Audrey Hepburn’s style wasn’t just about clothes, it was pure magic. From timeless little black dresses to playful shorts, chic coats, and effortless blouses, every outfit had that perfect mix of elegance and ease. She could turn the simplest pieces into iconic statements, making her looks feel fresh decades later. Here’s a roundup of some of her most unforgettable, classic, and totally aspirational outfits.
Headbands Are Back
Hairbands totally made a comeback lately, with big designers like Prada and Fendi backing them. Even Hepburn loved them, from cute bow Alice bands to simple white ones she used while practicing.
Givenchy Ballgown
One of Hepburn’s most stunning dresses was a black and white Givenchy ballgown she wore in Sabrina. Friedlander loves it because it fit her perfectly and even had a removable skirt.
Polka Dot Dress
Audrey basically started the glow-up era in Sabrina. Her return-from-Paris look, a black polka dot dress with a cinched waist and soft organza details, marked a major style-icon moment.
Embroidered Gown
Before her big haircut escape in Roman Holiday, Audrey’s Princess Ann shows up at the palace ball in a white off-shoulder embroidered gown with gloves and a tiara, creating her unforgettable, regal breakout moment.
Bold Red
Audrey wasn’t just about black and white. In Funny Face, she stuns in a bold red strapless gown at the Louvre, its dramatic skirt and scarf turning the whole moment into pure cinematic art.
Yellow Coat
In Charade, Reggie’s bright yellow wool coat steals the scene. It’s bold, fun, and perfect against grey Paris streets. Paired with black gloves, it proves yellow coats can be chic, not clown-coded.
Bold Sunglasses
Big, bold, white, black, round, square, whatever the style, Audrey had a pair of sunglasses that could make even the most basic outfit feel instantly special.
Trench Coat
Audrey’s standout outerwear includes the trench and bold orange coat from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. For nonstop coat inspiration, watch Charade, where she plays Reggie, effortlessly stylish while navigating a Paris spy plot.
“Sabrina” Look
Audrey nailed the classic tailleur look. In Sabrina, her black short jacket and midi skirt instantly transformed her from a chauffeur’s daughter into a polished woman, proving how powerful a simple outfit can be.
Sparkly Dress
Audrey and Givenchy’s lifelong bond started with a mix-up. He expected Katharine Hepburn, met Audrey instead, loved her quirky style, and teamed up with her for Sabrina, sparking iconic fashion history.
Simple But Iconic
Audrey’s Roman Holiday outfits were simple but dreamy. Her belted skirt and collared blouse felt effortlessly polished, and the looks were so good that Paramount gifted her the entire wardrobe after filming.
Bold Coat
Friedlander swears by a signature coat, noting Givenchy’s genius and Holly Golightly’s iconic orange one. For Audrey-inspired styling, keep it simple and pair a bold coat with basics or a sleek dress and big sunglasses.
Classic Button Down
Audrey loved a classic white button-down. Friedlander says she was always spotted in capri pants and a crisp shirt, whether filming Sabrina in Hollywood or Charade in Paris.
Effortlessly Elegant
Audrey made basics look effortlessly elegant. Black capris and ballet flats were her staples, with custom Ferragamo flats in nearly every color, Friedlander calls them iconic Audrey Hepburn pieces.
Gold Earrings
Audrey knew the magic of earrings. From gold hoops and pearls to chandelier drops, she paired them perfectly with evening gowns, letting her accessories shine as brightly as her smile.
Simple Attire
In later years, Audrey favored slim trousers, crisp shirts, and sweaters, shifting to UNICEF work post-Always, advocating for children, raising funds, and testifying before Congress until her passing in 1993.
Detailed Gown
Audrey married Mel Ferrer in 1954, wearing a sleeve-detailed gown, then Andrea Dotti in 1969 in a blush minidress with flared sleeves, living in Rome and embracing bright colors and chic coats.
Little Black Dress
Audrey wasn’t the first pick for Holly Golightly, Capote wanted Marilyn Monroe, but her iconic Tiffany moment in pearls, gloves, sunglasses, and a black gown cemented the timeless little black dress.
1954 Oscars
At the 1954 Oscars, Audrey’s gamine haircut and iconic Givenchy white lace dress, belted at the waist, broke the mould and set a red carpet standard for generations of stylish leading ladies.
Striped Look
Audrey loved stripes, from Beatnik black pants and loafers to red-and-white Bretons in Capri. In Two For The Road, she rocked a thick striped, soft-collared shirt during a summer shoot in France.
Oversized Look
Audrey mastered both fitted blouses, like Sabrina’s waist-tied style, and oversized white shirts worn casually with bare legs and minimal jewelry, or a turquoise sleep mask in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Short Shorts
Long before short-shorts trended, Audrey embraced micro-lengths. In Sabrina, she rocked high-waist white shorts with a plaid shirt, and off-duty favored linen minis with Breton stripes for effortless summer style.
Iconic Sunglasses
From oversized Oliver Goldsmiths in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to white goggles in How to Steal a Million, Audrey’s sunglasses perfected every look.
Casual Look
Two for the Road explored a 12-year marriage with honesty and style. Audrey wowed in designers like Paco Rabanne, Mary Quant, and casually in a red top, jeans, and sneakers.
Audrey Hepburn collar
The Peter Pan collar, dubbed the “Audrey Hepburn collar,” was her signature. She wore it across decades on wiggle dresses, poodle jackets, and long cashmere swing coats for a timeless, chic touch.
Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are Audrey’s ultimate footwear, reflecting her dance roots. Christie’s 2017 auction revealed colorful leather pairs she wore with cropped trousers, swing skirts, and boxy blazers, proving their timeless versatility.
Gingham Trousers
Audrey’s gingham trousers, in monochrome or pastel, paired with flats and white tops, became a timeless look. She often wore it around animals, from dogs to her pet deer, Pippin.
Black Polo
For an easy, chic Audrey look, check Funny Face. Jo Stockton dances through Paris in a black polo neck, black trousers, and black penny loafers, sinuous, joyful, effortlessly stylish.
Headscarves
Audrey adored headscarves, on and off screen, often over a beehive with her fringe peeking out. They appeared in Funny Face, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Charade, paired with gloves and sunglasses.
Charming Look
In Roman Holiday, Audrey shines as a princess exploring Rome, effortlessly elegant in a blouse and full skirt. Rolled-up sleeves, a striped neck scarf, and ice cream complete the charming look.
