The sun is setting earlier, there’s a chill in the air, and leaves are starting to fall from the trees—it’s September. While that might mean summer is coming to a bittersweet end, it’s also an exciting time for fashion, a chance to refresh your style for the new season.
If you’re looking for fall style inspiration, Jane Birkin is the perfect muse. The British singer, actor, and French icon—who passed away in 2023 at age 76—was known for her style all year round, but her personal taste seemed drawn to the layered looks of autumn. She once said, “I feel most comfortable in an old pair of jeans, Converse, and a man’s jersey.” Jeans, sneakers, and a sweater? That sounds like the perfect cozy fall outfit.
Looking back at photos of Birkin from her younger years, you’ll see slouchy knits, wool peacoats with big collars and sharp lines, ruffled blouses, polished shoes, patterned sweaters, and more. It’s a mix of playful and understated cold-weather outfits, with fun mismatches that keep you guessing—like jeans, a button-down, and a sweater draped over her shoulders, paired with strappy high heels. But what makes Birkin’s style so appealing isn’t just the clothes themselves; it’s 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 carrying a basket, which inspired the iconic 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 highlights some of Birkin’s best vintage outfits and style combinations for fall—plus ideas on how to recreate the looks yourself.
Photo: Getty Images
LBD and Wicker Basket
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Cou Cou Intimates
The Rina dress
$98 COU COU
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Muuñ
Talata mini bag
$210 NET-A-PORTER
Keystone-France/Getty Images
Statement Accessories
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Chloé
The Chloé Heartfull pendant
$1,960 CHLOÉ
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Prada
Shadowplay sunglasses
$555 PRADA
Photo: Getty Images
Button-Down and Flared Jeans
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J.Crew
Étienne oversized shirt
$128 $90 (30% off) J.CREW
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Nili Lotan
Florence jeans
$420 NET-A-PORTER
Photo: Getty Images
Simple Knit + Velvet Flats
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J.Crew
V-neck sweater
$148 J.CREW
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Vibi Venezia
Brigitte mary jane flats
$160 SHOPBOP
Photo: Getty Images
Chunky Belt and Bootcut Jeans
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Déhanche
Santo belt
$395 NET-A-PORTER
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Veronica Beard
Beverly jeans
$298 NORDSTROM
Photo: Getty Images
Trench Coat and Ballet Heels
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Burberry
Heritage trench coat
$2,850 BURBERRY
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Repetto
Rose Mary Jane heels
$490 SSENSE
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Flouncy Top and Mini Short
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Dôen
Henri top
$280 NORDSTROM
$280 NET-A-PORTER
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Dôen
Rocco shorts
$238 DÔEN
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs based on the premise of Jane Birkin as a fall style icon ranging from beginner to advanced questions
General Style Inspiration
1 Who was Jane Birkin and why is she considered a style icon
Jane Birkin was a British actress and singer who became a fashion phenomenon in the late 1960s and 1970s primarily living in France She is considered an icon because her style was effortlessly natural relaxed and understated She famously mixed highend pieces with highstreet staples creating a look that felt both chic and accessible
2 What exactly is the Jane Birkin aesthetic
The aesthetic is best described as undone chic or French girl style Its about looking stylish without looking like you tried too hard Key elements include messy tousled hair minimal makeup and a wardrobe of simple highquality basics like white tshirts denim and tailored blazers
3 Why is Jane Birkin specifically the ultimate style icon for fall
Her signature look aligns perfectly with fall layering She was a master of wearing a simple white tee under a slouchy blazer or a cozy knit paired with straightleg jeans and ankle boots The muted earthy tones she favoredbrowns greys creams and blacksmirror the autumn palette making her style feel naturally seasonal
4 What are the key clothing items I need to recreate her fall look
You dont need vintage pieces to get the look Focus on these modern basics
A crisp white tshirt
Highwaisted straightleg or slightly flared jeans in a medium or dark wash
An unstructured slightly oversized blazer
A chunky knit sweater or cardigan
A simple lightweight trench coat or a suede jacket
Flat ankle boots or ballet flats
Specifics Practical Tips
5 What did she do with her hair and makeup that made it so iconic
Her hair was famously messyoften a choppy shoulderlength bob with bangs that looked like shed just rolled out of bed The trick is to use texturizing spray and not brush it out completely Her makeup