Audrey Hepburn is a fashion icon whose influence transcends generations. Her elegant style, characterized by classic silhouettes and refined accessories, has left an indelible mark on the world of fashion and Jennifer Ouellette's creativity. From her roles in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' & 'Sabrina' to her everyday looks, Hepburn's ability to blend sophistication with simplicity is a source of innovation.

Hepburn's fashion choices were often about making a statement with minimalism. She showed that true style is not just about following trends but creating a personal aesthetic that resonates with one's identity. Her signature looks, especially her hats and headbands, continue to inspire Jennifer and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Exploring Audrey's Hats with Jennifer Ouellette: From Pillbox to Wide Brim

Hepburn was known for her exquisite taste in hats, which ranged from the classic pillbox to stylish wide-brimmed designs. The pillbox hat, popularized in the 1960s, complements elegant outfits and adds a touch of vintage charm. On the other hand, wide-brimmed hats evoke a sense of glamour and can be used to make bold fashion statements.

What is a pillbox hat? The design is typically flat-topped with straight sides and no brim, creating a simple yet elegant silhouette. The pillbox hat has roots in military and equestrian headwear, but as a fashion accessory, it gained prominence in the 1930s and 1940s.  The pillbox hat got is name because its shape resembles the small, cylindrical boxes that were traditionally used to store pills.  It’s difficult to attribute the very first pillbox hat design to a single designer, but Cristóbal Balenciaga and Coco Chanel were among the early designers who popularized the style in haute couture.  The pillbox hat was at the height of fashion in the 1960s with wearers such as Audrey Hepburn and Jacqueline Kennedy. It has remained a timeless symbol of sophistication and classic fashion. 

Modern Elegance: The Pillbox Fascinator, Reinvented by Jennifer Ouellette

While the pillbox hat remains a timeless icon of mid-century fashion, Jennifer Ouellette has reimagined this classic silhouette for the modern woman. Her version blends vintage charm with contemporary ease — by mounting the pillbox onto a secure, comfortable headband, she transforms a formal statement piece into a wearable, fuss-free accessory. This thoughtful construction ensures the hat always sits at the perfect angle, requiring no pins, combs, or guesswork. It’s elegance, engineered for real life.

One of Jennifer’s standout designs is the Straw & Leather Pillbox Fascinator, a harmonious blend of natural texture and urban polish. The mix of hand-woven straw with smooth leather trim adds dimension and depth — perfect for weddings, cocktail parties, or even high-fashion street style. The design speaks to women who appreciate the drama of couture but want the ease of modern functionality.

This stunning headpiece, Straw & Leather Pillbox Fascinator was recently modeled by actress and dancer Talia Castro-Pozo, whose grace and poise echo the sophistication of golden-era icons like Audrey Hepburn. Seeing the fascinator worn by such a dynamic, creative woman brings Jennifer’s vision full circle: hats that honor the past while empowering women of today. 

Poised in A Brim: A Modern Ode to Audrey's Iconic Style

Many of Audrey's hats also had large picturesque hats with wide brims called lampshade. This striking hat style is characterized by a wide, downward-sloping brim that resembles the shape of a traditional lampshade. It creates a dramatic silhouette, often covering the face partially or fully, adding an air of mystery and elegance. The lampshade hat was popularized in the 1950s and 1960s, notably by Christian Dior and Balenciaga, who incorporated the style into their haute couture collections. Worn by Audrey Hepburn and other icons of the era, this style became it synonymous with old Hollywood glamour.

Timeless Elegance: The Audrey-Inspired Hat for Garden Parties, Weddings, and Race Day Glamour

Our Hampton Wide Brim Hat evokes the timeless charm of Audrey Hepburn — elegant, poised, and effortlessly refined. With its graceful silhouette and sweeping brim, it echoes the hats she wore in classics like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and My Fair Lady. The structured grosgrain band and delicate bow detail offer a nod to her signature style: polished yet feminine, dramatic yet understated. It’s the kind of hat you wear when you want to be noticed for all the right reasons — just like Audrey.

There’s something undeniably captivating about a hat that captures both vintage glamour and modern grace — and our wide-brimmed styles do just that. Inspired by the unforgettable silhouettes worn by Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, this hat is more than an accessory — it’s a statement of refined femininity.

With its sweeping brim, delicate bow trim, and couture craftsmanship, this hat frames the face like a portrait — creating an effortlessly polished look worthy of a film still. The design pays homage to the classic shapes of the 1950s and 60s, yet feels entirely wearable for today’s stylish woman.

Perfect for Ascot, the Kentucky Derby, and all major horse races, this show-stopping piece brings a sense of drama and sophistication to race day attire. It’s also a dream for garden parties, bridal events, and summer weddings, offering both sun protection and high-fashion flair. Whether paired with a flowing dress or a tailored suit, this hat completes the look with cinematic elegance.

At Jennifer Ouellette, we believe a hat should do more than sit on your head — it should transform the moment. Our vintage-inspired wide-brim hats are handcrafted to help you do just that — with poise, presence, and timeless charm.

The Versatility of Headbands: Styles for Every Occasion

Audrey's headband style was usually minimalistic, either thin and understated or wide and bold, always accentuating her elegant facial features. Headbands were a staple in Hepburn's wardrobe, allowing her to effortlessly transition from casual to formal looks. Whether adorned with embellishments or kept simple, headbands have the power to elevate hairstyles and complete outfits. They can be worn to brunch, the office, or even a wedding, making them an essential accessory.  

Hepburn's use of headbands showcased her playful yet sophisticated approach to fashion. Modern interpretations of headbands, such as fabric-covered or embellished options, allow for personal expression while paying homage to her timeless style. By experimenting with different styles, anyone can find a headband that complements their unique look. 

Audrey Hepburn frequently wore headbands, making them a signature part of her timeless style. She used headbands in both her films and personal life, often as a chic and effortless accessory.

Channel Your Inner Audrey: Classic Style Starts Here

Express the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn with our couture Basic Headbands—an effortless nod to her signature style. Whether paired with a sleek chignon, a crisp blouse, or a little black dress, these headbands offer a refined finishing touch reminiscent of Hepburn’s iconic grace. Handcrafted with the finest grosgrain and designed for all-day comfort, they evoke the simplicity and sophistication that defined a fashion era. Embrace a look that’s both classic and modern—where understated accessories make the boldest statement.

The "Sabrina" Effect: An Interpretation of style by Jennifer Ouellette.

Sabrina Style: A Love Letter to Audrey Hepburn’s Cinematic Elegance

There are few fashion moments as enduring as Audrey Hepburn’s transformation in the 1954 film Sabrina. From chauffeur’s daughter to Paris-trained sophisticate, her wardrobe became a symbol of timeless style, capturing hearts with every bow, silhouette, and subtle gesture. At Jennifer Ouellette, our Sabrina styles pay homage to this unforgettable evolution—elevating everyday elegance with a whisper of old Hollywood glamour.

Each Sabrina headband in our collection is thoughtfully designed to echo Audrey’s delicate balance of innocence and poise. Whether crafted in rich velvet, textured grosgrain, or crisp denim, these pieces are sculpted with the same attention to detail that made Hepburn’s wardrobe so enchanting. The signature clean lines, subtle curves, and comfortable fit make them ideal for both daywear and evening elegance—just as Audrey might have worn on screen or in real life.

Like Sabrina herself, these headbands are about transformation. Slip one on, and something shifts—your posture, your mood, your presence. You don’t need a gown or a Parisian address; all it takes is a beautifully made accessory to awaken your inner muse.

The Sabrina Legacy: La Petite, Lou Lou & Gabriela

While our Sabrina headbands embody the heart of Audrey Hepburn’s iconic style—sleek, sculptural, and timeless—we’ve continued to evolve the silhouette through a curated family of styles: La Petite, Lou Lou, and Gabriela. Each one offers a unique interpretation of the original, designed to suit different moods, hairstyles, and fashion eras, all while staying true to the spirit of Sabrina.

La Petite is a refined, scaled-down version of our classic Sabrina—a nod to Audrey’s more playful, understated side. It’s perfect for everyday elegance, with a lighter, more minimal profile that flatters without overwhelming. Think of it as your go-to for casual chic, inspired by the simplicity of Hepburn’s off-screen Parisian looks.

Lou Lou, with its softly rounded volume and vintage flair, channels the romantic whimsy of 1950s couture. It evokes the ladylike charm seen in Sabrina’s ballgown scene, offering just the right amount of drama for cocktail parties or elevated daywear. Lou Lou is for the woman who wants to make a statement without saying a word.

Gabriela captures the effortless spirit of casual chic with a refined twist. Crafted from luxurious fabrics and ribbons, its sculptural bows are artfully arranged along a sleek, narrow band—offering both comfort and sophistication. The versatile silhouette allows for styling with the bows upright for added drama or flattened for a more understated effect. Whether worn as a statement piece or a subtle accent, Gabriela invites you to express your individuality with elegance. A modern interpretation of classic millinery, this design reflects our dedication to timeless craftsmanship and innovative detail.

Together, these styles form a graceful lineage—each one a variation on the timeless theme of transformation, confidence, and feminine allure. Whether you’re drawn to the original Sabrina or her stylish protégées, you’re stepping into a legacy of elegance that transcends trends.

We invite you to experience the Jennifer Ouellette - Sabrina effect: timeless, feminine, and unmistakably chic.