Audrey dressed from head to toe in beatnik black, except for the white socks… This is how millions of people picture the actress when they hear her name. She donned the now legendary black polo neck, 7/8 cigarette pants and Ferragamo suede penny loafers for the energetic dance sequence in the 1957 feel-good musical Funny Face. The movie tells the story of bookstore assistant Jo Stockton (Audrey Hepburn) who finds her store overrun for a fashion magazine photoshoot. Photographer Dick Avery (Fred Astaire) is intrigued by Jo’s unique appearance. He convinces her to come to Paris, where she’s turned into a much sought-after supermodel and, of course, falls in love. Funny Face wasn’t a blockbuster success when it was first released, but has become a classic, just like Audrey’s stovepipe trousers ensemble

This is undoubtedly one of the most iconic Audrey outfits of all time, and the perfect choice for the wonderful Parisian nightclub scene. The minimalist clothes emphasized her gamine features, dancer’s physique and lithe, supple movements. The entire movie is a visual feast, chock-full of magnificent outfits created by renowned Hollywood designer Edith Head and French couturier Hubert de Givenchy. They received well-deserved Oscar nominations for their brilliant costume designs. But I have to say that, as much as I adore the long red strapless evening gown or the super chic coat and midi dress outfit at the train station (complete with gorgeous hat and adorable Yorkie), I too fell hard for Audrey’s black dance ensemble. And in all its elegant simplicity it continues to be one of my favourite movie outfits of all time.

If you have seen the movie, what is your top fashion pick? And which other film costumes would you say have become as iconic as Audrey’s?

Now in YLF Book Club

We are chatting about Dana Thomas’ Deluxe – How Luxury Lost Its Luster, a behind-the-scenes look at how the luxury fashion industry has changed drastically over the years. Join us in today’s kick-off thread to add your two cents.

Quick Reminder: On the Book Club page you can find the schedule of previous, current and future Book Club titles.

Sometimes our styles undergo 180 degree shifts in colour, fabrication and silhouette preferences from one season to the next. And sometimes the changes are a lot more subtle, if there are changes at all. 

When I compare my current outfit combinations to those of last Autumn, I notice significant differences. Some of these changes were in line with a gradual evolution of my style preferences. And others were quite unexpected. 

• I’m trouser-crazy. I have three years of trouser season to thank for my trouser-love. The affection started two years ago and I’m not looking back. I’m even sporting wide leg trousers for the very first time. Trousers, in all sorts of shapes, colours, patterns and fabrications, make my heart sing because they feel modern and no-nonsense. I LOVE trousers.  
• I’m off dresses and pencil skirts. Three years ago you couldn’t get me out of my frocks and pencils, but this year you can’t get me out of my trousers. One exception: I am enjoying my flared skirts.
• I’m wearing jeans far less frequently. That way, I can wear my trousers more frequently. That said, my zippered skinnies, jodhpur jeans and white jeans are still favourites, and I’m enjoying my slouchy skinnies and boyfriend jeans just as much.  
• I’m almost over the rugged-tough look. Nothing will stop me from wearing my Dr. Martens 20 eyelets, black biker jackets and faded denim jackets because those items have been part of my style soul for decades. But other than that, I’m finding a softer look far more appealing. Hence my blush pink moto jacket, and my love for lace, light blue, flared skirts and refined footwear. I still have a strong tomboy style gene, but prefer to interpret those looks in dainty ways.   
• I’m a bold pattern mixer. This is a huge surprise for minimalist me. I’ve found the pattern mixing trend extremely contagious, and seeing as I don’t wear jewelry, pattern mixing has become “my jewelry”.  
• I’m loving dark blue. It’s right up there with my favourite neutrals black, and all shades of white. I just bought an ink blue coat and I’m taking it out for its first spin this weekend.  
• I’m a daytime clutch convert. As a bag lady, I’m proud to unexpectedly be part of this small team.  

There are aspects of my style that haven’t changed, like my love for all things crisp, clean, minimal, simple and strict. I still adore shirts, blouses, sleek black turtlenecks, polka dots, stripes, plaid, military style details, blazers, pearls, all things cream and white, sour brights, menswear inspired items, flat and low heeled footwear, big watches and lipstick. Above all, I am still a modern classic gal who likes to amp up the modern and feels naked without her classics. 

Over to you! I so enjoy hearing how your style evolves from one season to the next. Please share your changes and your constants in the comments section. Perhaps we are evolving our styles in similar ways, or maybe we’re going in completely different directions.

How did Kermit Oliver, a postal worker from Texas, come to design sixteen iconic scarves for the French luxury brand Hermès? Read the full story, inspiring and tragic, on TexasMonthly.com.

From fashion journalists, footwear and clothing designers to boutique owners and magazine editors, on Exposed Zippers Lisa Weiss wants to “uncover stories behind the people who make fashion happen”.

“What compels you to create?”, that’s the question EcoSalon put to a number of designers and artisans who believe in using ethically responsible methods to produce their collections.

Fab Links from Our Members

Lisa strives for a minimal closet so these 15 Fashions for 30 Days, put together with pieces from the Fall 2012 CAbi Collection, are right up her alley.

Winter is coming, and Ingunn finds Janice’s idea of wearing cropped black pants with opaque tights and flats quite interesting. But should the tights be a contrast colour or blend with the shoes and/or pants, she asks.

Laurinda loved these Pixelated Fashion Accessories, and suggests the pixelated face makeup and shirt would make a great Halloween costume. (ETA: some images might not be safe for work.)

If you enjoy simple, strong, modern and minimal style, then Angie highly recommends that you follow “StylewithClass” on Pinterest, and the “Street Chic” board in particular. 

CocoLion can’t stop thinking about Martin Margiela’s collection for H&M, and hopes that everyone who has seen it in the stores reports back.

“Effortless chic works best on a linear body because the clothes can hang loose and still look the way they were intended. Whereas people who are curvier need more fitted clothes and will therefore always look less relaxed.”  Vildy thinks image consultant Lisa Pippus’ viewpoint makes a lot of sense and wonders how you feel about the statement. 

Carole recommends this informative post about different ways to cuff and roll your jeans.

Gaylene has often thought that frumpiness, at any age, has more to do with ill-fitting clothing than with how the actual items are being worn, and adds that this picture and post really illustrate that point.

Do you feel guilty when you splurge on a big-ticket item? Kristin liked how Shannyn over at Frugal Beautiful justified saving for two years for a pair of coveted Louboutins. 

MaryK is completely smitten with Catherine’s amazing casual outfit over at Not Dressed as Lamb. She loves every single detail and says to pay special attention to the three vintage watches on one wrist.

Last but not least, Greg invites us to continue our tour of the best fashion museums around the world with stops in Antwerp, Bath, Amsterdam and quite a few other enchanting places that often specialize in one aspect of style.

I’ve combed through every item in ladieswear and put together a shortlist of my top picks. Remember to check all the colour options.

Dresses

• MARC BY MARC JACOBS ‘Frankie’ Fringe Dress: A classic piece with just the right amount of modern. 
• Laundry by Shelli Segal Leather Inset Dress: If you like short body con dresses, give this one a bash because it’s sleeved and the fabric is substantial. Looks sweet over leggings for extra coverage. 
• M Missoni Space Dye Knit Dress: A relaxed, chic look that can be worn as a tunic over leather pants. 
• Eliza J Knit Shift Dress: A fun mod frock. 
• Adrianna Papell Lace & Taffeta Dress: A romantic frock with a long shelf life. 
• Adrianna Papell Shimmer Shutter Pleat Dress (Plus): I’ve seen this one on a client and it’s gorgeous. 
• Vince Camuto Sleeveless Faux Leather Sheath Dress: It’s uncanny how much this dress resembles leather when it’s ponte knit with a leather-esque finish. Breathable and comfy. 

Bottoms

• Theory ‘Rosemon – Classical’ Colorblock Skinny Pants: Moto cross jeggings that aren’t black. Fun! 
• Theory ‘Nabiki C. Magistrate’ Leather Trim Pants: Slim fit trousers with leather insets are mega modern. Runs small. 
• 7 For All Mankind ‘The Skinny’ Coated Jeans (Metallic Rosemetal): You’d have fun at a casual holiday party wearing this shiny number. Hello science fashion. 
• Halogen Elastic Waistband Bouclé Skirt: A versatile basic. 
• Classiques Entier ‘Felise’ Plaid Pencil Skirt: It’s fun to see a pencil skirt with off centre front button detailing. 
• Vince Camuto Ornate Paisley Pencil Skirt (Petite): Another option for a casual holiday party.

Tops

• Tory Burch ‘Hutton’ Crewneck Sweater: I almost bought this pullover but a persimmon bateau neck style won me over. 
• Bellefleur Houndstooth Print Top: A super little layering top for under a blazer. 
• MARC BY MARC JACOBS ‘Nikolai’ Sweater: Cozy and vibrant. 
• Nordstrom Collection Cashmere Tunic Sweater: I have happy clients in this sweater because it’s a “pull on and go” style that’s refined and extra comfortable. 
• Vince Camuto Sequin Stripe Sweater: I loved this sweater worn over a plaid skirt. Another fun casual holiday look. 
• Just Cavalli ‘Appaloosa’ Print Satin Shirt: This would work with almost everything in my wardrobe. Sassy. 

Coats and Jackets

• Soia & Kyo Knit Collar Tweed Walking Coat: A sporty, elegant and casual coat. Runs small. 
• Sam Edelman Quilted Leather Moto Jacket: A fab classic. 
• Bernardo Leather Scuba Jacket (Plus): Another fab classic.
• Classiques Entier ‘Baron’ Plaid Jacket: A jacket with a distinct ’70s vibe. Could be fab worn over distressed jeans or a leather skirt. 
• Tahari ‘Adelle’ Pillow Collar Coat (Nordstrom Exclusive): Dressier puffers are a rare breed, but this one fits the bill. 

Footwear

• Boutique 9 ‘Blaine’ Boot: I vote taupe. Great for Spring as well as Autumn and Winter. 
• Everybody ‘Cappalla’ Pump: A burgundy bootie with a playful rosette. 
• Dolce Vita ‘Brayden’ Oxford: Another way to add burgundy to your style in a subtle way. 
• Pour la Victoire ‘Allena’ Boot: A dramatic pair of red booties adds punch to a neutral outfit. 

Bags

• High Fashion Handbags Clutch: A neon little darling is just right for the holiday season. 
• RED Valentino ‘Bow’ Leather Tote: I could stare at this beauty all day and it’s not even close to being my colour. 
• Halogen Calf Hair Zip Out Leather Tote: A tote with a wild inset. 
• RED Valentino ‘Leopard Flower’ Clutch: This might have my name on it. 
• Vieta Faux Leather Cube Wristlet: If you’re after a very compact but insatiably cute bag, this is it. 
• SR Squared by Sondra Roberts Patent Snake Print Clutch: And here’s an affordable way to try the daytime clutch trend in fun colours. 

There is lots more to browse if nothing here tickles your fancy. Prices drop as the season progresses, but so does the variety and size assortment. If you’re a bargain shopper, check out the sales before Boxing Day, because you will have more options.