Who doesn’t love Audrey Hepburn’s look when she played Holly Golightly in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s?
Breakfast at Tiffany’s is one of my favorite movies to watch in my boudoir. It’s one of those movies you can watch time and time again…it’s light, fun and infused with tons of inspiration from both a home decor and fashion perspective (if you haven’t seen my Breakfast at Tiffany’s Inspired Boudoir post, you can check it out here). Her elegant black gown, effortless updo, jewels and sunglasses have glamour written all over them.
Today I’m going to piece together a look inspired by Holly Golightly herself.
Opening Scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s
How to dress like Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly:
1. Black Dress
Every lady needs a staple little black dress (aka LBD) and/or evening gown in her boudoir closet. If you attend fancy galas and the like, a black evening gown is a good item to keep around. In Holly Golightly’s case, she had plenty of reasons to get dressed up. For her, it was warranted for everyday life, no matter the occasion. In the opening scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Holly stands in front of the the fine jewelry shop admiring the window displays, while enjoying her breakfast…a danish and coffee from Schrafft’s.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s opening scene (back of gown)
In this scene she is wearing a floor length black evening gown designed by Hubert de Givenchy. In some respects we can thank this film for making the LBD a staple for women in the modern world. To give you an idea of how iconic this gown is, it was auctioned off at Christie’s auction house in 2006 and was estimated to sell for 50,000-70,000 GBP. The final price landed at 467,200 GBP!!
Here is how Christie’s auction house described the dress:
“An evening gown of black Italian satin designed by Hubert de Givenchy for Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in the 1961 Paramount film Breakfast At Tiffany’s, the sleeveless, floor-length gown with fitted bodice embellished at the back with distinctive cut-out décolleté, the skirt slightly gathered at the waist and slit to the thigh on one side, labelled inside on the waistband Givenchy…”
Here are some dresses that would allow you to pull off Holly Golightly’s look.
If you have the budget, you could really go for it with a true Givenchy dress:
Givenchy | Pleated Evening Dress with Plunging Neckline | $7,920
Givenchy.com
Here are some more affordable options:
Alfred Sung | Cap Sleeve Dupioni Full Length Dress | $230-$242
Nordstrom.com
Dress the Population | Cleo Halter Dress | $245
Nordstrom.com
Vince Camuto | Velvet & Scuba Crepe Mermaid Dress | $113-$188
Nordstrom.com
Alfred Sung |Strapless High Low Sateen Twill Gown | $242
Nordstrom.com
2. Jewels
A Holly Golightly look would not be complete without a pearl and/or diamond/rhinestone necklace. Contrary to popular beleif, the jewels she wore were not actually from Tiffany & Co. Here are some beautiful necklaces that would allow you to achieve a similar look:
Etsy: AlexiBlackwellBridal | Audrey Hepburn Style Necklace | $199
AlexiBlackwellBridal via Etsy.com
AlexiBlackwellBridal via Etsy.com
AlexiBlackwellBridal via Etsy.com
J. Crew | Cluster Drop Stone Necklace | $99-$118
Jcrew.com
Kenneth Jay Lane | Rhinestone White Pearl Cross Pin | $225
This is a pin, but a fancy brooch can always be attached to a chunky pearl necklace to achieve Holly’s look.
KennethJayLane.com
Etsy: SarahRenaeJewelry | White Freshwater Pearl Statement Brooch Necklace | $98
SarahRenaeJewelry via Etsy.com
3. Sunglasses
Another iconic accessory worn by Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly was her dark sunglasses. I think many people think of her as having worn cat eye glasses, but that is not entirely true. The glasses she wore were by Oliver Goldsmith. The brand is still in existence and they still make a design that is inspired by the glasses worn by Holly Golightly. The style is called Manhattan (1960).
Oliver Goldsmith | Manhattan (1960) | 285 GBP
OliverGoldsmith.com
OliverGoldsmith.com
4. Tiara
A tiara may be a bit over-the-top for everyday life, but if you’re trying to be extra fabulous, why not?
Etsy: StarDustSpark | Audrey Hepburn Headpiece Crown | $27
5. Gloves
I know that if you’re not careful, gloves can leave you with a look remenicent of a 1990’s prom, but gloves can also make your ensemble very elegant. I think of my grandmother in pictures on Easter in the 1950’s with her white gloves and she looked so beautiful and put together. Holly sported a few different looks, both above elbow/opera length (formal) or mid-arm length (semi-formal). If you want to own the look, go for it!
You won’t have to worry about looking cheap in these luxurious gloves. This brand became well known by designing for the queen herself. You will be a class act!
Unique Vintage |Black Satin Opera Length Gloves | $18
6. Heels
Though Holly Golightly had a glamorous style, she was also simple. That is part of the recipe for elegance. My go-to black pump is Sam Edelman, because I have wide feet, and they fit me perfect (I also prefer a higher heel than HG). Holly is usually seen wearing a kitten heel. Whichever look you pull off better…go for it.
Nordstrom |Sam Edelman Hazel Pointy Toe Pump | $130
Nordstrom |Sam Edelman Dori Pump | $130
7. Handbag
Nothing oversized here, ladies. A small clutch or structured frame bag, ideally with a kiss-lock clasp, will do the job.
Nordstrom | Geometric Faux Leather Minaudière
Whether you’re trying to dress up identical to Holly for a costume party, or you just want an elegant look, there are many variations of this look that you can try…and they are all sure to turn heads!
What is your favorite Holly Golightly look?
