There’s a lot to admire about Audrey Hepburn. Whether you’re a fan of her classic style, her iconic roles in movies like Funny Face or Breakfast at Tiffany’s, or her dedication to humanitarian work and as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Audrey Hepburn’s enduring legacy captivates so many of us. If you can’t help but be captivated by her elegant style both on and off the silver screen, you’re not alone! Audrey Hepburn’s style is a great source of inspiration for timeless outfits, and I’ve rounded up 15 of her most iconic looks so that you can recreate the best Audrey Hepburn outfits with modern-day fashion.
1. Parisian Chic on the Set of Funny Face
The look is the perfect recipe of some of the most important pieces if you want to get the Audrey Hepburn look. This particular photo was taken on the set of one of her movies, but it’s also the embodiment of Audrey’s classic, timeless style.
First, the jacket. A classic trench coat or car coat was a staple in Audrey’s closet. If you want to get the most wear out of this piece possible, stick to a neutral shade of beige or khaki – it will truly go with everything!
Next, the pants. Audrey loved a slightly cropped, tight-fitting pair of trousers or cigarette pants. She liked their ability to flatten the stomach, add length to the legs, and create a sleek, elongated silhouette.
Audrey liked elevated, functional pieces when it came to her personal style. Looking back at photos of her, you’ll notice that she often favors a flat shoe, like a ballet flat or loafers. If she did wear heels, they often had a lower heel.
The final touch of this look is the silk scarf. Whether she tied it around her neck or used it to pull back her hair, the scarf is one of the most important accessories to add to your wardrobe if you’re embodying Audrey Hepburn’s style.
coat | top | pants | socks | loafers | scarf
2. The Classic Midi Skirt from Roman Holiday
What’s more iconic than eating gelato on the Spanish Steps? Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday, that’s what! Now, I may be biased because this is one of my favorite Audrey Hepburn films, but her character’s style in this movie is top-notch.
In this particular scene, Audrey as Crown Princess Ann is sporting a chic spring look that’s just as timeless and feminine today as it was in 1953. First, start with a sleeveless white blouse. It’s the perfect foundational piece for warmer weather. Next, add a midi or maxi skirt with a belted waist. This flattering fit is fun, feminine, and will highlight the smallest part of your torso for a slimming effect.
Accessories are key to taking this look from good to great. Add a classic silk scarf and a pair of strappy leather sandals to complete the outfit. It’s the perfect look to wear while being whisked around Rome by Gregory Peck.
3. The Little Black Dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s
This look might be one of Audrey’s most recognizable outfits. Holly Golightly might have been a young woman just trying to scrape by in New York City, but she’s an unforgettable superstar in this black and white number.
First, the dress. Did you know that Audrey Hepburn is credited as one of the fashionistas to help popularize the “little black dress”? This role certainly helped! The iconic piece remains a capsule wardrobe staple in today’s fashion thanks to Audrey and Holly.
Next, the accessories. Pearls and diamonds are a girl’s best friend! These pieces help to elevate the dress to another level. Adorn your look with a pearl necklace and gold stud earrings. And don’t forget your opera gloves – these statement-makers were another signature piece worn by Audrey and her characters.
dress | shoes | necklace | earrings | sunglasses | gloves | bag
4. Cute and Casual Cropped Pants on Set
The bicycle was another iconic staple often photographed alongside Audrey Hepburn’s outfits. At one point, it served as her main means of transportation when she lived in the Netherlands during World War II. Years later, Audrey still loved to ride. The particular photo above is from the set of Sabrina, which was filmed in New York in the 1950s.
Sabrina’s low-key look is as chic as it is effortless to replicate for a fun spring outfit idea. First, start with a cropped pair of pants. On top, stick with a classic long-sleeved top. Accessorize with a classic pair of ballet flats, and you’re ready to go!
5. Channeling Dorothy on a Hollywood Back Lot
If you want to get a good idea about Audrey Hepburn’s effortlessly chic off-duty style, take a look at the archive of photos taken of her on some of her movie sets! This particular photo features Audrey riding around a Hollywood backlot during the filming of My Fair Lady. I get Wizard of Oz vibes from this look, down to the little dog in her basket and the blue gingham!
Recreate this look with a sleeveless white button-down and cropped gingham pants. Accessorize with a silk neck scarf, white ballet flats, and a wicker basket bag.
capris | shirt | flats | basket | scarf
6. Audrey’s Orly Airport Look in Paris
Audrey’s true style was the perfect balance of playful, yet elegant looks. For this sophisticated ensemble, swap out the black cocktail dress for a button-down white version instead. It’s the perfect variation to style for chic office looks. Keep the look classic by sticking to a black and white color combination. Accessorize with black ballet flats, elevated pearl earrings, a black belt to highlight your waist, and a chic pair of oversized sunglasses.
earrings | sunglasses | belt | dress | gloves | shoes
7. Relaxing During a Break in Filming at the Beach
Another favorite staple piece of Audrey Hepburn? Oversized white shirts. She recognized the versatility of this style and its ability to balance out her more feminine pieces. For instance, it’s the perfect swim cover-up over a playful polka dot bikini for a chic summer outfit idea.
Instead of an ordinary hair tie or headband, keep your locks out of your face with a scarf tied under your chin. Then, add texture to the look with a woven pair of mules.
bikini top | bottoms | shirt | shoes | bandana | sunglasses
8. Enjoying One of Her Favorite Pastimes in an Elegant Look
Audrey even looked elegant while playing golf – one of her favorite pastimes. This is easier said than done! Although this look might not fly on the course these days, you can style this elegant look for a more leisurely activity, like meeting friends for lunch.
First, start with a flowy midi skirt. On top, stick with a neutral shirt. Then, accentuate your natural figure with a thick waist belt. Keep your accessories minimal – a black pair of ballet flats and a gold pair of hoops are all you need to round out this look.
skirt | shirt | flats | belt | earrings
9. Traveling in Style
This is a great outfit idea to start with if you want to recreate Audrey’s classic look. Besides her iconic short hair, this photo also features some of her favorite real-life favorite pieces in her own wardrobe.
If you own a capsule wardrobe, you can most likely style this look with ease. First is the classic trench coat. Then, a black skirt and a cream turtleneck – the perfect base for a transitional look. Finish the look with two coordinated accessories – a pair of slingback heels in black leather and a top-handle bag that features a bit of vintage charm in its design.
turtleneck | bag | trench coat | skirt | shoes
10. A Bright Pop of Red
As much as Audrey loved her neutrals, she wasn’t afraid of a bold pop of color, either! This style features a bright pop of cherry red infused into a chic spring outfit idea – perfect for enjoying a brisk day in the park.
Start this look with a pair of cropped pants and a white blouse. Details are key! A frill or Peter Pan collar makes this button-down shirt look more feminine in your spring outfits. Then, add your pop of red with a bright cardigan and ballet flats. Tie the look together with some red hair bows.
shirt | pants | sweater | bows | shoes
11. Dancing the Night Away in a Tonal Look in Funny Face
Dressing like a fashion icon doesn’t have to be complicated. Audrey is often more recognized for some of her simplest looks! The reason? Looks like these never go out of style.
Think monochrome for this tonal outfit idea. Pair a black turtleneck with black cigarette pants or cropped trousers for your look’s foundation. Then, add in a pair of black loafers. Although Audrey isn’t wearing any accessories in this photo, you could always add in a top-handle bag and a chic pair of cat-eye sunglasses to complete the look.
turtleneck | pants | loafers | bag | sunglasses
12. A Simple Shorts Look for Summer
If you want to elevate your summer looks, Audrey Hepburn has all of the right inspiration for you. Her shorts ensembles were equally classy and playful. Although she didn’t shy away from a short hem length, she balanced out the look of short shorts with a more modest-looking top. In the case of this photograph, a patterned blouse complemented the high-waisted shorts.
To lean into the seasonal summer vibes, add texture like Audrey did with your accessories. A pair of woven mules is perfect. Complete the look with a simple pair of stud earrings.
blouse | shorts | shoes | earrings
13. Black and White Look for a Publicity Shoot
This publicity photo of Audrey showcases her timeless, classy style that still looks elegant and chic today. One of her quintessential favorites was the long skirt – a midi or maxi length in particular. On top, she often added interest to her looks with a patterned blouse. Whether that was plaid, gingham or polka dots, these styles all complemented her signature skirt which was typically simple and solid-colored.
When it came to accessories, she preferred a minimalist approach. Gold earrings and a red lip were all she needed to complete her ensemble and tie it all together.
shirt (similar) | skirt | flats | earrings
14. Fun in a Floral Dress
From fashion shows to movie premieres, Audrey Hepburn stunned in glamorous, yet classic looks. If you want to recreate some of her most photographed moments in your everyday life, start with a long floral dress. Then, don’t be afraid to lean into Audrey’s vintage flair with a pair of long white or black gloves. Add a pair of feminine ballet flats, and finish the look with simple gold earrings.
dress | flats | earrings | gloves
15. Red and Leopard Print in Charade
In the 1963 film Charade, Audrey’s character, Regina, wore a selection of tailored wool coats with pillbox hats, including the striking red and leopard print combination below, all styled with black kitten heels. She was styled by Hubert de Givenchy, and the looks in the film were inspired by the 1962 Givenchy haute couture collection.
All you need to recreate this look is a red coat and a leopard print hat (bonus points if you’re able to find a nostalgic pill box style). Then, accessorize with pearl earrings and black kitten heels. Underneath, I would suggest trying a little black dress!
coat | hat | earrings | shoes | gloves
The Audrey Hepburn Shopping List
Find all of the essentials you’ll need below to recreate Audrey’s iconic looks in your daily style.
How to Get Audrey’s Signature Style
One of the best parts about Audrey’s iconic style was that it was known for not only being elegant and classic, but also attainable. She found a style that worked for her, and stuck to it – meaning that she often rewore many pieces, or invested in higher-quality items to wear again and again over the years. You can do the same thing! If you’re inspired by Audrey’s simple, yet refined look, try to recreate some of her most iconic looks and see how they feel. You might just fall in love!
Do you love these classy, elegant looks? We’ve got more for you! Up Next: 15 Classy Elegant Outfits to Elevate Your Look
Almost each day, I come to your blog and this morning was one of the best idea I had. Many thanks for this wonderful idea about Audrey Hepburn’s style. This was really a signature style for her and far from being able to look like her I can always try! Have a great day.
Thanks for your support and feedback, Denise. I’m thrilled to hear you love her style as much as we do!
How fun this is to see that Audrey’s looks are still in fashion-classics are never out of style! Which is why I love to read your content, it’s always inspiring and classy!
Thrilled to hear that, Kari. Thank you for your support and feedback!
I have been told all my life that I resemble this beautiful iconic woman. It wasn’t until my late twenties that I really began to appreciate these compliments and take the time to get to know Audrey. Now in my late fifties, I’m grateful that I can still carry off her style effortlessly.
Thank you for highlighting her timeless style.
What a compliment! I appreciate you sharing and your similar love for timeless style.
Love her and love this article! So fun and well written. Can’t wait to try some of these combos out.
She’s great, right? So much inspo. Happy styling!
Great reading about Classic iconic dressers like Hepburn…really a good read….looking forward to reading more about this topic…
I am quite a fan of your work. Well detailed a thorough.
Thank you
Thanks, Regina! Audrey is such an icon and we love getting inspiration from her.
I love it
I love it her style
Right? So much great inspo!