How To Dress Like: Francoise Hardy

If you're raised in the heart of Paris, you're almost destined to be a natural when it comes to fashion – as demonstrated by style muse Françoise Hardy. The French singer and actress rose to fame in the '60s and swiftly became known for her effortlessly chic style.

She epitomised the era while keeping to her Parisian roots – mini skirts, flare trousers and ankle boots made up her day-to-day wardrobe, teamed with soft tailoring, fur coats and turtleneck sweaters. Nicolas Ghesquière once described the singer and actress as “the very essence of French style”.

A forward-thinking fashion-fan, Hardy favoured bold designers such as Paco Rabbane, and Yves Saint Laurent, and once said: “If it weren’t for the way I dress, no one would notice me.” (We doubt that, somehow.)

Over the years, Françoise Hardy’s cool-girl beauty has inspired the likes of Mick Jagger (who branded her his ‘ideal woman’), Bob Dylan (who dedicated a poem to her) and David Bowie. The singer even inspired the name of innovative Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo’s brand, who tweaked one of her lyrics to create the name Comme des Garçons.

That, is cool.

Modern-day style icon Alexa Chung often cites Hardy as her style-spiration, so make like Chung and add some Françoise-worthy staples to your wardrobe this season. Get the look with our pick of the best pieces to buy now: