The Jane Birkin Style Guide
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Jane Birkin, the English-French actress and singer, remains one of the most celebrated fashion muses. Her distinctive style seamlessly blended masculine and feminine elements, combining Parisian elegance with London casualness. Her effortless fashion and timeless beauty continue to inspire today.
Birkin’s influence even extended to the creation of the iconic Birkin bag, which has since become one of the most sought-after and recognizable handbags in the world.
In this style guide, we’ll break down the key elements of Jane Birkin’s style and how you can incorporate them into your wardrobe for her effortless 'French girl' aesthetic.
Mini Dress
No Birkin-inspired wardrobe is complete without a mini dress in the mix. Choose knitted dresses in A-line and shift styles. For summer, you might opt for dresses in lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen that are a bit more breezy and bohemian. Pair your mini dress with ballet flats or strappy sandals for a Parisian-chic look. On cooler days, channel Birkin’s ‘60s style with knee-high boots and a plaid blazer.
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One of Jane Birkin's most iconic style moments was at the 1969 Gala de l’Union des Artistes when she donned a plunging white crochet maxi dress. Channel Birkin’s free-spirited style with a crocheted piece of your own. Whether you prefer a mini or maxi length, a crochet dress brings some bohemian to your summer wardrobe. Pair it with flat sandals or wedges for an effortlessly chic vibe.
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A loose-fitting, bohemian blouse seemed to be a staple in Jane Birkin's wardrobe. This versatile piece allows you to dress it up or down effortlessly. Choose a slightly oversized fit for a more relaxed look. Tuck it into high-waisted pants or skirts, leave a few buttons undone, and roll up the sleeves to achieve that quintessential Birkin nonchalance.
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Birkin's style was characterized by its simplicity and a focus on timeless basics, with the white t-shirt being a key essential in her wardrobe. She often paired it with denim or skirts, effortlessly turning the simplest pieces into stylish outfits. Opt for a relaxed-fit cotton tee with a slightly oversized silhouette. Pair it with high-waisted denim shorts, a flowing maxi skirt, or bold flared jeans for a bohemian combo that’s undeniably cool.
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SézaneRelaxed Denim
Jane Birkin's laid-back and chic style often showcased relaxed denim. From high-waisted jeans to casual jackets and cutoff shorts, her ability to make denim look effortlessly cool became a signature element of her aesthetic. Go for high-waisted, wide-leg jeans, emblematic of the Birkin’s ‘70s style. Pair your denim with a bohemian blouse, a matching denim shirt, or a basic white t-shirt for an uncomplicated, yet chic look.
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SézaneWide-Leg Pants
Wide-leg pants were another staple in the Jane Birkin style repertoire. While the ultra-flared styles of the 70s might feel a touch too retro, there are plenty of modern interpretations that capture Birkin's style without feeling dated. Wear your favorite pair with a flowy blouse or a simple tank and accessorize with a large belt and ankle boots for a bohemian vibe.
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Short Shorts
Jane Birkin wasn't shy about showing off her legs, and her love for short shorts is evident in many of her iconic looks. Think high-waisted cuts in light denim washes or soft neutral tones. Channel Birkin's casual cool style by pairing your shorts with a slouchy tee, a breezy white button-down, or a flowy blouse. For colder days, take inspiration from Birkin by pairing your shorts with tights and Mary Janes.
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Vanessa BrunoPolished Blazer
When it comes to outerwear, a polished blazer is a must-have for achieving Jane Birkin style. It adds a touch of English prep to even the most casual outfit. Opt for a tailored silhouette that isn’t too constricting—comfort is key. Stick with classic colors like black, navy, or beige, or play with patterns like plaid and pinstripe. Whether you're layering it over your favorite shirt and shorts combo or pairing it with a mini dress, a blazer will elevate your look while maintaining that essential Birkin effortlessness.
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Mary Janes are synonymous with Jane Birkin's retro style, perfectly balancing femininity and practicality. When deciding on your perfect pair, opt for simple silhouettes in black patent leather or neutral tones like beige or cream. Birkin wore both flats and heels, so pick what suits you best. Put them together with jeans and a t-shirt, a flowy midi dress, or even shorts and tights for that preppy French girl look.
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Knee-High Boots
Spotted in many of Birkin’s looks were knee-high boots. Whether paired with a mini dress or a knit sweater and jeans, they effortlessly complimented her rugged cool style. To incorporate them into your wardrobe, opt for a flattering knee-high silhouette that skims your leg without being too tight and consider a slight slouch at the ankle. Leather is a classic choice, while suede offers a softer, more bohemian vibe.
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No discussion of Jane Birkin style would be complete without mentioning the iconic basket bag. Often seen carrying a wicker basket as her handbag, Birkin made this unconventional accessory a fashion statement. To emulate her look, swap your everyday tote for a structured basket. For a modern twist, look for one with a softer structure and leather handles. Birkin’s signature accessory adds bohemian flair to any outfit, making it the perfect companion for a leisurely day outdoors.
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The bold accessory that Jane Birkin frequently incorporated into her looks was the chunky belt. Not only does it define the waistline, but it can also instantly elevate a basic outfit. Look for bohemian styles with statement buckles and in materials like leather or suede. Cinch it around your waist over flowing dresses or wear it with wide-leg jeans. No matter how you style it, a chunky belt can give your look that je ne sais quoi that Birkin was known for.
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Ba&SHMinimalist Jewelry
Jane Birkin's effortless elegance extends to her jewelry choices. She favored minimalist pieces that complemented her outfits without stealing the show. Try delicate gold or silver chains, a long pendant necklace or a single statement ring. Let your outfit and natural beauty take center stage.
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sézaneEffortless Hair
Jane Birkin's signature style isn't just about clothes and accessories – it encompasses her entire look, including her hair. The key to Birkin's hair is that it appears effortlessly undone as if she styled it in minutes (even if it took a little longer!). Natural waves, loose curls, or even a touch of bedhead are all on point. Avoid overly sleek or styled hair – the messier, the better (in a good way!).
It’s best to skip the heat styling whenever possible. Let your hair air dry naturally or embrace its natural texture with a quick scrunch and a texturizing spray.
Birkin's signature long fringe is another key element. If you don't have bangs, consider soft, wispy curtain bangs for a similar look. Lastly, embrace your natural hair color and consider adding subtle highlights for a sun-kissed effect, reminiscent of Birkin's hair color.
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DavinesBold Eye Makeup
While Jane Birkin is known for her natural beauty and effortless approach to style, the ‘60s were all about dramatic eyes, and bold eyeliner was central to her signature makeup look. To enhance your eyes à la Jane, use a black or dark brown kohl eyeliner to create a thin, winged line along the upper lash line. Extend the line slightly beyond the outer corner of the eye for a subtle doe-eyed effect.
Apply a lengthening and volumizing mascara to both your upper and lower lashes to create a wide-eyed effect. If you prefer a more dramatic look, consider applying individual false lashes to the outer corners for extra flutter.
Since the eyes are the focus, keep the rest of your makeup minimal. A light foundation, a touch of blush, and a neutral lip will complete the look without competing with the bold eyeliner.
And don't worry about perfect lines or symmetry. Birkin's makeup always had a touch of nonchalance that added to her effortless charm.
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Embracing Jane Birkin style is all about finding a balance between simplicity and elegance. By incorporating these essential pieces into your wardrobe, you can recreate her signature bohemian-chic aesthetic. So, whether you're looking to refresh your wardrobe or simply add a few new items to your closet, these Jane Birkin style essentials are sure to inspire you.
What do you think of Jane Birkin’s style? Which fashion icon should I create a style guide for next? Let me know in the comments below.
