On July 16, we lost an icon — Jane Birkin. The Anglo-French actress, singer and fashionista passed away at the age of 76 in her Parisian home. However, with her signature tousled bangs, under-eye mascara and classy wardrobe, there will always be a designated place for her in the world of fashion. Her legacy lives on and will remain engraved in the essence of French fashion. 

Nowadays, Birkin is perhaps most known for being the muse behind the Hermès Birkin bag; in other words, the most coveted yet most elusive handbag of all time. One could say that its creation was entirely a matter of serendipity, as it all originated in Birkin’s spontaneous encounter with the former chief executive of Hermès, Jean-Louis Dumas on a London-Paris flight in 1981. Subsequent to her straw bag falling out of the overhead compartment which led to a spillage of belongings, she casually suggested that he should design a handbag more capacious than a Kelly but more compact than a suitcase. Having instantly captivated the hearts of many ever since its release after three years of assiduous crafting, the Birkin bag has doubtlessly become one of the most timeless pieces in the course of fashion history. Whilst Jane Birkin may no longer be with us today, she will certainly be reinstated to the forefront of our minds whenever we spot the Hermés house icon. 

Birkin’s personal style can be encapsulated in three words: nonchalant, minimalist and bohemian. When one thinks of the classic T-shirt and flared jeans combination, “Jane Birkin” immediately springs to mind. The British-born artist first rose to fame in France, to which she introduced the “Swinging Sixties” style that she, having been brought up in Chelsea, had adopted in London. The “French Girl style” has since then become synonymous with the concept of Parisian streetwear blended with a tinge of Britishness. Growing up, her style would often be described as tomboyish and unconventional, yet our evolving perceptions and standards have come to redefine it as effortless elegance. Knowing how eager we all are to emulate this ineffable “French Girl style” hallmarked by Birkin, here is a breakdown of five features that best characterise the much-loved aesthetic.  

White Top And Flared Jeans

The key to replicating Birkin’s looks lies in simplicity, so forget all about the funky pieces you have saved in your wishlist for now! When it comes to the “French Girl style”, waist-length white tees and plain linen shirts are essential assets. Pair them with high-rise flared jeans to produce the effect of a cinched waist and elongated legs. Top it all off with sandals or open-toe mules in the summer, and on cooler days block-heeled pumps. 

Summer Dresses

Whilst jeans are undeniably the most iconic feature of Birkin’s street style, admittedly, there are times when you just want to forget about matching your outfits, throw on a dress and call it a day. Believe it or not, the same applied to Birkin herself! To maintain that classy sophistication even on the hottest of days, opt for an all-white dress with macramé trims that gracefully falls into a flowy tiered skirt. To complete the look, all you need is a pair of dainty ballet pumps, and with a subtle heel should you wish to add that extra inch or two to your lines. 

Velvet Shorts