There are some women who transcend time, popping up in conversations just as much now as 50 years ago. Audrey Hepburn is one of those women. Whether lauding her role as an international humanitarian, Hollywood starlet, or fashion icon, she left a legacy we love to idolize with our girlfriends. From her iconic little black dresses to her quintessential ballet flats, Hepburn knew what it meant to be simple, classic, and effortlessly chic. She didn’t embody Old Hollywood glamour by drenching herself in diamonds and fur, but by donning flattering trousers and a boyish pixie cut with confidence and grace. Even now, her timeless style leaves us jam-packed with everyday inspiration. Here are 11 style tips every Southern woman should steal from Audrey Hepburn.
A little black dress is always the right answer.
When Holly Golightly dazzled us in her iconic Breakfast at Tiffany’s role, Hepburn opened our eyes to the timeless appeal and simple elegance of a little black dress. If you show up wearing your trusty LBD to any occasion, you’re guaranteed to feel like a million bucks. Throughout her life, Hepburn looked effortlessly chic in her knee-length, tea-length, and formal LBDs—and we’re happy to follow suit. Get her signature style here.
Ballet flats never go out of style.
When we see a pair of traditional ballet flats, we can’t help but remember Audrey Hepburn’s many renditions of the perfect shoe. From riding her bike in cropped trousers complete with headscarf to floating along city sidewalks in her feminine midi skirts, a ballet flat often capped off the ensemble. It’s the ultimate workday-to-weekend shoe. We’d take a pair in every color of the rainbow, thank you. Find the quintessential ballet flat here.
Tailored pieces, like oxford button-downs and cropped trousers, are staples you'll wear for decades.
Hepburn was all about the tailored attire, from her signature cropped trouser to her memorable oversized white button-down. The menswear-inspired look is versatile, stylish, and simple, making it right up the fashion ‘It’ girl’s alley. Try out these cropped trousers to get the look.
Every woman should have a signature beauty look.
Hepburn showed that committing to a signature beauty look is worth it. Her dramatic liner was always flawlessly drawn into a subtle cat-eye, and her brows were plucked into perfection. It created a memorable look that enhanced her natural beauty and—we’re guessing—gave her all the confidence she needed. An honorable mention goes to her beloved red lip that never smudged a centimeter out of place. You’ll need this eyeliner to get the job done.
Don't be afraid to make the chop. (Remember: It's the woman that makes the hair.)
Hepburn proved that femininity isn’t tethered to long, curled locks by rocking a boyish pixie cut that only made her winged liner and red lip more fabulous. Her vivacious personality, natural confidence, and quick wit might have helped make the dramatic chop even more charming, and the baby bangs kept it fun and flattering. If you’re looking for a classic pixie, Hepburn’s is the one to bring to the salon!
Cinching your waist can turn a whole outfit around.
Cinching your waist with a great skinny belt takes you from drab to fab in a matter of seconds, and Hepburn was the master of the quick-fix silhouette. Your natural waist is your slimmest spot, so why not make sure everything there fits just right? Southern ladies know a belted waist makes everything a little better. Find your next favorite belt here.
You can hide anything with statement sunglasses.
Statement sunglasses don’t get nearly enough credit for all of the errands we run on baggy-eyed, makeup-less days, relying on our biggest sunnies to shield us from outsiders. Though Hepburn looks like she never had anything less than a flawless day, she sure knew how to pick the perfect pair of sunglasses to bring along as a faithful companion everywhere. Get her iconic sunglass style here.
Mules are always going to be comfy and cute.
Mules give the perfect finishing touch to tailored pants and flowy midi skirts alike, and Hepburn was onto the white sandal trend well before it started gracing our online shopping carts many years later. Mules offer comfort in terms of silhouette and heel height, while adding a fashionable edge to any look. Find the perfect spring mules here.
A silk scarf can be your secret sauce.
Tie it around your neck (or hang it bandana-style), cinch it onto your purse straps, or wrap it around your head—a fun silk scarf gives a great pop of color to a staple ensemble of, say, cropped black trousers and white button-down. You’ll feel like a 1950’s movie star, especially if paired with your best cat-eye sunglasses. Hepburn always seemed to have a silk scarf up her sleeve to whip out when needed. Get the look here.
When in doubt, throw on some pearls or gloves.
Hepburn looked the part of a true debutante when she layered on her strands of pearls and slipped on her silky gloves, proving that every outfit can benefit from a feminine finishing touch. Though her four chunky strands from Breakfast at Tiffany’s will always have our hearts, she was a big fan of pearl drop earrings later in life—showing us the perfect everyday pair to wear for any occasion.
A classic trench coat is the layering piece every woman needs.
A classic trench coat can easily be one of your most versatile pieces, and it’s time to start thinking of it as more than just a rainy-day accessory. It’s the perfect lightweight layer to throw on with jeans, dresses, or even athleisure when you want a little something extra. Audrey Hepburn knew her way around a chic trench coat, and we can’t argue with the mysterious air and stylish appeal of the look. Get the style here.
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