Ask any fashion editor and they will tell you, the best kind of wardrobe is a streamlined, curated closet of effortless and elegant key pieces, and nobody does that quite like the French. I recently asked Ba&Sh co-founder Barbara Boccara for the secret behind chic French styling and she assured me that there is no difference between how British and French women approach dressing. "French women used to dress up for all occasions, but really there are two kinds of French woman—those who are polished and ultra-feminine and those who wear jeans and sneakers and still look great", and while that is a statement I'm sure a lot of us can identify with, the French do know how to add a little je ne sais quoi to bring even the most simple look to life.
Take for example the stereotypical Parisian wardrobe: bouclé jackets, Breton tops, skinny jeans, ballet pumps, and the ubiquitous Chanel bag; you will no doubt come across them all on the streets of Paris, but there's another classic French piece that until recently hadn't been getting enough airtime—the bardot neckline.
This chic, off-the-shoulder style shows the just the right amount of skin to be alluring and still modest at the same time. And whether you're wearing a bardot top, jumper, dress, or jumpsuit, the scooped or folded over neckline is one of the most universally flattering shapes this side of the V-neck, and take that from someone who has spent her life in the safety of crew necks.
A cursory glance through Instagram and I spot minimalist bardot jumpers, elegant ruching, ruffled bardot tops and cosy knit dresses, something that us Brits have yet to fully embrace. Did I immediately head out and try on the next bardot jumper I could find? Yes. And were the results as chic as I had imagined? Of course. There's just something instantly expensive-looking about this torso-elongating, waist-minimising silhouette. Well, if it's good enough for Brigitte Bardot...
Need further proof that the bardot neckline deserves a spot in your wardrobe? Keep scrolling. These are the very best bardot tops, jumpers, dresses and jumpsuits on the market right now. Happy shopping.
SHOP BARDOT TOPS
Simple but sophisticated.
Such a sleek silhouette.
Chocolate brown always manages to look expensive.
The ruching detail is utter perfection.
An easy throw-on-and-go top to wear with jeans.
SHOP BARDOT JUMPERS
I saw this jumper and instantly knew it was the one.
Cream knitwear never goes out of style.
All this needs is a leather midi skirt and knee high boots.
Hot red is still trending.
A bardot jumper with feathers? Sign me up.
SHOP BARDOT DRESSES
Wear on repeat this autumn.
How to do off-the-shoulder for dressy occasions.
Quite possibly the perfect little red party dress. Thank you, Rebecca Vallance.
BRB, copying this entire look.
An off-the-shoulder maxi dress that ticks every box.
The full skirt is so romantic.
SHOP BARDOT JUMPSUITS
An alternative bridal look I can really get behind.
The asymmetric hemline is a great talking point.
A bardot neckline and a wide-leg are a winning combination.
Ideal for a fuller bust.
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