Why We Are Still Having Breakfast at Tiffany's

Holly Golightly, played by Audrey Hepburn in the iconic film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, was a strong New York City woman driven by the finer things and the luxuries of life. With a coffee in hand and her orange cat by her side, Hepburn created a fashion staple that we have been echoing since the film’s release in 1961: the little black dress.  

Hubert de Givenchy created the timeless and iconic little black dress that Hepburn wore in the opening scene of the film. The satin gown features exposed shoulders with a cinched bodice that drapes to the floor with an unanticipated slit traveling up to the thigh. Accentuating the minimalist gown is a pair of silk gloves and statement pearls draped around the neck. Following Hepburn’s role, Givenchy’s elegant design became a staple piece that every women added to their wardrobe. 

The little black dress, though it is a minimalist concept, can pull a person from their shell and feel like all eyes are on them. When Hepburn was given this role she was nervous to play an extroverted and eccentric character due to her introverted and soft-spoken nature, but with a custom designed Givenchy gown it is not hard embody the persona.

A black dress has become a power look for every occasion; this style does not discriminate between shapes and sizes. Whether the gown hits the floor, or falls just below your fingertips, the outfit symbolizes confidence and class.  

Sometimes in life the best thing could be right in front of you and you could still miss it; there is a lot we can learn from the iconic lead actress aside from style. Hepburn’s character, though fixated on lavishness, knew what she was worth. After her split millionaire from José, Hepburn’s neighbor Paul shows her a new side of relationships. Paul loved every part of her, and fell for her strong-headed and powerful allure. A man is a winner if he runs to rescue your cat in the rain, right?

This staple look has a long and successful story, but it is not ending any time soon. A little black dress and pearls have stayed an ageless classic. The best accessory of all though, is being authentically oneself.