Emulate Jane Birkin's Style with these Standout Pieces

From bright red heels to the underappreciated cape; these items will enhance your wardrobe

Jane Birkin, the highly admired artist and style icon, sadly passed away on 16th July 2023. When considering her iconic fashion style during the 1960s and '70s, many images come to mind. Signatures include flared jeans, the basket bag, the black mini dress, the baby doll mini, knee high boots, short shorts and delicate white blouses. While she always looked camera ready, her style was underlined by a casual, bohemian quality. Also, she is famously the influence and inspiration behind the highly sought-after Hermès Birkin bag, which blends practicality with style.

The Hermès Birkin was introduced in 1984 and, according to Evening Standard, is reported to sell from £8,000 to £150,000 (standard.co.uk, July 2023). (Image via independent.co.uk)

Of course, Jane Birkin will be remembered for much more than her fashion style. The English Francophile had a free, artistic spirit which she channelled into her film and musical projects. However, as demonstrated by Alexa Chung and Kate Moss, incorporating elements of Jane Birkin's classic style into your wardrobe is sure to make you look more stylish. For this post, I've chosen some of my favourite, and often overlooked, facets of her wardrobe:

1. The Metal-Look Dress

Jane Birkin posing on a beach in an ultra-short, metallic mini dress in 1970. (Image via harpersbazaar.com)

Topshop sequin shift mini dress in silver. Available in UK sizes 4 to 18. £150. Click image for link.

Karen Millen slinky chainmail ruched cap sleeve mini dress in copper. Reduced to £90 from £150. Click image for link.

Mango nude crystal mesh mini dress. £159.99. Click image for link.

2. Bright Red Heels

Jane Birkin was photographed wearing red shoes on numerous occasions, including ballet flats, peep toe heels and platforms. Here she is pictured wearing red platform slingbacks in 1973. (Image via harpersbazaar.com)

RAID Aamira platform heels in red satin. Available in 4 colours. £39.99. Click image for link.

Janysa Heels in red patent from American brand Bebe. Available in 4 colours. $100. Click image for link.

Classique 01 red faux leather peep toe heels from Banana Shoes. Available in a range of colours. £57.90. Click image for link.

3. The Statement Gold Coin Necklace

In 1970 Jane added a boho touch to her black mini dress and nude ballet flats with a statement gold coin necklace. (Image via harpersbazaar.com)

Cleo apatite long coin wrap necklace from Azuni. £105. Azuni plant 5 trees for every purchase. Click image for link.

Ben Amun gold choker necklace with coins and crystals. Made to order. £460. Click image for link.

4. The Velvet Cape

Jane Birkin in 1971 wearing short shorts, a light blouse, Mary Jane shoes and a velvet cape. (Image via sg.finance.yahoo.com)

The Midnight Cape by Annie's Ibiza x Clio Peppiatt. Embroidered by hand with reclaimed beads on midnight blue velvet with a pink silk lining. £1,795. Click image for link.

Black velvet cape by NARRO. Reduced to £179 from £297. Click image for link.

Rock Star black velvet embellished cape with Peter Pan collar and studs by Free People. £250. Click image for link.

For me, the thing that stands out the most when looking at pictures of Jane Birkin is her smile. She radiated a positive, carefree energy and really seemed to embrace life. Please share your thoughts on this post in the comments. Also, which element of Jane Birkin's style is your favourite?

Writing Sources

'The Birkin Bag- An Evolution of the Ultimate Fashion Status Symbol' by Maddy Mussen. Evening Standard. July 2023.

https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/birkin-bag-hermes-history-price-resale-expensive-b1094810.html

Non-Linked Image Sources

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/features/g5024/vintage-jane-birkin-photos/?epik=dj0yJnU9YzlMZV9PT0EtaE1pTHFqbXZGRFo4cGdOMS1nU3R5RDkmcD0wJm49YUtyTWlZcURCcjlRMVo1T29xN0p3dyZ0PUFBQUFBR1M1TF9N

https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/culture/fashion-jane-birkin-bags-hermes-b2376584.html

https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/great-outfits-fashion-history-jane-160000838.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvLnVrLw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALK4o4Q_d-NGpyX7BXMaaI5aD6-443uNUAwKfGgycvX9PZDQWiu2esTa5VPCSzNaRnGIxIeWUMID66i9wKjj9jLZsAsOfitG1ZEHKez3JjII3m07k1RShOBqh26jNf0EfTe0IBBxvPryb_zyigw9bQg9EK4DnCcMwqr6QoAmAAyU