MUSE: Jane Birkin

Ah, Jane, Jane, Jane. Aside from being the namesake of a gorgeous handbag I’ll never be able to afford, the muse to and partner of a mysterious French jack-of-all-artistic-trades, and a fashion icon, is one of my biggest personal style inspirations. There’s a certain gamine charm about the French way of dressing one’s self. Playful, sexy, and definitely not try-hard. If you have to put any effort into it, c’est la vie: it just isn’t French.

“My mother was right: When you've got nothing left, all you can do is get into silk underwear and start reading Proust.”

Jane Birkin

If you’re going to draw some inspiration from Jane, you must feel as comfortable in a tight, intricately-formed evening gown as you are in double denim of the boyfriend variety. Oversized sweaters might as well be your second skin, an your feet are in luck, because if Jane can kill it in a block heel, so can you.

While neutrals definitely run the show, an occasional pop of red in a shoe or a bag will help cultivate those mod vibes from the early Birkin era. As far as accessories go, simple and understated works for everyday, but you should invest in one or two statement necklaces for special occasions.

When you’re picking fabrics, go super luxe. Linen, velvet, silk, and cashmere are a good place to start, and maybe a good shearling coat while you’re at it.

One thing I’ve found from years of studying French style, particularly that of the 70’s, is that less is more. Opt for higher-quality pieces that you can wear over and over again, versatile enough to mix and match to create multiple looks out of a few different items.

What are you waiting for? Go out and get some high-waisted jeans and a cashmere sweater.

xo, e.m.