Style File: Audrey Hepburn

LAST UPDATE ON: May 24th, 2023

Audrey Hepburn was a fashion icon, whether she wanted to be or not. Her personal style seemed effortless while remaining classy and fabulous. Her chic looks were copied the world over, she was the epitome of a trendsetter. Audrey Hepburn was born on May 4, 1929, though she passed too soon, she was a head-turner until her last. In fact, She is one of the few people in the world that hold the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony, EGOT titleholders have won all four), unfortunately, two were awarded posthumously so she didn’t even know how celebrated she was and is.

The classic image from Breakfast at Tiffany's. Store faded behind her while she has an updo, a tiara, a black dress, a large pearl and diamond necklace, black opera gloves. She had her face leaned into her hand and she is smoking a cigarette with a long cigarette holder. — Audrey in *Breakfast at Tiffany’s*.

Picture of a woman in all black, black hair in chignon, cigarette pants, sitting on a stool. Wearing ballet flats. Audrey Hepburn

When we think of Audrey Hepburn it is hard not to immediately go to Tiffany & Co., in your mind. By starring as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Hepburn firmly cemented herself as part of jewelry history. The movie is not only about jewelry, per se, but it thrust Tiffany & Co. into a new stratosphere. A once well-known jewelry house was now an iconic household name and travel photo-op destination.

Audrey Hepburn sitting sideways on a striped sofa, image is greyscale, bare legged, pearl earrings, oversized white button down shirt, she is writing a note and has her head turned to the camera with a bit of a side eyed mischievous look.

While Ms. Hepburn was often full glam on screen, she tended to go a little more relaxed when off-screen. She did blow it out on occasion and dress to the nines but her day-to-day elegance was more subtly delivered. Ballet flats instead of massive heels, studs instead of big flashy earrings. Her sons were said to have only realized that she was famous because of photographers, they only knew her to style herself casually. Having started her performing life as a ballet dancer, she carried that sense of delicate elegance throughout her entire career.

Audrey Hepburn in a ballroom, from the film Roman Holiday. She is in a pink off the shoulder gown with a darker pink sash, a tiara, diamond necklace, and multiple diamond brooches. She has one full length white opera glove. — Audrey in *Roman Holiday*.

In 2017, Christie’s in London held an auction of over 400 items that had belonged to Audrey. The much-anticipated auction resulted in over six million dollars in sales in part I alone. Her sons found the auction to be a way to share her spirit with more of the people who loved her.

Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer, image is greyscale, he is on the left in a suit and is slightly balding. Audrey is on the right, he hair is in an updo, she is wearing a white sleeveless top, her hand is on his shoulder and her wedding band is visible. — Audrey and then-husband, Mel Ferrer. Her wedding band is easily seen here.

While Audrey did not overly love collecting jewelry in her own life, she did appreciate having quality pieces that could be used time and time again. She was ahead of her time in the concept of creating a quality capsule jewelry wardrobe. Looking at all of the photos of her that now live on the internet, she seemed to have enjoyed a little more sparkle in her later years. She was classically beautiful and carried herself with grace and elegance throughout her life. What a magnificent May baby, fashion suffered a loss with her passing.

Robert Wolders and Audrey Hepburn both dressed in black tie on a black background. — Audrey and her companion, the last love of her life: Robert Wolders.

GET THE LOOK:

Akoya Cultured Pearl and Diamond Halo Stud Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold. — Akoya Cultured Pearl and Diamond Halo Stud Earrings in 14k Yellow Gold from Blue Nile.

Dangling Leaf Drop Diamond Earrings in 14K White Gold. — Dangling Leaf Drop Diamond Earrings in 14K White Gold from B2C Jewels.

An immensely talented actress and overall performer, a stand-out beauty, a humanitarian, and more. The juxtaposition of her bejeweled onscreen life and her more demure offscreen looks is fascinating. She was stunning in any style. I can’t imagine that there are many PriceScopers that don’t know of Audrey Hepburn. We would love to hear what your favorites of her looks are! Please chime in the comments.

Written by Kayti Kawachi