Despite having starred in over thirty-one movies, Audrey Hepburn remains known for much more than her film career. She was and is a veritable fashion icon, pioneering an aura of timeless elegance that remains unparalleled to this day.

This is why, at an upcoming Sotheby’s auction in Geneva featuring the collections of prominent royal and aristocratic families, the most-awaited crown jewel is arguably the choker-style pearl necklace worn by Hepburn in Roman Holiday, the 1953 film that catapulted her to fame. Audrey was a self-confessed introvert, and having declined to write an autobiography only two years before she succumbed to cancer at 63, what remains of her is her sartorial narrative, undoubtedly the touchstone of her enduring legacy.

Here are a few areas in fashion for which she is lovingly remembered…

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Jewellery

Credit: Deep Sandwich

Upon recalling Audrey Hepburn, one image likely springs to mind: her dazzling upswept bun, the black dress that is a staple in every modern woman’s closet, and most importantly, that layered, gargantuan pearl necklace and mini-tiara. This, of course, is from the opening scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, during which her character Holly Golightly alights from a cab to admire the jewellery house’s storefront as she dreams of becoming a Manhattan socialite.

Many who have not seen the film but are inspired by this timeless look could be unaware that in the story, Holly is most likely only wearing costume jewellery, given her character’s backstory. This was a deliberate choice by costume designers to shun the classic image of the small-town girl. Holly may have only been wearing costume jewellery, but Audrey carried the look with such grace and finesse that it continues to be replicated today, most recently by Martha Stewart at a charity event.

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Sunglasses

Credit: Everything Audrey 

Audrey was widely prized for her doe eyes, giving off a unique combination of vulnerability and allure. This mystique was further highlighted by the cat-eye sunglasses she often wore, another item closely tied to her iconography. Thanks to her role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, black sunglasses have become a staple across top brands like Ray-Ban, Tommy Jeans, and more.

Much like the thick acetate frames from the film’s opening scene, the Pink Ribbon Primrose features a similar tortoiseshell material, with various tints and lens options allowing for versatility; you can even cop Audrey’s look now. Her famed lenses are similarly translucent, so audiences can still see her expressive reactions despite her eyewear.

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Footwear and hats

Credit: Paramount Movies 

Despite her initial aspirations of becoming a ballerina, Audrey’s malnutrition from the Second World War forced her to undergo a career change. However, we see a glimpse of this dream in the 1957 film Funny Face – and in the actress’ extensive collection of Salvatore Ferragamo custom-designed ballet flats, which underscored a sense of quiet luxury while placing comfort at the forefront.

Of course, one would be remiss not to mention the massive hats Audrey donned in the 1964 film My Fair Lady (which we review here), where she plays a loud, working-class flower vendor, a detail that is absurdly exaggerated in her headwear.

Countless other fashion moments dot her career, from the white lace Givenchy gown she donned during her winning night at the 1954 Academy Awards to the red gingham trousers she wasn’t afraid to be photographed re-wearing. But in a sea of fashionable women throughout time, perhaps the answer to Audrey’s significance in fashion is the attitude she embraced while wearing her iconic outfits: one that exuded effortless elegance, old-world charm, and an unmistakable femininity that has stood the test of time.