Once upon a time, grace wore Givenchy. And that grace was none other than the iconic British actress… Audrey Hepburn. Audrey’s influence stretched far beyond the silver screen and into the seams of her style. As both a film and fashion icon she has received incredible accolades, such as being ranked by the American Film Institute as the 3rd greatest female screen legend from Classical Hollywood cinema and she’s been inducted into the International Best Dressed Hall of Fame list. Audrey was associated with a very minimalistic look defined by simple silhouettes and monochromatic color palettes. She developed a more “immitateable” feminine ideal than those such as Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. Audrey even said in 1989 that “my look is attainable…Women can look like Audrey Hepburn by flipping out their hair, buying the large glasses and the little sleeveless dresses.”
While some girls chase trends, others create timelessness, which is exactly what Audrey did– deeming her worthy of the “it girl” title. But, what is an it girl and what is the psychology behind her and the fact that we all want to be her?
An it girl is a trendsetter. She is magnetic. Someone who embodies confidence and the style that that captures. The psychology behind this ideal? It revolves around creating an image of confidence, individuality, and something to aspire after. This image is driven by a sense of self-assuredness, social influence, and a perfectly polished public persona. There is an element of fearlessness, risk taking, and the ability to define and set trends.
It girls are unafraid to stand out and take risks with their clothing, even if it sets them apart from the crowd. This individuality is what makes them aspirational figures. This is exactly who Audrey was. She built a wardrobe that curated her signature look. She didn’t buy into every trend and the fast-changing styles that surround us. Her closet was filled with quality pieces that were timeless, elegant, and very versatile. Think the little black dress, tailored trousers, classic coats, and the black leggings she popularized. Her look was so well defined that it lasted her whole life.
The “it girl” can be a carefully crafted persona that shows someone as the best version of themselves, which is why it is so important to present a consistent, compelling, and often enviable public image. She famously said that Givenchy’s clothes (the designer she collaborated with for her whole life) made her feel like herself and that he was a “personality maker”. She knew who she was and how she wanted to dress and didn’t let trends or public opinion sway her, which creates the confidence and individuality of an it girl that everyone desires. During Audrey’s era, many other actresses and public figures were embracing huge gowns and ornate details, but Audrey held true to her neutrals, clean lines, and understated pieces. Her uniqueness and confidence in her style allowed her to influence cultural and societal norms, becoming a trendsetter and creating the perception that her life was both attainable and aspirational.
A look into Audrey Hepburn wouldn’t be complete without at least touching on her lifelong collaboration with the designer Givenchy. This duo began when Audrey wore subsequent outfits by Givenchy in the film Sabrina and then became the “ultimate recipient” of Givenchy’s more subdued approach to luxurious style. Some iconic pieces include a double-breasted skirt suit in Sabrina which emulated her character’s new found sophistication. Or the white beaded bodice gown, Audrey wore to the 1975 Academy Awards. These pieces were chic and elegant, but also more simple and not driven by trends. Instead, they were pieces that didn’t lose their power over the years.
Some icons fade with time. But, Audrey? She just became the standard. Her impeccable taste, composure among chaos, her love for iconic pieces like the “little black dress”, and most of all her authenticity and confidence in her look uphold her fashion influence to this very day. Audrey Hepburn remains a symbol of sophistication and elegance. What first seemed to just be the look of an “ordinary girl” became a highly sought-after persona, which can be attributed to Audrey’s “it girl” persona thanks to her individuality, risk-taking, cohesion, and of course the grace she always held herself with. Grace, wit, and a touch of rebellion– encapsulated behind one perfectly drawn cat-eye.
xoxo, S