17 Iconic Fashion Items Audrey Hepburn Made Timeless – You Won’t Believe What Made Her Wardrobe So Legendary!

Audrey Hepburn’s style is the embodiment of grace, simplicity, and sophistication—qualities that continue to define her even decades after her untimely passing. Her wardrobe, a mix of timeless pieces and iconic looks, has shaped our understanding of fashion. Yet, to write about her style is not just a reflection of what she wore but a tribute to how each item, in its subtlety and elegance, told the story of a woman who became as legendary for her fashion as for her humanitarian work.

Hepburn’s fashion legacy transcends the decades, from the iconic little black dress she wore as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to her more casual but equally stylish ensembles in films like Roman Holiday (1953) and Funny Face (1957). But what makes her wardrobe truly extraordinary is the enduring relevance of these items, which still resonate today. Here’s a look at 17 pieces that defined her wardrobe and forever altered the fashion landscape.

1. The Hairband

While Hepburn could pull off the most extravagant tiaras, her fondness for a simple hairband was one of her subtle sartorial trademarks. From bow-topped Alice bands to fabric wraps, these simple accessories spoke to her understated elegance.

2. The Waist Belt

In Roman Holiday, Hepburn’s fresh-faced performance saw her don a blouse and voluminous skirt, with a cinched waist as the defining element. The waist belt wasn’t just a fashion detail—it was a symbol of her effortless chic.

3. The Headscarf

Whether worn in Funny Face or Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Hepburn’s love for silk headscarves became an integral part of her style. Paired with dark sunglasses and leather gloves, these scarves elevated her looks to a level of Parisian glamour.

4. The Black Polo Neck

In Funny Face, Hepburn’s chic black polo neck paired with trousers and penny loafers became the epitome of a casual yet sophisticated look. This piece would go on to inspire countless imitators seeking her effortlessly cool style.

5. The Gingham Trouser

A seemingly simple pattern, the gingham trouser became a staple of Hepburn’s wardrobe. In her casual moments off-screen, she wore gingham with the kind of chic nonchalance that only Audrey could pull off.

6. The Ballet Flats

Perhaps the most iconic of all her footwear choices, ballet flats were an obvious choice for Hepburn, whose passion for ballet shaped both her life and style. A rainbow of leather flats became her go-to, effortlessly paired with everything from cropped trousers to boxy blazers.

7. The Peter Pan Collar

The Peter Pan collar is forever tied to the style of Audrey Hepburn. It symbolized the youthful, charming element of her wardrobe, whether she wore it on a fitted dress or paired it with whimsical embroidered jackets.

8. The Indigo Jean

In Two for the Road (1967), Hepburn broke away from her usual high-fashion attire, opting for indigo jeans and a casual top. This look reflected the growing influence of 1960s street style while maintaining her classic elegance.

9. The Sunglasses

Iconic oversized sunglasses, especially those worn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, are synonymous with Hepburn’s sophisticated public persona. Paired with her casual looks or evening gowns, they were the perfect finishing touch to her ensembles.

10. The Short-Shorts

Long before they became a staple of modern fashion, Hepburn made short-shorts her own, often wearing them on off-duty days. With a casual plaid shirt and a pair of white high-waist shorts, she epitomized easy, breezy style.

11. The Oversized White Shirt

Another casual favorite, Hepburn’s oversized white shirt, often worn with bare legs, gave her a relaxed, modern look. Paired with minimal jewelry, it was the perfect combination of comfort and style.

12. The Stripe Shirt

Hepburn had a timeless love for stripes, often sporting them as a tribute to her French influences. Whether paired with black pants or worn over a swimsuit, the striped shirt became a classic casual look she often wore while relaxing on the Amalfi Coast.

13. The White Lace Gown

In 1954, Hepburn stunned at the Academy Awards in a white lace gown by Givenchy, marking the beginning of her red carpet legacy. The dress, both delicate and bold, would influence generations of women seeking a perfect balance of grace and allure.

14. The Black Dress

The defining moment of Hepburn’s career came when she donned the now-iconic black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The dress, simple yet elegant, would go on to define the little black dress as the ultimate wardrobe staple.

15. The Blush-Pink Mini Dress

For her wedding to Andrea Dotti in 1969, Hepburn wore a blush-pink mini dress, a look that remains as fresh today as it was decades ago. The soft fabric and modest cut captured her signature style—feminine yet unpretentious.

16. The Full-Look Beige

In her later years, Hepburn embraced a more streamlined, refined wardrobe. Beige trousers, crisp shirts, and neat sweaters became her go-to, echoing her more introspective, humanitarian phase after her acting career ended.

17. The Chandelier Earring

Chandelier earrings were a statement piece that always caught the light as Hepburn moved through her glamorous nights. Whether in gold hoops or diamond drops, they were the perfect complement to her evening gowns, enhancing her radiant smile.

Audrey Hepburn’s wardrobe was not just about clothes—it was about the way those clothes made her feel and how they reflected her multifaceted life. From a young woman who endured war and hardship, to an international movie star and a dedicated humanitarian, Hepburn’s wardrobe tells the story of an extraordinary life lived in both style and substance. Her legacy lives on not just in the clothes she wore, but in how those clothes inspired generations to come.