With her enviable hair, heavy cat-eye flick, and signature style of chic, perfected basics, Brigitte Bardot is a style icon whose looks transcend time, even half a century after she starred in classic French films such as Jean-Luc Godard’s Le Mépris.
Trained as a ballerina, Bardot appeared on the cover of Elle in 1950 before going on to act, sing, model, and later become an animal rights activist. What makes her such an inspiring style icon is that even today, her look seems modern, approachable, and most of all, covetable. In honor of her 82nd birthday today, let’s take a look back at her signature style.
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Sundresses
Bardot was frequently photographed in chic little sundresses with flattering empire waists. Whether rendered in black or printed with florals, she knew the power of a one-trick piece. For endless summers or warm fall days, the look doesn’t need any accoutrements.
Ballet Flats
Since Bardot trained as a dancer, it makes sense that she’d relish some of the hallmarks of ballet style. Often, she’d wear delicate ballet flats with cropped pants or dresses. Her brand of choice? Repetto. It’s been reported that she even requested that the brand begin creating the durable, ballet-style flats that nondancers can wear in the street.
Headbands
Bardot was well aware of the power of accessorizing in her own signature French way. The actress paired wide cloth headbands with simple outfits comprised of monochromatic tops and pants or pencil skirts and sweaters. Paired with a dramatic cat eye, the hair accessory added an extra touch of glam to an effortless look.
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Cropped Pants
Jeans or tailored pants cut right at the ankle were often favored by Bardot. Worn with oversized sweaters or boyish tops for good measure, the style reflects her good taste and style—both still seem modern.
A Statement-Making Skirt
Whether jet-setting or relaxing between time spent on screen, Bardot gravitated toward all kinds of skirts. A mini paired with a chunky sweater showed her cool French-girl insouciance, while a wide, voluminous one emphasized her bombshell figure.
How to get Brigitte Bardot's smoky eyes:
