How to Look Like Audrey Hepburn

Reviewed by Barbie Ritzman

Last Updated: September 5, 2024 References

Audrey Hepburn was one of the most beautiful women who ever lived, partially because of her elegance and partially because of her inner beauty. Her style is timeless and spirited, and she brought fashion choices like the little black dress into popular culture. If you want to look like this beloved actress, a classy wardrobe, well-applied makeup, and well-maintained hair can go a long way.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Finding the Right Clothing

Download Article

1
Cultivate a sophisticated wardrobe. Audrey Hepburn wore clothes that never really went out of style. Avoid following the latest trends in fashion. Instead, stick to the basics. One of Audrey's best-known outfits was the little black dress she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany's.^{[1]
X
Research source} Choose clothing that is timeless and durable so you can wear them for decades.
- Because Audrey was already quite tall, she usually wore a pair of flats. Buy several pairs of flats, especially a black pair for any occasion. If you wear heels, choose a short and understated pair.
Audrey Hepburn generally wore neutral colors, like black, beige, and white. These three colors don't go out-of-style and can work in most occasions. Hepburn also wore pink for a splash of vibrancy on occasion. By focusing on one color in her outfits, she was able to highlight her figure.

Advertisement
3
Stick to simple designs. Stay away from loud or busy designs, which will draw attention away from your natural beauty. Instead, pay attention to fit. Audrey Hepburn's clothes complimented her figure well. Record your body measurements, know what your body type is, and try on clothes before you buy them to ensure a good fit.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Ignore clothing sizes, as these can vary between companies. A small at one brand could be a medium elsewhere, or vice-versa. Focus on measurements and sizing charts.
4
Emphasize your wrists, neck, and waist. Audrey Hepburn cultivated an elfish and delicate beauty, which you can mirror by bringing attention to the delicate parts of your body.^{[3]
X
Research source} Choose high-waisted pants or a midriff belt to draw eyes to your waist. Three-quarter length shirts can make your wrists stand out. Halter necklines can draw attention to your neck and shoulders.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Audrey Hepburn also liked wearing scarves to draw attention to the neck. Buy several in neutral colors and accessorize as needed.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
5
Accessorize with subtle, classy jewelry. Audrey is known best for wearing a string of pearls around her neck, a formal look that never goes out of fashion.^{[6]
X
Research source} But don't overload yourself with lots of clunky jewelry. Choose one item to wear at a time so it stands out.
- A pair of large, dark sunglasses is also acceptable, as Audrey often sported a pair on hot days.
- You can also buy a pair of simple stud earrings to mirror her style.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Applying Makeup

Download Article

1
Apply a tinted moisturizer or foundation. Audrey Hepburn had clear skin, which she took care of routinely. Depending on your tastes, apply a tinted moisturizer or foundation to your skin. Match the shade as closely to your skintone as possible.
- Take care of your skin: drink plenty of water, always wear sunscreen, and exfoliate your skin every week.^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
Audrey Hepburn's eyes were the focus of her face. First, apply a layer of beige eyeshadow. Then, use a soft brown or black charcoal liner to draw a cat eye to your top and bottom lids. Finish the look with dark grey eyeshadow and a coat of mascara.
3
Use a powder brush to apply a warm color around the apples of your cheeks. Blush will give you a glow like Audrey Hepburn's bright complexion. Swirl your brush into the blush palette, blowing off any excess to avoid an overstated color deposit on your cheek. Move the brush up from the apples of your cheeks, blending as you go so the color looks natural.
- For a more natural glow, go with a cream blush. Cream blushes are buildable, so you can adjust the intensity without accidentally overdoing it with the color. Apply the cream blush with your fingertips or a makeup sponge. Gently blend upwards from the apples of your cheeks toward your temples.
Audrey Hepburn wore pink and red lipstick shades that matched her complexion. Choose a lipstick color that suits you and doesn't overpower the rest of your makeup. For a put-together look, match your lipstick color with your blush.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Styling Your Hair

Download Article

1
Wear your hair in a french twist. Audrey Hepburn often wore her hair in an elegant French Twist with a slight bouffant.^{[8]
X
Research source} Sweep all your hair to one side and twist your hair up into the opposite direction that you swept it. Insert pins to hold the hair in place, and tuck loose ends into the twist.
- Use hairspray to hold the twist in place.
- This hairstyle is ideal for long hair. If your haircut is shoulder-length or shorter, try a half-up/half down hairstyle or a pixie cut.
2
Tie your hair up in a bun. While filming Bloodline in 1979, Audrey Hepburn wore her hair in a neat bun.^{[9]
X
Research source} Pull your hair back into a high ponytail, securing it with a hair tie. Then, wrap your hair in a spiral around the base of the ponytail and secure the bun with bobby pins. Again, spritz the bun with hairspray for a sleek look.
- Buns come in many different styles. After you've mastered the classic bun, you can try a messy bun, ballerina bun, or a braided bun.
Headscarves were a go-to for Audrey Hepburn; in fact, she even sported one at her wedding to Andrea Dotti.^{[10]
X
Research source} Buy a few headscarves in different colors to wear on days when you don't feel like styling your hair. You could also adapt a regular scarf into a head scarf.
4
Get a pixie cut. In the 1950s, Audrey Hepburn popularized pixie cuts for women.^{[11]
X
Research source} With a little bravery and confidence, you can wear a pixie cut, too. Bring in a picture to your hairdresser so they know what you're looking for. Accessorize your pixie cut with a headband or with bobby pins to give your hair extra "oomph."
- Pixie cuts may seem easier to style than longer haircuts, but they are still high-maintenance. Research different ways to style your pixie cut beforehand so you're ready for the upkeep.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What if we don't have the stuff and don't want to buy it?

Community Answer

If you can't afford a new wardrobe, you could always work on being more classy and graceful like Audrey Hepburn was. Her beauty was not just in how she looked but also the way she carried herself.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 25
Question

What kind of Audrey Hepburn hairstyles work for people with bangs?

Community Answer

French twists work well.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 12
Question

How to look like her in films such as Roman Holiday and Breakfast At Tiffanys?

Community Answer

Roman Holiday: You can use any white or cream button-up blouse, pastel-colored midi skirt, flat sandals, and, if you have shoulder-length or longer hair, do your hair in a half-up/half-down hairstyle (or, if you already have a pixie cut, keep it that way). You can search up some makeup photos of Audrey Hepburn in Roman holiday. Audrey's " Breakfast at Tiffany's" wardrobe consists of a few basics such as a black dress, pearls, evening gloves, kitten heels, a neutral-colored turtleneck sweater, straight-leg pants, and ballet flats. Do your hair in a half up/half down, french twist, and pigtails. Audrey's makeup look was very minimalist and natural.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 15

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

For a finishing touch, add a sweet, floral perfume. Audrey Hepburn often wore a spritz of Joy perfume while filming.^{[12]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Work on your posture. Audrey Hepburn had excellent posture, which gave her a graceful look.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Be authentic to yourself. Part of Audrey Hepburn's beauty came from within because she let her true self show.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0