When looking for French fashion inspo, it’s normal to head to Pinterest, Tumblr, or the Instagram page of present-day icon Jeanne Damas. But what about the fabulous women that made their debut before our time? The ones that have rightfully earned their place as life-long French style icons? The women that inspire even Jeanne Damas? By analyzing the style of women like Jane Birkin and Françoise Hardy, we can get some major styling tips from these French style icons!
Major Styling Tips to get from the Top French Style Icons
Jane Birkin shows us that outfits can be simple, yet perfect. A white tee is a must-have staple that looks perfect with denim and a little gold necklace. Of course, you can’t forget her basket bag. Funny story, I got one because of this photo! Maybe she was the original influencer? 😉
Related: 6 Parisian Inspired Summer Looks
Jane Birkin shows us that you can still be feminine while wearing masculine pieces. She rocks these suspenders and puts a girly twist on them with the layered necklaces!
Related: What You Need For a Parisian Style Summer Wardrobe
Jane Birkin is mixing different “seasons” in this outfit and is doing it flawlessly. Shorts with tights? A turtleneck with shorts? It doesn’t look weird here and instead, it gives us ideas on how we can stretch our own wardrobe!
Related: Easy French Styling Tips You Can Do Right Now
Why just wear a jacket when you can wear a jacket? Jane Birkin puts her unique touch on this jacket by popping up the collar. She teaches us to go the extra mile and own our own style and that accessories can be simple. There’s that small necklace again!
Françoise Hardy reminds us to pull out our ballet flats more! They’re chic, easy to wear, and look great with any pants…even plaid ones! And if you don’t have a good selection of sweaters you should!
Just in case you needed any more convincing to get a trench coat, here’s your sign. Françoise Hardy made hers look so effortlessly chic, especially when she paired it with a turtleneck and oversized sunglasses.
Some things never change. Like the staple French outfit combo. When in doubt, wear a sweater, jeans, and ankle boots like Françoise Hardy. A great coat and pendant necklace can’t hurt either!
Related: 5 French Off-Duty Looks That Are Impossibly Stylish
No matter her reputation, Brigitte Bardot makes fall style look chic and so effortless. Casually draping the scarf, even over her hair, is what makes it look like she wasn’t trying too hard, as well as draping the cardigan over her shoulders!
Brigitte Bardot is displaying the versatility of scarves and how you can make them look oh so chic!
You know all those leather jackets you see at the thrift stores that you thought were so out of style? Well, Catherine Deneuve is making me want to get one ASAP and wear some vintage sunglasses with it too.
Related: The Surprising Person to Get All Your French Inspo From
Hair accessories are becoming more and more popular lately, and Catherine Deneuve is showing us that they can finish off a look or add that little pop. Note to self: must pick up tons of velvet bows!
Did you hear of these French style icons before? Do you like to dig into the past to find fashion inspiration for now? Who inspires you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
I can’t get enough of these incredible styles. They’re chic, yet somehow still casual, and they all look really comfortable as well! I love that these women just take simple items from their closets and make them unique! I can see your style in each and every one of them!
I love these pictures! Very classic! I love the line “when in doubt wear a sweater, jeans and boots!” I love this!
xoxo
I am loving their style!! Always so chic and classy. & yes to a white tee- such a simple, basic but chic staple!!
Kileen
cute & little
I think that I love french style so much because it looks SO effortless. And i love the simplicity!
I love the French style so much! It’s so chic and timeless!
Right!
All of these ladies are iconic! Jane Birkin is my forever style inspo!
Preach girl, preach!
Such great tips! I always love trench coats. I have probably 10+ and I can’t part with any of them LOL
Wow, I thought I had a lot and you have more than me haha! That’s awesome!
Such timeless and classic tips and tricks. LOVE it.
Thanks, Taylor!
Ok, I love all things vintage. These styles are SO pretty – and iconic. I love how they stand the test of time!
And when outfits stand the test of time you can buy less!
Such chic, classic fashion tips and trends!
Thanks, Megan!
I love vintage fashion and good to see all styling tips from France. How stylish, bold and elegant these all models looked. Thanks for giving some tips and advice on vintage fashion.
So happy you love vintage fashion too!
I loved reading this! So many beautiful looks that are just so timeless.
I am thrilled you liked it!
Dear Carolyn,
Hope this finds you well dear. As usual, you have knocked it out of the park with your wonderful articles. I immerse myself when I see you are in my email box and can’t wait to see what you have for us all to enjoy and use. Since you have started I have been your biggest fan. I have totally purged my closet and am almost finished except for finding some nice dressier pants in black as well as nice black loafers. I would be grateful if you had any suggestions. Have a blessed day.
Deborah X
I am thrilled to read this! Thank you so much for taking the same to spread some kindness.
You do realise that Jane Birkin is English? I lived for many years in France, and part of Jane’s cachet for the French was her renowned “accent anglais et phlegm britannique”!
Oh cool insight! Yes, she’s an English-French singer/actress as you know and was a big style icon for French women.