Actress Audrey Hepburn has long been admired as a fashion icon for her effortlessly chic street style. Although the characters that Audrey played have made their own lasting impact on style, Audrey’s off-duty fashion isn’t to be ignored either. In fact, her personal style is just as memorable as that of the characters of Holly Golightly, Princess Ann, and Eliza Doolittle. Audrey Hepburn was known for her effortlessly elegant, charming taste that was minimalistic, yet feminine. And the best part about her style? It’s all too easy to inspire chic modern looks, too. If you’ve ever wanted to emulate timeless Audrey Hepburn fashion, keep reading for 10 outfit ideas to help you get started.
1. capri pants + polka dot top + ballet flats + pearls + shoulder bag
top | pants | shoes | bag | pearls
One of Audrey’s favorite pieces to wear on a day off from filming? Feminine and functional capri pants. Whether she was riding her bike or heading to the beach, Audrey was often photographed wearing both solid and patterned versions of the cropped pant style. The fact that capris are trending again just goes to show how classic Audrey’s style truly was, and how you can still replicate her effortless looks today.
Meeting friends for dinner? Style Audrey’s favorite black capris in a modern way by pairing them with an off-the-shoulder polka dot top. It’s the perfect look for a late summer evening. Next, add another favorite of Audrey’s to your look – classic ballet flats. Finish your look with dainty pearl earrings and a vintage-inspired handbag with a sleek, minimalist design.
2. black mini dress + pearl jewelry + slingback heels + shoulder bag
dress | heels | bag | necklace | earrings
Audrey might be most well-known for her little black dress – a piece that she wore both in her personal life and in costume as the iconic role of Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. As Holly Golightly, she accessorized with a giant pearl and diamond necklace, sunglasses, a tiara, and shoulder-length gloves. However, as Audrey Hepburn, she favored much more minimalist jewelry and a more minimal approach overall to dressing.
Blend the style of Audrey and her famous character by wearing a little black dress on your next date night or night out. Keep the classy look of your LBD by pairing it with pearl jewelry – pearl stud earrings and a dainty pearl pendant necklace are ideal. Then, reach for a sleek pair of pointed-toe slingback heels – a modern and slimming take on a classic pair of heels. A shoulder bag in black patent leather is the cherry on top!
3. turtleneck + mini skirt + watch + pearls + tights + loafers + tote bag
turtleneck | skirt | watch | earrings | tights | tote bag | loafers
Speaking of minimalist style, Audrey Hepburn would have loved the term “capsule wardrobe” today. She favored many simple pieces in neutral colors as the foundation of many of her daily looks. In addition to the little black dress, she also loved a black skirt. For today’s version, a mini version or skort is the perfect piece for modern-day Audrey Hepburn fashion.
On top, Audrey loved to reach for a turtleneck in cooler weather. This look is perfect for your early fall outfits! And once the temperatures fall even more, you can add sheer tights to your look.
When it comes to footwear, try a pair of leather loafers. Accessorize with a canvas tote bag, a gold watch, and pearl earrings. This is the perfect outfit idea to take you from work to the weekend with ease this fall.
4. shift dress + mac coat + neck scarf + shoulder bag + ballet heels
dress | coat | bag | heels | scarf
When it comes to transitional weather, there’s no better piece to style than a trench coat or a Mac coat for a chic look inspired by the women of Paris. This modern version of the traditional “car coat” is perfect for fall and spring’s in-between temperatures. It’s also great at protecting you from the wind and the rain. There’s so much to love about this classic style of jacket, and it makes sense why Audrey loved wearing it so much, too!
In the in-between seasons, mix and match your layers for a balanced look. Pair your trench or Mac coat with a breezy white linen shift dress – this will keep you from overheating as the day warms up. Next, add accessories with just the right amount of vintage flair. Ballet heels, a polka dot neck scarf or headscarf, and a leather shoulder bag are perfect for completing your look!
5. striped shirt + jeans + headband + sunglasses + ballet flats + basket bag
basket bag | jeans | shirt | shoes | sunglasses | headband
For a casual day spent running errands or grabbing coffee to go, try this look inspired by Audrey’s effortlessly chic style. First, start with a classic striped shirt – otherwise known as a Mariner tee, or Breton tee. This is a classic in French fashion! Audrey loved incorporating patterns into her looks and heavily relied on stripes.
Next, add a pair of timeless blue jeans. Audrey loved this style of denim that hugged her figure, but also wasn’t skin-tight. As for your accessories, think feminine pieces to balance out the blue jeans and t-shirt. A headband, ballet flats or black loafers, chic sunglasses, and a basket bag were all staples in Audrey’s wardrobe!
6. turtleneck + trench coat + jeans + speedy 25 bag + hoops + mary jane heels
jeans | turtleneck | coat | shoes | bag | earrings
In the cooler months, a black turtleneck is perfect for recreating some of Audrey’s most iconic looks. This staple piece would definitely have had a home in her capsule wardrobe! For a look that’s both casual and chic, pair it with a Parisian favorite – the trench coat, along with a pair of blue jeans.
As for your accessories, a pair of Mary Janes with a block heel offers a modern take on a vintage classic. Next, go for minimalist jewelry, like a pair of small gold hoop earrings. For the cherry on top of this effortless look, add a bag that Audrey herself helped to popularize – the Louis Vuitton Speedy 25. Or, reach for a similar small bag that is still large enough to hold all of your daily essentials! If you want to go the extra mile, try adding a pair of oversized sunglasses to complete the outfit.
7. white dress + hoops + oval sunglasses + basket bag + sandals
dress | sandals | bag | sunglasses | hoops
Audrey loved spending time outdoors when she wasn’t on the silver screen, whether she was biking, golfing, or taking a long walk on the beach. To celebrate her breezy style in the warmer months, reach for a white midi dress. A sleeveless version with a collar is preppy and modest, but won’t cause you to overheat.
When it comes to your accessories, don’t overcomplicate things. Reach for a classic pair of leather brown sandals, gold hoop earrings, oval sunglasses, and a small woven bag to complete your look.
8. red cardigan + peter pan collar shirt + ponte pants + pearls + mary jane heels
pants | bag | shoes | shirt | cardigan | pearl earrings
Although Audrey certainly loved her neutrals, she also frequently incorporated a pop of color into her outfits. Red was a favorite of hers, and often made an appearance as a light cardigan, gingham pants, or a bold red lip. She was even quoted as saying, “There’s a shade of red for every woman!”
A red cardigan is the perfect pop of color to layer over your neutral looks. Pair it with a detailed white blouse for an Audrey-approved outfit. On the bottom, go for a cropped pair of ponte pants – another favorite silhouette of Audrey. Accessorize with Mary Jane heels, a sleek leather shoulder bag, and a pair of pearl stud earrings to complete your outfit.
9. white shirt + jeans + speedy 25 + sunglasses + hoops + loafers + watch
jeans | shirt | loafers | bag | sunglasses | earrings | watch
When it comes to a daily style uniform, you can get Audrey’s effortless look with just a few key pieces. A turtleneck, cardigan, and a white button-up shirt are a great starting point for a capsule wardrobe modeled after Audrey’s iconic style.
For an off-duty model (or actress) outfit, try pairing a crisp white shirt with classic slim-cut jeans. Next, go for an elevated shoe, like horsebit loafers. Accessorize with a gold watch, earrings, trendy oval sunglasses, and a small bag to finish your weekend-ready outfit.
10. striped shirt + pleated pants + watch + pearls + work bag + ballet flats
pants | shirt | ballet flats | watch | tote bag | earrings
We’ve already covered that Audrey loved stripes, so it’s definitely worth giving you a second striped option in a neutral palette! Style this look for a chic office outfit that has just the right amount of vintage charm.
First, start with a striped black and white Mariner tee. Next, reach for a pair of pleated high-waisted trousers. For your footwear, go for classic ballet flats. If you want a little extra height, try the heeled version I mentioned earlier in the post! Accessorize with a stylish, yet practical, leather work tote, a gold bracelet watch, and pearl stud earrings.
All About Audrey
We love covering Audrey’s style on this site because it truly never goes out of fashion. She had an elegant, effortless gracefulness way about her that was infused into everything she did – including how she got dressed. If you want to add a bit of vintage charm to your own modern fashion, her looks serve as the perfect inspiration.
Ready more looks to help you get Audrey Hepburn’s effortlessly elegant style? Up Next: How to Recreate 15 of the Best Audrey Hepburn Outfits
Love the Au drey Hepburn style. I am recreating all of these that you have shown, that gors to show that classics never go out of style.
Such a great style, right?!