These Vintage Photos of Jane Birkin Prove She’s the Ultimate Fall Style Muse
The sun is setting earlier, a crispness is creeping into the air, and the leaves are starting to float down from the trees: It’s September. And while that may mean the bittersweet end of the summer, it’s also a very exciting time to get dressed—an opportunity to reinvent yourself for the new season. So if you’re seeking fall fashion inspiration, look no further: Jane Birkin is the perfect muse.
Though the British singer, actor, and French icon—who died at age 76 in 2023—was known for her style across all seasons, her personal taste seemed to gravitate toward the layered looks of fall. She once said: “I feel most comfortable in an old pair of jeans, Converse, and a man’s jersey.” Jeans, sneakers, and a sweater? Sounds like the perfect cozy autumnal look. Looking through the archives of photos of Birkin from her youth, you see slouchy knits, wool peacoats with oversized collars and sharp silhouettes, ruffled collar blouses, smart shoes, patterned sweaters, and more.
It’s a feast of playful and understated chilly-weather ensembles, glorious mismatches that keep you guessing (like jeans, a button-down, and a sweater over her shoulders paired with strappy high heels). But the allure of Birkin’s style is as much about the actual clothes on her back as it is the confident ease with which she wore them. Another quote of hers? “It’s impossible to be stylish without confidence, you see.”
Birkin was also famous for toting around a basket, which in turn inspired the famous Hermès Birkin bag.
In a 2018 interview, she said: “I was well known for carrying a basket. So I obviously knew girls liked to have masses of things in their handbag.”
Below, Vogue outlines some of Birkin’s best vintage outfits and style combinations for fall—and ideas for how to get the looks yourself. LBD and Wicker Basket
Statement Accessories
Button-Down and Flared Jeans
Simple Knit + Velvet Flats
Chunky Belt and Bootcut Jeans
Trench Coat and Ballet Heels
Flouncy Top and Mini Short
Source: www.vogue.com
