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Fashion columnist and influencer Joanne Hegarty

The style secrets I learned from Audrey

We live in a world that’s changing so fast that you’ll soon be able to buy a Prada outfit from the Meta store to dress up your avatar on social media (and if you need to google that phrase, I don’t blame you!).

YouTube beauty influencers are complaining that they are exhausted from posting so many video tutorials and are now switching careers to the wellness industry.

Meanwhile, TikTok is launching new fashion trends faster than you can tell: “Are you a coastal grandma (dressed in classic styles of middle-aged rich women) or a nutty girl coco (pastel shades and crochet tops)?”

As an antidote to this, I traveled to the new Tiffany exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London (running until August 19) to breathe in the bedroom dedicated to Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

And it was fascinating. There were audible gasps from the women when they spotted the black Givenchy dress she wore in the film. And I loved the behind-the-scenes photos: Audrey’s allure is as powerful today as it was in 1961.

How amazing – in a time when everyone is obsessed with next, next, next – that a woman could leave such a style legacy behind. Reassuring too, because when it comes to my own wardrobe, I feel like the constant hunt for the next new thing is a dangerous game.

And I’m not the only one: people always ask me how to find their forever style – which, of course, is exactly what Audrey did so well. These are my rules…

• Cultivate a smaller wardrobe filled with good quality pieces that won’t go out of fashion quickly and that you’ll love to wear again and again. I’d much rather invest in one standout, beautifully made item than buy ten things from Zara. Keep a wish list of the pieces you really want and jump in when you can afford them. I promise you’ll love them all the more.
• When you add a newcomer to your collection, imagine all the ways you can wear it with your existing pieces. Also, is it something that will work during the day and, dressed, at night?
• Look for on-trend jewelry and shoes that elevate your outfits. I love gold sandals this time of year – they fit in perfectly with everything I own.

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