Celebrating Audrey Hepburn’s best fashions and philanthropy

Today would have been Audrey Hepburn’s 85th birthday. Not only was the star an actress and philanthropist, but she is also one of the most influential people in fashion history. Many important styles can be traced back to her fashion moves throughout her career. From Breakfast at Tiffany’s and My Fair Lady, to her outfits and volunteer work, Hepburn made a big impact on many throughout her lifetime, and is  great role model for all women.

One of Hepburn’s most iconic contributions to the fashion world is “the little black dress,” which premiered in Breakfast at Tiffany’s opening scene, where Holly (played by Hepburn) strolled down the streets of New York enjoying a bakery treat. Since then, the lbd has remained a wardrobe staple— and something that every woman should have in her wardrobe. Throughout the film, she also had many fabulous hairstyles, including her classic updo.

 

Another trend from the film, Hepburn often wore trench coats. In the closing scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, she and George Peppard sporting matching trenches as they walked the streets of New York in search of “Cat.”

Hepburn was always bold with her style, especially went it came to movie roles. She made a drastic change to her appearance during her role in “Roman Holiday,” when she chopped off her gorgeous brunette locks for a more clean pixie style when she was hiding. The cut has recently made a comeback among young women, for its low maintenance factor and fashion sense.

Hepburn also knew a thing or two about accessorizing. The starlet always donned fashionable outerwear, including hats. From berets to wide brimmed sun hats, Hepburn knew how to sport a bonnet.

 

Here, Hepburn sports stripes and a braided ballerina bun— which are both very trendy today. Her looks were often simple, but always made a big statement.

 

While most people’s thoughts about Hepburn are mostly about her beauty, style and acting, she was so much more than that. She did a lot of work to help others, including her role as a special ambassador with UNICEF, where she worked to help children in Latin America from 1988 to 1993. After having a difficult childhood growing up in a Netherlands town taken over by Hitler— andcoming out of it to break into a successful acting career— she gave back her time, which is one of the reasons People named her one of the 50 most beautiful people of all time.

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone,” Hepburn said.

Audrey Hepburn is an icon for many reasons. She helped us laugh, and reminded us we aren’t alone — even though “people don’t own people.”  While she is no longer in the world, she left us with a good quote to keep in mind:

“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.”

All photos in this post are courtesy of Google Images.