Channeling Audrey Hepburn in a Black Hat
Updated: Aug 9
Hat: Amazon, similar here / Similar top here (S-XL) / Similar outfit here (2-22) / Shoes: Cole Haan, similar here
Hat: Amazon / Dress: Boden / Shoes: Cole Haan, similar here
Actress Audrey Hepburn was a beautiful person inside and out, in youth and maturity.
Her movies Breakfast at Tiffany's and Funny Face are still cherished today. She had a graceful profile and long neck that looked smashing in any chapeau.
Of all the elements in her fashion legacy, Audrey's headwear is the most iconic. Let's delve into her love affair with hats.
In this article, I'll show you
peeks of designer millinery in the book Audrey Hepburn in Hats
shopping tips for Holly Golightly-inspired accessories
a video of my Breakfast at Tiffany's-inspired look
Book: Amazon / Lipstick: fresh papaya, Neutrogena / Gloves: vintage
Audrey Hepburn in Hats: The Book
Every hat lover should pick up a copy of Audrey Hepburn in Hats. Or be gifted one. Penned by fashion writer June Marsh, it's a beautifully printed photography book. It spotlights stunning shots of Audrey in the era's millinery masterpieces.
Here's a small glimpse at the many hats featured in the book. Don't they capture Audrey's charm, allure, and whimsy?
Photos of Audrey Hepburn in a designer hat
In a Givenchy hat while filming How to Steal a Million, 1966.
As Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, 1964.
Arriving at London airport, April 1964.
In a Givenchy hat on the set of Funny Face, 1956, with her dog Famous.
As Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's, 1961.
Creating a Holly Golightly-inspired look
Naturally we'll start with the hat. In the photos and video below, I'm wearing a black straw hat from Amazon. The brim is a generous 6 inches wide, and looks great flipped up or down. (Update: if it's unavailable, this one is similar).
I prefer the brim downward to channel Holly Golightly's air of mystery. It's also marvelous for sun protection.
I was ecstatic that the hat shipped in a box! Unfortunately it was still mildly squashed. I reshaped it with my trusty handheld steamer, and let it cool upside down.
Similar hat: Wallaroo / Lipstick: Estee Lauder
The lip color
I searched the drugstore for a lip color to mimic Holly's early 60's peach lipstick. Ultimately I decided to go for my beloved Estee Lauder Pure Color Illuminating Shine lipstick in 'dreamlike.'
I find it's a contemporary, wearable version of the shade Audrey wore in the film. The magnetic closure and gold exterior give me endless joy.
The dress
In the photos I am wearing a plum taffeta outfit I drafted and sewed. You can find a sleeveless black dress like the one in the movie here, and a similar long sleeve dress here.
The vintage accessories
Next, you may be wondering what that black stick is in the photo above. Holly was flaunting a cigarette holder. I am holding a personalized chopstick.
I tied a narrow lace scarf (thrifted years ago) around the hat's brim (similar hat here), and let it drape down one side. Both the navy gloves and clip-on earrings are vintage. They're from Etsy and my husband's grandmother, respectively.
The shoes
I must confess I am not passionate about footwear. I favor a minimal shoe collection in solid, neutral colors.
Luckily, solid black serves this look. I am wearing patent leather Cole Haan wedges from eons ago. You can find similar wedges here, and black heels like Holly wears here.
Thank you for reading!
May you channel Audrey's elegance and optimism.
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