Getty
Parisian style has arguably been pored over more than any other. The artful insouciance of French women has served as inspiration for many of us who have woken up not knowing what to wear. Of course, the truth is it all comes down to attitude - it might have taken an age to create your perfectly messy hair or to find a navy jumper that is oversized without being too big - but it should look effortless, even if it wasn't. French style is about having a uniform, and sticking to it, where understatedness and restraint are the stars of the show. It isn't the most creative of looks, but it's enviable in its timelessness and apparent ease. Here, we look at the women who have made French chic one of the most famous terms in fashion history.
Brigitte Bardot
Getty
Brigitte Bardot was the ultimate French bombshell, and her influence still appears on catwalks today. Back in the 50s and 60s, she was the first to wear ballet pumps outside of dance studios, prompting Repetto to launch a style for alfresco use. Her look oscillated between kittenish femininity and overt sexiness, but always purveying an image of unabashed freedom. Her dishevelled blonde hair and black eyeliner were defining markers – a look that has long inspired Kate Moss.
