When it comes to style, Audrey Hepburn has always been at the top of my inspiration list. She’s known for her elegant simplicity, clean lines, and classic silhouettes. Her style is timeless, and I always try to channel her class and effortlessly chic looks when I shop for clothes.
When I decided to write about what it was like to dress like her for a week, I thought it would be a breeze. Of course I have classic pieces in my wardrobe that are Audrey approved…or so I thought. I scoured Pinterest for inspiration, and I came to find that my closet wasn’t as classic and timeless as I thought. I sifted through ruffles and tassels and bell sleeves and cold shoulders, but I couldn’t seem to find any basic tees, turtlenecks, and classic skirts. I just didn’t have as many classic pieces as I thought I did.
Luckily, I was able to put together five Audrey inspired looks for a week of classes and interning. Here’s how it went:
Day One: Stripes
Photography by Abby Strusowski
This was the easiest for me, by far. Audrey loved stripes, and so do I! I just got this dress from Lilly Pulitzer in the mail, and while the bottom is much more colorful than something you’d expect to see on Audrey, the top half was a pretty good match. Since stripes are such a classic print and a common theme in my closet, no one suspected that I was modeling my style after Audrey.
Day Two: Cropped pants, black top
Photography by Abby Strusowski
This is one of my all-time favorite looks on Audrey. I’ve always been a fan of cropped pants because the shape is so chic and flattering, and when I first came across this image of her, I knew I was right to love the look. Audrey wore an all-black ensemble, so to modernize the look for campus I wore cropped skinny jeans, a three-quarter length black blouse, and pointed toe flats. Again, no one suspected I was trying to look like a fashion icon…but I did feel a bit chicer on this day.
Day Three: Button-down shirt
Photography by Abby Strusowski
Another closet staple of mine: a chambray shirt. This is one of my most prized possessions in my closet. One of my favorite go-to outfits is a button-down shirt, a statement necklace, black denim jeans and booties. When I came across this picture of Audrey twisting her shirt instead of buttoning it, I knew it would be hard to mimic…and I was right. I struggled to mock this look for a few minutes before giving up completely. I decided that the shirt was enough to recreate the look – another easy find in my closet!
Day Four: Trenchcoat
I found this trench coat-inspired duster while on a shopping trip to Primark with Her Campus, and it was something I’ve been wanting for a while. I knew I had to buy it when I saw it! A trench is such a classic wardrobe must-have, and it’s something Audrey wore both on and off the screen. Needless to say, you can modernize this look by buying a duster like this or by getting yourself an actual trench raincoat (and honestly, I have another trench coat in my closet that I’m dying to break out once the weather gets cooler).
Day Five: Breakfast at Tiffany’s inspired dress & pearls
I couldn’t go without paying homage to Audrey’s most recognizable look. It goes without saying that almost everyone recognizes the black dress and pearls. Of all the looks I wore, I think this one was most clearly representative of the icon I was modeling my style after. I wouldn’t typically wear this look on a day full of classes or interning, but I had to throw it on in honor of this piece. I bought this pearl necklace from H&M a few years ago, and it was one of the smartest jewelry purchases I ever made. Whether or not you’d go all out with a Breakfast at Tiffany’s inspired look, pearls and an LBD are essentials for every collegiette.
So, after a full week of dressing like Audrey Hepburn, no one seemed to suspect anything…and I think I’ll take that as a good thing! Even though I struggled at first to put together classic outfits, I ultimately realized that style isn’t always about having the cutest, trendiest tops in my closet as soon as they hit the stores. In fact, if you want to model your style after Audrey, go for the classic pieces that will last you a lifetime. That’s what Audrey did, and it worked out well!