How To Be More Like Jane Birkin

To look like we've grown up among the well-dressed elite of Paris is our ultimate sartorial goal, so it's no wonder that Jane Birkin is one of our all-time style heroines. No other English girl has ever managed to look quite as French as Jane, and we could learn a thing (or ten) from the star.

Who is Jane Birkin?

Birkin was born in England but later relocated to France where her partner of 13 years, Serge Gainsbourg, was born. The singer and actress owned 70s style and quickly became recognised also for her effortless wardrobe.

The secret to Jane’s sartorial success is in the confidence she carries herself with. Shunning the glamorous ensembles worn by the starlets of her era, Birkin made well-fitting jeans, shirts and t-shirts her go-to. She was one of the first British actresses to glamorise androgynous style, giving the most casual outfits sex appeal with her doe eyes and long brunette locks.

In 1981 Jane's trusty straw basket became the inspiration for a world-renowned sell-out handbag. The starlet sat next to Hermès’ Chief Executive, Jean-Louise Dumas on a flight from Paris to London and explained that she was forced to use straw bags and baskets as she could never find a leather design that she liked and could fit everything in. Welcome, the Hermès Birkin.

Jane’s style is as relevant today as it was 40 years ago. So in homage to the style heroine, we're using this season's wardrobe to #BeMoreBirkin. Think white shirts, flared denim and tan accessories.

Shop our pick of the most Jane-worthy seperates below.