Actress and philanthropist Audrey Hepburn, known for her style and grace, continues to be one of Hollywood’s great style icons. Hepburn once said, “You have to look at yourself objectively. Analyze yourself like an instrument. You have to be absolutely frank with yourself. Face your handicaps, don’t try to hide them. Instead, develop something else.” In other words, her philosophy on life and on fashion: Be true to yourself; know what you do well, what you wear well; and do it with confidence.
Always understanding the value of simplicity and line, Hepburn made the little black dress a classic wardrobe essential. The LBD could be worn as a simple dress with little jewelry or taken to the next level by adding the right accessories.
Not surprising, Givenchy, known for his contemporary, ladylike clothing, designed for Hepburn on and off the big screen. His on-screen creations can be seen in Sabrina, How to Steal a Million, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. In later years, Ralph Lauren would be added to her very select list of favorite designers. Although it has been said that pale pink was her personal color of choice, she was rarely seen in it. Instead, she predominately wore black and white. Hepburn’s standard daytime look was a pair of skinny pants, a turtle neck and flat shoes — all in black. A look that is still as classic today as when she wore it.
What Hepburn did for the LBD, she also did for the white shirt. Hepburn’s criteria for the shirt was that it was plain, nothing fancy about it, and often tied at her 20″ waist. Her mantra “less is more” heavily influenced her accessory choices: a simple pair of studs, a strand of pearls, a neutral-colored long scarf, and a pair of dark sunglasses.
The Classic Woman’s Lessons Learned from Audrey
1. Analyze yourself honestly and dress accordingly, accentuate your positive characteristics.
2. Be true to yourself, do not fall victim to trends that do nothing for your appearance.
3. Simplicity speaks volumes.
4. Clothing must-haves: a little black dress, a plain white shirt, a fitted suit
5. Accessory must-haves: a simple pair of studs, a strand of pearls, dark sunglasses and a neutral-colored long scarf.
