One of the most memorable fashion icons in history is known for her gamine style. If you’ve ever searched Pinterest for Audrey Hepburn fashion, mastering gamine style is right at your fingertips.
Let’s get started.
What is a Gamine style?
Gamine is a French word that originally meant “of the street”, but has since changed and now references a girl with a mischievous, boyish charm. It’s not to say that the gamine is a tomboy. It is quite the opposite. The gamine is very feminine, but in an unassuming way. It appears that she is quite elegant, without even trying. Nautical influences are often used. The whole essence of the look conveys an effortlessness.
Why are the Gamine essentials important?
With only these 11 pieces, you can create over 70 outfits! Not only that, but when you combine them with the items you already have in your closet, the possibilities are endless! These 11 staples will set the tone for your outfit.
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Striped Top Gathered Sleeves$19.00
What are the Effortless Eleven Essentials for the Gamine?
- Classic Peacoat
- Ankle-strap flats
- Slingback wedge sandals
- Lowish rise skinny jeans
- Cropped wide-leg pants
- Nautical tank top
- Utility shirt
- Boatneck tee
- Double-breasted cardigan
- Contrast trim cropped jacket or cardigan
- Quilted Purse with Chain Strap
- *Honorable mention- a pixie haircut
Classic Peacoat
Try a classic peacoat in a hip length. During the cold months, this can be worn over anything. If your climate is not this cold, opt for a brown leather biker jacket instead.
Ankle-strap Flats
Next, you’ll want to find some ankle-strap flats. If you don’t already have some, check out these ankle-strap flats on Amazon. The great thing about these is they can be either dressy or casual. They work well with skirts AND look amazing with your jeans or shorts. These flats are the most iconic item needed to copy Audrey Hepburn fashion.
Slingback Wedge Sandals
Thirdly, you’ll optimize your summer wear with these slingback sandals. Really any slingback sandals could work, especially if it has a nautical vibe. But ultimately, remember to keep the weight of the shoe somewhat delicate. The gamine doesn’t really do chunky.
Lowish Rise Skinny Jeans
Fourth, check those low rise skinny jeans off your list. If you don’t already have them, snag this pair. Because those with gamine style often have a rectangular body shape, a low rise pair of jeans will help create the appearance of curves. If you are not a rectangle body shape, get a more flattering mid-rise or high-rise. If you are a winter, get your jeans in black, but otherwise, choose a dark wash without fading rips or tears.
Cropped Wide-leg Pants
Next, to check off your list is a pair of cropped wide-leg pants. Sport them in the summer with your sandals or ankle-strap flats or, in the winter, pair them with some wedge boots and tall cozy socks.
Nautical Tank Top
Sixth is the nautical tank top. Navy and white creates the most iconic of looks, but other color combinations will do the trick as well. Wear it alone on top during the summer or make the tank a base layer during the cooler seasons with your chambray shirt, double-breasted cardigan or bright cropped jacket.
Utility Shirt
Next on the list, is the utility shirt. I like the look of a looser fit with a dropped shoulder. If you can find one in chambray, it will be more versatile because while actually blue, chambray acts as a neutral.
Boatneck Tee
Now, check off your boatneck tee if you have one. There is something about a nautical looking one with horizontal stripes that screams gamine to me, but other solid colors will do as well. This is a piece that you may want to pick in your signature color. Look for an elbow length-sleeve to really zero in on your Audrey Hepburn fashion.
Double-breasted Cardigan
Ninth on the list is the double-breasted cardigan. This will be a great piece to wear year round in the office where it’s chilly or a cozy addition to your wardrobe for the cooler months. It’s the perfect piece to dress up or down.
Contrast Trim Cropped Jacket or Cardigan
Tenth, is a layering piece with contrast trim. It’s kind of a Chanel look. You have a couple of options for this one. You can go with a contrast trim jacket or a contrast trim cardigan depending on your tastes.
Quilted Purse with Chain Strap
Last, but not least of the effortless eleven is the quilted chain strap purse. Every French girl with a chic fashion style has one of these purses made famous by the one and only Coco Chanel. For the gamine style, this is a must have as well.
*The Pixie Cut
So, maybe I said that the quilted purse was the last item. Forgive me please.
While not a clothing item or accessory, this is a vital element to your retro fashion gamine look. Every modern day actress I could find that fits the gamine look has a pixie cut. That’s not by coincidence. If you want to go all out with this look, don’t pass the trip to the salon.
The Last Thing You Need to Know about Audrey Hepburn’s Fashion Style– Gamine
Finally, these 11 pieces will be the work horses of your wardrobe. You’ll probably incorporate at least one of these pieces into every outfit you put together. This is by no means an exhaustive list of everything you need, even for a capsule wardrobe, but it is a good place to get started.
What are your favorite game looks? Tag @effortlessstyleservices on Instagram or @Effortless Style Services on Facebook to be an outfit inspiration or follow my iconic style Pinterest board to get more inspiration from others..
Get the effortless eleven essentials checklist and start checking off the items that you already own. You’ll have this gamine style mastered in no time!
If the gamine look doesn’t fit your fashion preferences, take the Iconic Style Quiz to find the look that suits you best.
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