Audrey Hepburn: Fashion on Film

In honor of Audrey Hepburn’s birthday, I thought I would post some of my favorite looks from her films. There are plenty of other great films that also include Audrey’s wonderful style, but I narrowed it down to a few.

As Sabrina Fairchild in Sabrina (1954)

Though Edith Head was the credited costume mistress of this film, it was also the first time Audrey and Hubert de Givenchy collaborated as designer and muse. The transition Sabrina makes from a shy, simple tomboy to a chic, Parisian socialite is ironically similar to the change in Audrey’s own style upon meeting and working with Givenchy. I love the minimalist style of some of her outfits in the film, and that gorgeous ball gown is one of my favorite dresses ever worn in a film!

As Joe Stockton in Funny Face (1957)

Watching Funny Face is like shopping and listening to lovely showtunes sung by Fred Astaire. There’s an endless supply of gorgeous Givenchy gowns, not to mention Audrey’s iconic jazz club dance scene which made the skinny black pant almost as famous as the woman who wore it. Her hairstyles don’t interest me as much here as in some of her later films (or the wonderfully chic short style in Sabrina) but her fabulous make-up and gowns definitely offer plenty of inspiration.

As Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

I think most people who like Audrey Hepburn can recall every outfit she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s with their eyes closed. Everything about her style in this film is memorable, from her hair to her accessories to her little black dress, yet another Givenchy design, and even her adorable sleep mask. The RayBan sunglasses are one of my favorite accents as well.

As Gabrielle Simpson in Paris, When It Sizzles (1964)

I think Paris, When It Sizzles is one of her most underrated films, especially in terms of style. She has so many lovely hairstyles, a few of which I’ve even tried to attempt myself. This is another film in which Givenchy designed her wardrobe, and it has some of my favorite simply chic dresses. Plus, Audrey proves that she can make anything look stylish, wearing everything from oversizes sweaters to a powder blue hennin.

As Nicole in How to Steal a Million (1966)

This is probably my second-favorite film for Audrey’s fashion, next to Sabrina. Her black Givenchy dress and veil are so chic and perfect for her. This is also another favorite film for the hairstyle. The first time I saw it I almost got distracted from the storyline by her wonderful hairstyle and her unique make-up. There’s an adorable moment when Peter O’Toole’s character gives her a cleaning woman’s clothes to wear while sneaking into a museum, and when she appears in the uniform and red cap he says, “Well, that does it.” When she asks what he means he says, “For one thing, it gives Givenchy the night off.” This is one of my favorite lines. It was intended as a joke for the audience since almost all of Audrey’s recent films had included clothing by Givenchy.

As Joanna Wallace in Two for the Road (1967)

The flashes from the past to the present in Two for the Road allow for so many different looks for Audrey. She genuinely looks so much younger in the flashbacks, and her style in turn also has a young, sporty flair. Her costumes in the present-day scenes are what really fascinate me, though. She wore the most interesting and, occasionally, bizarre outfits in those scenes, while still remaining stylish and chic. Mary Quant, Paco Rabanne, Michele Rosier, Ken Scott, André Courrèges and Tuffin and Foale are all names associated with Audrey’s wardrobe for the film. No Givenchy for this one. While the wardrobe called for her to step outside her comfort zone in a way, so did the character she played. Fashion aside, she gives a monumental performances in this film, something much darker and unguarded than her previous films.

If you’re a fan of Audrey, feel free to leave a comment and tell me what some of your favorite films are, or some of your favorite outfits. I love to talk fashion and Audrey!

Screencaps: Adoring Audrey, AudreyHepburn.org