jet black, volumizing mascara. This set from Covergirl also includes black eyeliner, perfect for creating a winged-out cateye as well– very Holly Golightly!
Signature Scent
A delicate and enchanting blend of orange blossom, vanilla, vetiver, patchouli and bergamot, Givenchy L’Interdit was created as Audrey Hepburn’s signature scent by Francis Fabron in 1957. With its feminine floral scents juxtaposed by intense musky undertones, this scent is the perfect way to honor Audrey Hepburn’s stunning femininity and her grounded, dignified way of life.
Bold Brows
Finally, Audrey Hepburn’s bold, beautiful eyebrows were one of her trademarks. Defined, full and lush, her brows beautifully framed the rest of her pixie-like features. To achieve a similar look, fill in and brush out the brows. Pay careful attention to pencil in clean, angular lines to really emulate that bold-but-coiffed Audrey look. This NYX Fill and Fluff Eyebrow Pencil is the perfect tool for this process! After penciling in the brows with the pencil end, flip to the brush end and brush brows upward for increased fullness.
CONCLUSION
When asked about her beauty routine, Audrey loved to cite American humorist Sam Levenson’s Time Tested Beauty Tips. This line in particular reminds me of Audrey most:
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode, but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows.
While Audrey Hepburn was the embodiment of graceful femininity and remains a fashion and beauty muse, so much of her beauty and star power came from her kind heart, warm demeanor, and goodwill for others, shown in her humanitarian work as a UNICEF Special Ambassador. In celebrating her legacy as an actress, fashion icon and philanthropist through her opulent body of work, she will forever remain a legend.
