It’s also set in the most stylish city in the world, Paris. And its backdrop is stolen art and exotic classic cars.
Beautiful people, romance, comedy, intrigue, and stunning scenery make this a must-watch!
Everyone knows about Breakfast at Tiffanys. But it’s time that How to Steal A Million also receives it’s recognition in the Hall of Fashion. It is an iconic 1960s fashion film that showcases Audrey Hepburn’s iconic style.
Nicole Bonnet (Audrey Hepburn) is the stylish daughter of the charming art collector and secret art forger, Charles Bonnet (Hugh Griffith).
After discovering one of her father’s sculptures at the museum is about to come under scrutiny and expose her father, Nicole enlists the services of blue-eyed burglar Simon Dermott (Peter O’Toole) for a museum heist.
Along the hilarious and fashionable journey, Nicole falls in love with the burglar.
Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole in How to Steal a Million, 1966
What did Audrey Hepburn wear in How to Steal a Million?
In How to Steal a Million, Audrey Hepburn wears an incredible collection of 1960s fashion.
Her outfits ranged from silk nightgowns, to day dresses, to tailored skirts, to a collection of classic coats, including a military wool coat.
Each of the coats Audrey Hepburn wears in the film is stunning. These classic styles are still fashionable today.
Her cute kitten heels in light and dark colors strategically match or contrast her outfits. And she also accessories them with hats, scarves, gloves, and earrings.
Also, where would Audrey Hepburn style be without her famous loafers? Of course they make an appearance with her ‘disguise’ outfit.
Fun Fact! For How to Steal a Million, the famous French hairdresser, Alexandre de Paris, experimented with a new hairstyle, which he called the “Coupe Infante ’66” for Audrey Hepburn. This groundbreaking pixie cut was a daring change for the actress. It looks amazing with her minimalist style.
Audrey Hepburn in How to Steal a Million, 1966
Who designed the clothes in How to Steal a Million?
The legendary Hubert De Givenchy designed the outfits in How to Steal a Million. Yes, just like he did for Audrey Hepburn’s 1950s fashion forward film Funny Face.
Audrey Hepburn was not only a muse to Givenchy, but also a good friend.
Their mutual love of fashion and friendship spanned over 40-years. And it still influences fashion today!
Audrey Hepburn famously said of Givenchy, “His are the only clothes in which I am myself.”
We couldn’t agree more with Audrey – keep the outfit inspiration coming!
Our first glimpse of Audrey Hepburn’s character Nicole Bonnet is in her red Italian classic convertible.
Audrey Hepburn in How to Steal a Million, 1966
Audrey Hepburn is wearing a cream colored three piece matching suit dress. The white belt accentuates her slim waist.
Her statement accessory is her funny 1960s driving helmet hat. This is paired with oversized sunglasses, and white patterned panty hoes with kitten pumps.
On the radio the host announces that a famous Cézanne portrait sold from the private collection of Charles Bonnet (Audrey’s father). And it was for a record amount of money.
Horrified, Nicole rushes home.
In desperation, Nicole warns her eccentric father, Charles Bonnet (Hugh Griffith) that selling art forgeries is a crime!
He happily laughs it off, saying that only the ultra rich millionaires want his paintings, so what’s the harm?
A museum curator arrives to pick up the family’s famous art sculpture, the cellini venus. This is being loaned to the museum for display.
Audrey Hepburn’s 1960s Dresses: Pink Nightgown
Audrey Hepburn in How to Steal a Million, 1966
Audrey Hepburn’s character Nicole is wearing a pink silk negligee, edged with delicate lace. We love this chic nightgown, which looks elegant and comfortable!
That evening, Nicole is reading a Hitchcock suspense novel when she hears a noise downstairs.
Sneaking downstairs, Nicole spots a burglar near her father’s painting.
In terror, she grabs an old pistol trying to scare the burglar, but accidentally shoots him.
Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole in How to Steal a Million, 1966
Feeling bad, she helps bandage his arm in the kitchen.
The wounded burglar introduces himself as Simon.
Simon persuades Nicole to drive him home, because of his injury.
Nicole reluctantly agrees, and pulls on rain slicks and a bright 1960s coat on top of her negligee. (This scene is definitely inspiration on how to dress up a nightgown multiple ways!)
The next morning, Nicole visits the museum to scope out her father’s cellini venus sculpture.
On her way out she bumps into Simon, the burglar!
Shocked, she asks him what he’s doing there, suspicious he’s planning another robbery.
Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole in How to Steal a Million, 1966
Audrey Hepburn’s character Nicole is wearing a fitted beige skirt suit, with white gloves, and oversized glasses.
Audrey Hepburn’s 1960s Dresses: White Silk Robe
That evening, Audrey Hepburn’s character Nicole is wearing a white silk robe tied at the waist.
While she’s putting on her makeup, Nicole tells her father that she’s going out to dinner with an American tycoon.
When her father hears the man’s name, he says that the man is a big art collector.
Audrey Hepburn in How to Steal a Million, 1966
Audrey Hepburn’s 1960s Fashion: Mint Givenchy Skirt Suit
For her date with the art collector, Audrey Hepburn’s character Nicole wears a tailored mint green suit. It is accessorized with a black belt and with long glittering diamond earrings.
As her awkward date talks about his businesses, Nicole asks sarcastic questions.
He is delighted and admits that he usually can’t talk to girls. But she’s different, since it’s like talking to a member of the board!
Her date finally admits that he’s fallen in love with the family art sculpture on display at the museum. And that’s why he asked her on this date.
Relieved that he doesn’t suspect her father, Nicole reminds him it’s not for sale, and asks him to dance.
Audrey Hepburn and co-star in How to Steal a Million, 1966
The next morning, Audrey Hepburn’s character, Nicole, comes downstairs wearing a tailored yellow suit. It is accessorized with a yellow and white polka dot silk scarf.
Audrey Hepburn accessorizes her 1960s outfit with white patterned stockings and white kitten pumps.
Audrey Hepburn in How to Steal a Million, 1966
A museum secretary arrives and asks her father for his signature for $1 Million in insurance for the venus sculpture.
After he signs, they hear in horror, that there will be a technical examination confirming its age and authenticity.
Her father starts panicking. He is frightened that his entire art collection will come under scrutiny.
He tells Nicole that she must flee the country to avoid the disgrace!
Audrey Hepburn’s 1960s Fashion: Little Black Dress
Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole in How to Steal a Million, 1966
Nicole has a plan. She calls Simon the Burglar.
She dresses incognito for their clandestine “business meeting.”
She looks very chic and mysterious as she smokes her cigarette.
Nicole tells him that she wants to enlist his services as a burglar. His mission is to steal their sculpture back from the museum!
Audrey Hepburn in How to Steal a Million, 1966
Audrey Hepburn’s character Nicole is wearing a classic little black dress. It is edged with matching lace, and paired with a matching lace masquerade mask.
Her accessories include black patterned hoes, black kitten pumps, and a single white glove.
Her jewelry is statement diamond earrings. And she accentuates her famous cat eye look with glittering silver eyeshadow.
Audrey Hepburn’s 1960s Dresses: Military Coat & Dress
Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole in How to Steal a Million, 1966
The next morning Simon meets Nicole at the heavily guarded museum, so that they can scope out the security.
Audrey Hepburn’s character wears a double-breasted military style wool coat, black hosiery, and black kitten heels.
Later when Nicole opens her coat, you see her fitted white dress. This matches her oversized statement glasses.
Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole in How to Steal a Million, 1966
Audrey Hepburn’s 1960s Style: Cream Dress with Matching Heels
The day of the crime, Simon and Nicole arrive at the museum. One last time Simon tries to talk Nicole out of the plan.
He still can’t understand why she wants to steal her own sculpture from the museum!
Audrey Hepburn’s character wears a cream colored dress with a black belt. This is paired with matching kitten pumps.
Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole in How to Steal a Million, 1966
When the museum closes, Simon and Nicole hide in a storage closet.
Hours later, Simon throws and re-catches a boomerang. This sets off the loud alarm. The entire museum is flooded by guards and police. They find nothing missing.
Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole in How to Steal a Million, 1966
Still hiding in the museum closet, Audrey Hepburn’s character, Nicole, pulls her ‘undercover outfit’ on top of her clothes.
She is disguised as a cleaning lady. She is wearing an oversized button-up shirt, blue apron, black hoes. This is paired with sensible shoes and a red felt hat.
While waiting for the hours to pass in the cramped closet, Simon tells her she owes him the real reason for stealing the sculpture.
He asks if it’s because the professor will examine it the next day… and know it’s a fake?!!
Shocked, she confesses. And she adds that she doesn’t understand why he agreed to the robbery if he knew.
Simon uses the boomerang trick twice more. The frustrated guards disable the alarm.
Simon and Nicole steal the sculpture and escape.
Audrey Hepburn’s 1960s Fashion: White Pokadot Negligee
Audrey Hepburn in How to Steal a Million, 1966
The museum robbery is broadcasted as the crime of the century!
Audrey Hepburn’s character is wearing a white silk nightgown with pastel blue polka dots when she hears the news.
Audrey Hepburn’s 1960s Dresses: Navy Fitted Skirt
Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole in How to Steal a Million, 1966
Nicole meets Simon at the Ritz. They order champagne and celebrate the heist.
Audrey Hepburn’s character wears a dark navy skirt suit with a contrasting white collar, and black belt. This is paired with a white hat and black kitten pumps.
Simon admits that this was his first burglary.
In shock, Nicole asks him what he was doing in her house that night.
Simon admits that he is a private detective who specializes in stolen art!
Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole in How to Steal a Million, 1966
Audrey Hepburn’s character wears a checkered dress and navy blue hat. This outfit is paired with nude kitten pumps, white gloves, and a matching purse. This is such a chic outfit!
Simon makes a deal with a private collector to take the sculpture and keep it hidden.
After a stern talk with Simon, Nicole’s father agrees to retire from forging art.
Nicole pulls on her statement sunglasses. Then she rushes off with Simon to catch a plane for their wedding.
