Pants with roomy legs, a structured top, loafers and a relaxed blazer, this was Hepburn’s distinctive style. She resisted the Hollywood trend of gowns and heels. Her fierce independence and strong personality called for an individual and idiosyncratic manner of dressing.

Comfort was paramount. She disliked being restricted in movement so menswear-inspired outfits suited her lifestyle. Tailored dresses and glamour were popular at the time. But not for her. Hepburn opted for a chic, comfortable wardrobe. She liked to throw her leg over a chair or sit on the floor. She needed to move freely.

Her aversion to glamour was what made her more alluring. She refused to conform to the Hollywood starlet look. Frills and sequins, platinum blonde hair and bright lipstick were not for her.

On screen Hepburn’s roles often called for gowns and dresses. Despite her personal style choices, she carried the costumes with sophisticated elegance. She insisted on working closely with all the designers in deciding her performing wardrobe.

_{Katharine Hepburn – ‘The Philadelphia Story’ Images courtesy Glamour}

Hepburn was a pioneer in making trousers popular. She was aware of the power of her appearance and never shied away from her distinctive manner of dressing. We have much to thank her for!