One of Audrey Hepburn’s most iconic outfits is a casual look that she wore in the movie Funny Face. It combines sleek black cigarette pants with a black turtleneck and chunky loafers. A very plain column of black with lots of coverage. I’m not a fan of head-to-toe black outfits (unless there is see-through black lace incorporated into the look), but Audrey somehow makes it look spectacular. The white socks are an unexpected and playful touch.
The outfit below reminds me of Audrey’s iconic look, with a few important differences. The gold hardware detailing on the belt, bangle and shoe buckles breaks up the column of black, which to my eye makes all the difference. It takes the outfit from drab to fab, when the coat and bag are removed for indoor settings. The outfit looks wonderful — and far less black — with the toffee coat and taupe bag, but that’s only true when you’re outside. This makes the subtle addition of the gold all the more important.
It’s a versatile modern classic outfit that’s easy to replicate, and comfortable too. Feel free to adjust the neckline of the top to suit your needs, and by all means wear cropped black jeans or cropped flares instead of black cigarette pants. Black oxfords will work instead of loafers, and so will a navy coat instead of a toffee topper.
