Oscar-winning actress and activist Audrey Hepburn has not left the public style eye since her rise to stardom in the mid-1950s. Just as well-known for her classic wardrobe as for her decades-long career, Hepburn made famous an easy and elegant style that is as achievable today as it was 50 years ago.
Hepburn popularized the gamine look — a style that takes it name from the French term "gamin," meaning “a girl with mischievous or boyish charm.” While her wardrobe was influenced by the glamorous roles she portrayed onscreen, her real-life street style was more comfortable than the movies but just as chic. At the foundation of her style were a few basic pieces in neutral colors, accessorized with understated makeup, jewelry and sunglasses.
Here are the staples for pulling off the everyday Hepburn look from head to toe:
Simple makeup
To enhance her doe-like eyes and long lashes, Hepburn focused her makeup on her eyeliner and mascara application. To copy her look, apply a thin line of black liquid eyeliner along the top lash line. Then sweep a few coats of black mascara over the top lashes and finish with dabs of concealer over trouble spots and a light dusting of a peachy blush along the cheekbones. For nighttime, add a coat of black mascara on the bottom lashes and finish with classic red lipstick.
Menswear-inspired pieces
Hepburn’s wardrobe largely featured pieces taken from typical menswear. Buy an oversized white button-down to wear with high-waisted ankle pants for a polished yet casual look. Hepburn wore these button-downs on a daily basis, and frequently knotted them at the waist to highlight her figure. Another staple is the Breton-stripe top, a black-and-white striped top inspired by sailors in Breton, France. This striped shirt is a versatile piece that will work for any daytime occasion. Hepburn also adopted menswear shoe style, and frequently wore schoolboy-type Oxfords and loafers with jeans and a black sweater, an outfit choice that is both comfortable and sophisticated.
Monochromatic color palette
Hepburn brought the LBD (little black dress) into the fashion limelight, and wore this classic item to countless parties and awards ceremonies. Try a little black dress with a high neckline and low back for an unexpected twist, or choose a flattering A-line skirt that emphasizes the waist — a skirt choice Hepburn frequently modeled. Hepburn also gave iconic status to the black turtleneck, a refined piece that highlights a graceful neck and torso. Wear a black or grey turtleneck with black ankle pants to achieve a slimming and lengthening illusion. Jeans with a black turtleneck look equally elegant and instantly lend effortless glam to a day-to-day wardrobe.
Chic accessories
Since her wardrobe stuck to a neutral color palette and was beautifully simple, Hepburn used accessorizing as a way to show her personality. In daytime, experiment with chiffon scarves knotted around the neck or under the collar of a button-down. Add a pair of black wayfarer sunglasses, simple stud or tiny hoop earrings and a coat of red nail polish to fully embrace Hepburn elegance. For a night out, wear large, glitzy, rhinestone studs to dress up that LBD. A matching rhinestone collar necklace will make an even larger statement, as will a pair of fluttery false eyelashes.
Balletic influences
A student of classical ballet for many years, Hepburn’s wardrobe was influenced by the style of the art form throughout her life. Choose tops with bateau or boat-necklines that skim just under the collarbones, a common choice in the world of ballet. A basic pair of nude ballet flats are another staple closet addition — they go with nearly anything and are comfortable enough to wear all day.
Finally, don’t forget the most important qualities that Hepburn showcased — poise and grace.
Hepburn was famous for her kind smile, quiet confidence, charm and poise. Whatever style of clothing you choose, wear it with pride and a smile to truly achieve this elegant starlet’s timeless look.
More Like This
Tenth annual Fashion Week shows off student designers
By Kenna Coe | March 23, 2017World Night unites cultures on campus
By Caitlin Burnham | March 22, 2017