We’ve been breaking down our list of 16 classic fashion icons everyone should know. Last week, we covered Edie Sedgwick, the model who took over magazine covers in the ’60s and was a muse to Andy Warhol! This week, we’re switching things up and covering one of the most famous fashion icons of all time… Audrey Hepburn.

Audrey Hepburn is an inspiration. There’s so much to admire, from her fight to overcome the hardships of WWII to her amazing working with UNICEF. Keep reading to find out more about Audrey‘s early life, acting career, and humanitarian work!

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Audrey was a crazy-talented ballerina who had a scholarship to study in London. But because of the effects the war took on her body, she would never be in the physical condition needed to be a prima ballerina.

As a result, Audrey began her taking her acting career more seriously. She earned money working on the West End as a chorus girl before getting her first big break in the now famous picture Roman Holiday (for which she won an Academy Award, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe).

She would go on to star in other hits like Sabrina, My Fair Lady, and of course, Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Audrey’s one of just 14 people to EGOT, earning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony!

Audrey was also a devoted humanitarian. Her work with UNICEF will be remembered forever. The organization helped her when she was a starving child surviving the effects of WWII, and she became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, traveling the world and raising awareness for various issues.

Her work typically focused on helping children because she adored being around kids. One of her two sons founded the Audrey Hepburn Foundation in her memory, and the other chairs the Audrey Hepburn Society of UNICEF.

Fashion Inspired by Audrey Hepburn

Audrey was way more than just a style icon, but her influence on the worlds of beauty and fashion is undeniable. She was Givenchy’s muse, after all!

Plus, she’s still the definition of elegance. No one owns the little black dress like Audrey Hepburn does.

Audrey’s look was sophisticated, timeless, and chic. She always looked put-together, even in her more casual ensembles. The silhouettes and shapes she donned were quite modest, but she always looked alluring and beautiful.