Audrey Hepburn's most iconic role in Breakfast at Tiffany's has memorized audiences since 1961, her style, glamour, charm, and relate-ability has so many lessons from which we can all learn.
When watching Breakfast at Tiffany's, Audrey captivates our full attention without saying a word during the very opening credits. Her understated style is something that will never go out of fashion!
Audrey(or, Holly as in the film, but I like using her real name better!) is effortlessly glamorous. She chooses one piece on which to focus attention, such as a giant hat, her sunglasses, or jewelry. “A man can learn everything he wants to know about you by your earrings” she says, which rings quite a bit of truth. Her nude trench-coat she wears in several scenes could have been purchased at Barney's just yesterday, instead of 1961. Simple, focused style will never let you down.
Part of Audrey's glamour, even more so than her wardrobe, I believe, is her charm and mystery. If you listen to her carefully as she interacts with anyone, not just people she has known previously, but strangers included, she speaks to them as if they are her very best friend and she is confiding all trust in them. At first she seems naive, but as the plot unfolds, we see that her charm is not a silly act, but a true respect for people and not a mask of her intelligence. She uses the endearment “darling” or “dear” with everyone, and this brings her so much closer to our hearts. She will confide little secrets with various people in her life, but not enough to where she ever loses her mystery and you think you know her completely. She is a lady that keeps us intrigued.
While Audrey is an icon, as I watched the film I realized that what makes her so loved by young women, is that there are many pieces of ourselves that we see her act out. College girls everywhere are poor, crafty, and short on time. In “Holly's” apartment, if you look carefully her couch is actually made out of an old bathtub with pillows thrown on it!
And she uses space under her bed to store shoes, not a fancy sex-and-the-city style closet but something that we all have done. She is constantly searching for money, being late with her bills, and not being able to afford anything she wants. This does not effect her charm, being wealthy has never meant, and will never mean being glamourous or fashion forward. She climbs out of windows, has an apartment party with lots of people she doesn't know, and is always searching for new ways to wear and adapt the few pieces of clothing she has. When she first meets Paul, she welcomes him in like her oldest friend, and we see her throw herself together (much like many of us have!) in about 5 minutes, from sleep mask to movie star. Hopping about and crawling on the floor looking for her shoes. The truth is, what makes Audry such a star, is her effortless fashion, and her respect and true love for everyone and anyone around her.
There is more of Audrey in us then we think.
So to simplify and summarize what to take from Audrey Hepburn's effortless glamour;
-When shopping (especially on a tight budget), purchase simple timeless pieces that fit you well, such as a nude trench coat, dark wash straight jeans, a simple one color dress, black pumps and single button blazers,and keep up with trends with accessories and styling of the garmet.
-No matter who they were, Audrey treated everyone from the doorman to the millionaires with the same amount of respect and endearment. It delights those around you if you call them darling or dear once in awhile.
-Never let on that you spend hours on your hair, makeup, outfit, etc. Mary Kay once said “A lady never tells her age or her weight, if she will tell you those things she will tell you anything, and she is not a lady at all.” In other words, no lady gives away her mystery.
-Glamour comes more from your heart, then your looks.
-You should seem effortless.
