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04th May 2015

Eight Reasons Audrey Hepburn Remains One Of Our Favourite Style Icons

Oh Audrey.

Cathy Donohue

Audrey Hepburn was born on May 4th, 1929.

Although Audrey had an effortless elegance that can’t be taught, we have gleaned a few tips from looking back at old photos.

To pay tribute to Audrey on what would have been her birthday, here are some of the reasons the Breakfast at Tiffanys actress is still regarded as a style icon, 12 years after her death.

Never be afraid to experiment

Audrey was never scared to experiment with fashion.

From the short dress she wore to marry Andrea Dotti to her staple uniform of slacks and a crisp shirt, the Belgian born actress knew exactly what she was about.

Audrey Hepburn With Her New Husband Andrea Dotti After The Wedding Ceremony

Every girl deserves to be a princess

The Roman Holiday star knew that tiaras aren’t just for royalty and she wore the headpiece exactly how it should be, with pride and elegance.

Now, we’re not likely to be gifted tiaras anytime soon but it’s still very important to remember that every girl deserves to be treated like a princess.

Close-up of Audrey Hepburn in a scene of the movie Roman Holiday

Red lipstick will always be in style

We can’t credit just Audrey with this one as there are many leading ladies who love a glamorous scarlet look. Still, Audrey’s red lip is one we would all like to replicate.

Audrey Hepburn

SMILE…

It sounds simple but this is one thing we often forget to do, often because we’re stressing about how the outfit actually looks.

If you feel good, you will look good and a smile is the best accessory you can have. Not to mention the fact it won’t cost you a thing (unlike a Mulberry bag).

Hepburn In 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'

Dare to be different

You’re print obsessed, prefer a midi skirt to its mini sister or (wait for it) you love pairing black with navy.

It really doesn’t matter, opting for something different makes you stand out and guess what, there’s nothing wrong with that.

Audrey Hepburn

Sunglasses are a MUST-HAVE

Ray-Bans, cat eyes, oversized, bug eye… whatever your choice, there’s no doubt that sunglasses can come in very handy at times.

From shielding your eyes from the sun, covering up tired peepers or adding something special to your simple jeans and t-shirt combo, there’s a lot to be said for shades.

Audrey Hepburn, British actress. Paris, 1964. HA-1

Simplicity is key

Some of the most iconic images are of of Audrey Heburn wearing a little black dress and a string of pearls.

This proves that a simple outfit can be just as powerful as a statement one and it’s one reason why the LBD is one item in your wardrobe you’ll return to time and time again.

Portrait Of Audrey Hepburn

Always have fun

When researching this piece, we didn’t find one picture of a gloomy Audrey.

Always smiling and laughing, the Breakfast at Tiffany’s actress was the picture of happiness. While we know this probably wasn’t always true, a smile is an accessory that we can all afford.

Some Like It Cold