11 Audrey Hepburn Outfits That Embody Her Timeless Style

Audrey Hepburn is famous for starring in some of the most iconic films of Hollywood’s Golden Age as well as her incredible humanitarian work, but dedicated fashion lovers remember her most for her impeccable style. From her little black dress in the opening scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s to memorable looks in films like Roman Holiday, My Fair Lady, Funny Face, and How To Steal a Million (my personal favorite), her fashion and beauty moments have inspired fans all over for decades.

On screen, she often wore lavish ballgowns (usually designed by friend Hubert de Givenchy) and sparkling jewels, but Hepburn’s personal style emphasized simplicity. Our original capsule closet queen favored cigarette pants, turtlenecks, and ballet flats, and unlike others during her time, she didn’t cater to the male gaze: Instead, she forged her own path into fashion history, and we’re forever thankful. Ahead, explore 11 of the best Audrey Hepburn outfits of all time, complete with product picks to get the looks for yourself.

The Classic Cardigan

Audrey Hepburn mastered how to wear a cardigan and a turtleneck without looking like a librarian (although that is cool now, so do whatever you want). Many of her most memorable fashion moments revolved around wardrobe staples like the two she wears here. Hepburn was also known for her love of handbags (the Louis Vuitton Speedy was her go-to), and she would opt for more unique pieces like this wicker basket bag.

Circle (Skirt) Time

Hepburn would often gravitate towards pants when off-duty, but she also had an affinity for circle skirts. The actress loved combining traditionally feminine and masculine elements, as seen here when she styled her skirt and ballet flats with a checked button-down blouse.

Shades of Brown

While this outfit is technically from the film Funny Face, Hepburn’s personal style is pretty similar to that of her character, Jo Stockton. In the movie, her character plays a bookseller whose signature look consists of a black long-sleeve top, black pants, and black loafers—sound familiar? Here, she wears another staple: a classic wool coat with a statement fur hat (check out a few of our favorite winter hats). Hepburn was a big fan of simple looks with an added unique accessory—something we can all take from when getting creative with styling.

Parisian Off-Duty

Though Hepburn was born in Belgium, her style was quintessentially French. She favored elegant and functional pieces, specifically black cigarette pants and flat shoes. To truly embody Hepburn’s French-girl style, take a note from the actress and sport a trench coat (like one of these) while tying your hair under a silk scarf. It’s an easy look to achieve and will take any plain black outfit to the next level.

Playful in the Vineyards

While Hepburn usually stayed away from loud prints, she wasn’t afraid to embrace playful elegance from time to time. Here, she embraced gingham in the form of red-and-white pants, which seemed to have been a favorite of hers. Unsurprisingly, she kept the rest of her look fairly understated with a cream-colored sleeveless turtleneck and satin ballet flats (see some of our favorite styles here).

Pattern Party

While she was a minimalist at heart, Hepburn loved to have fun with fashion. She paired these black patterned tights with a striped mini dress, and while both prints are bold in their own right, they work perfectly together. She finished off the look with her signature ballet flats and a circular pair of sunglasses, another favorite of hers.

A Lesson in Layering

Here, Hepburn gave us a lesson in layering by adding a white sleeveless blouse on top of her staple black long-sleeve. Our favorite part of this look, though, has to be her incredible wedges. Again, Hepburn took a traditional feminine piece—the wedged heel—and gave it a sharp new vibe with tailored trousers. All in all, the look has similar creative energy to the “wrong shoe theory.”

The Staple Wool Coat

Here, Hepburn sported another signature wool coat, reminding us of the power of statement outerwear. Sometimes, a structured wool coat can be a look in itself, and Hepburn is here to prove it. Of course, she had to add a pair of rounded sunnies to her outfit, along with her Louis Vuitton Speedy and what appears to be a croc clutch. Could it be that the star was using two handbags at once: one for function and one for style? We’re here for it if so.

Jetting Off in Style

Talk about a travel paparazzi moment: This iconic Audrey Hepburn airport look consisted of a fur-trimmed coat with black boots and, of course, her Louis Vuitton Speedy bag by her side. Ironically, the LV Speedy has become associated with “kitschy” Y2K fashion thanks to celebrities like Paris Hilton, but the designer bag is truly a timeless piece.

Hint of Retro

Hepburn always knew how to add a statement accessory to her look to give it more personality. Case in point: this seemingly simple look comprising black pointed-toe boots, velvety pants, and a wool coat. Her cheeky sunglasses transformed the entire look, making it even chicer (if that’s possible).

Pretty in Pink

Audrey Hepburn’s second marriage was to Italian psychiatrist Andrea Dotti, and the actress challenged bridal fashion norms on the big day. Instead of wearing a traditional white gown, Hepburn opted for an elegant pink dress, which Givenchy (naturally) designed just for her. While her dress might not have been white, she did add “traditional” bridal elements via a pair of white tights and her signature ballet flats in white.