We simply have to extend a hand to whoever is doing the public relations for the humble top, for it’s never been a better time for this wardrobe staple than right now. Indeed, the mastermind behind this summer basics’ renewed interest must be working overtime, because across all facets of the fashion landscape, there’s an appetite for clean cut and chic tops that simply can’t be satiated.

Of course, if you want to know what style the Who What Wear UK editors are backing this summer, you’ve come to the right place. And after doing some serious research—see: trawling new-season collections and reviewing the most recent runways—we can say with confidence that the three-quarter sleeve top will reign supreme.

Though the double-layered crewnecks—especially when rendered in the colour palette synonymous with Dutch artist Piet Mondrian, like cobalt blue and tomato red—seen on Harry Styles in the “American Girls” music video and the boho chic-inspired peasant blouse trend were worthy contenders, a recent slew of chic dressers endorsing the three-quarter length top has crowned it as this season’s leading trend.

Indeed, only yesterday, Kaia Gerber stepped out in New York in the quintessential model off-duty uniform. For the stroll, she wore a pair of ballet pumps, low-rise jeans and tied these foundational items together with the elbow-grazing silhouette. Earlier this year, Hailey Bieber posted a photo of herself in her butter yellow kitchen wearing the bracelet-length long-sleeved style.

The sightings don’t stop there. A few months ago, Lily-Rose Depp was seen in Los Angeles wearing the same cut, albeit in a baby pink style that complemented her Y2K-inspired grey tracksuit and slate blue Ugg boots. Elsewhere, whilst taking a break from her Short’n’Sweet tour, Sabrina Carpenter also posted a photo of herself wearing the top alongside a saccharine gingham-print bandana. All this to say, the three-quarter sleeve top has officially become one of the must-have pieces of the season.

Of course, to those in the know, you’ll be aware that the three-quarter sleeve top is by no means new. One of the earliest and most influential appearances from the top came in 1973 when Jane Birkin wore it during rehearsals for a performance at the Artists Union Gala. Wearing nothing but a pair of black undies and thick thigh-high leg warmers, she cemented the silhouette as a venerable extension of Parisian sophistication and unfussy elegance, something that today’s style savants have reinforced, too.

Still, there’s a reason why the three-quarter sleeve top is dominating now, decades after it entered the cultural zeitgeist. The most prominent reason is that the top embodies the slight sensuality and inherent romanticism associated with French girl fashion, making it an effective way to inject these traits into any ensemble without investing in a whole new wardrobe. What’s more, this cut offers a fresh take on a capsule wardrobe staple, as it can easily be paired with any well-edited fundamentals and instantly adds dimension to any tried-and-trusted ensemble.

And with summer on the horizon, there’s no better time to get your sartorial affairs in order and stock up on anything-but-boring basics that can elevate any look. So, whilst you can spend your time embracing novel trends like silk taffeta trousers and jelly shoes, there’s solace in knowing that with the three-quarter sleeve top, you’ll never struggle to find a blouse or shirt to wear it with. Delicate, flirty and effortless, discover below the best three-quarter sleeve tops to invest in and the styles that will have you bidding adieu to your crisp white T-shirts and scoop neck tank tops for good.

Shop the Three-Quarter Sleeve Top:

In all my years as a fashion journalist, I’ve come across very few who did summer dressing quite so well as Jane Birkin. Enduringly cool, effortlessly undone—decades on, she remains a constant presence on my moodboards—especially at this time of year.

As we edge closer to summer, I’ve found myself revisiting the archives in search of inspiration and, unsurprisingly, Birkin’s high-summer wardrobe was my first port of call. What stood out most is just how relevant so many of her go-to pieces still feel today.

If you’re looking to channel that same effortless energy this season, below are three of Jane Birkin’s most enduring summer trends.

3 Chic Summer Trends to Borrow from Jane Birkin

1. Cotton Minidress

Style Notes: When temperatures soar and getting dressed feels like a task, nothing works harder than a lightweight cotton minidress. Breathable, unfussy and versatile, Birkin often styled hers with dark brown boots and her signature wicker basket, but it feels just as fresh worn with this season’s Mary Janes or simple sandals.

Shop the Look:

2. T-Shirt + Flared Jeans

Style Notes: If there’s one outfit formula that never fails, it’s jeans and a T-shirt—but Birkin’s take gives it a fresher edge. Swapping classic straight-legs for flared silhouettes, and finished with a heel, the look feels elevated yet still easy.

Shop the Look:

3. Short Sleeve Blouses

Style Notes: Looking to refresh your summer rotation? Consider trading in your basic tanks for a short-sleeve blouse. Worn with jeans, it’s a dependable everyday option, but paired with a voluminous skirt, it takes on a softer, more romantic feel.

Shop the Look:

As if like clockwork, winter’s blistering grip has relinquished and invited in spring’s blissful warmth, resulting in revitalised wardrobes that prioritise lightweight fabrics, ethereal silhouettes and dreamy prints.

This season, however, it appears that the biggest blouse trend of note doesn’t just meet all those requirements, but also delivers that dose of nostalgia we so often seek out, whilst providing an angelic counterpoint to the dependable jeans we tend to spend most of our time in.

Indeed, peasant tops are once again trending, offering a soft sensuality that feels completely fitting for the sun-drenched days that stretch ahead of us.

For the uninitiated, peasant tops refer to a style of blouse that features a slightly puffed cap sleeve, an elongated shape that billows down the body and intricate details like broderie anglaise eyelets, lace trims, whimsical ruffles or quaint pleats that give the top a hand-made, almost archival quality.

Just look at the lines that stretch through Portobello Markets on any given Saturday when the sky is a picturesque blue, or the fanfare surrounding archival boutiques like Rellik or Turner Vintage, which specialise in rare, almost antique pieces from the past century, as proof of our collective appetite for pieces that are intricate, thoughtful and effortlessly elegant

Of course, for adherents of the bohemian aesthetic, you’ll know that peasant blouses aren’t new by any means. First garnering popularity through the 20th Century, they first came to prominence in the ‘40s with Henri Mattise depicting several styles in his work before becoming a fixture in the balmy wardrobes of the European jet set like Jane Birkin in the ‘60s before finally showing up on the runway in Saint Laurent’s landmark “Haute Russian" collection in the ‘70s.

These days, you’re bound to find a peasant top within the work of designers who derive the most inspiration from these eras, from Chemena Kamali’s free-spirited and intrepidly feminine pieces for Chloé or Margaret and Katherine Kleveland’s work for their beloved brand Dôen, which the pair describe as holding a “reverence for coastal California of decades past".

However, when it comes to how they’re styled, not much has really changed. Allowing the fluidity and ease of the style to really shine, most wearers pair their peasant tops with sturdy denim bottoms, particularly light washes in straight-leg cuts. Emulating the spirit of the La Piscine star, they’re commonly complemented with her trademark basket bag, too.

Still, in a season defined by lightness and a renewal, there’s nothing more appealing than embracing a trend that allows a more delicate and tender side to show. In the words of Charli XCX—which were immortalised on her magnum opus party album brat and subsequent use in Emerald Fennell’s film adaptation of the literary classic Wuthering Heights—everything is romantic.

Shop the Peasant Top Trend:

Eugénie Trochu is a Who What Wear editor in residence known for her transformative work at Vogue France and her Substack newsletter, where she documents and shares new trends, her no-nonsense approach to fashion and style, plus other musings. She's also working on her upcoming first book that explores fashion as a space of memory, projection, and reinvention.

Lately, I've been obsessed with a very specific pair of jeans. It's not just any flare and definitely not the overly nostalgic bootcut revival we've seen come and go. The one I keep thinking about is much more precise, the kind of flare that instantly gives you an attitude. I keep going back to one image: a look from the Celine S/S 20 collection designed by Hedi Slimane.

There was this woman on the runway who perfectly captured that effortless confidence we tend to associate with the myth of the Parisienne. Her look felt like a curious mix of neobourgeois elegance and slightly bohemian influences, as if she had just walked out of a lecture at the Sorbonne sometime in the 1970s. The jeans are the key to the entire silhouette. They're slightly flared, high-waisted, and long enough to skim over the shoes. The denim looks semirigid and has a faded wash that makes the jeans feel like they've lived a life already and had once belonged to someone's mother. But there's one important detail. The jeans are perfectly pressed. That small detail keeps the look from drifting into overly grunge or costume-like vintage territory.

The result is very Jane Birkin. It's the kind of silhouette that feels incredibly simple but somehow exactly right: a pair of flared jeans, a men's shirt, maybe a structured jacket, and either ballet flats or slim boots. For the past few months, I've been trying to find those exact jeans again—not a dramatic flare or a Y2K interpretation but that subtle, elegant flare that almost feels academic.

It's the kind of denim that lengthens the leg, structures the silhouette, and gives you that slightly nonchalant allure that Parisian women often chase without quite explaining. The good news is that this exact shape seems to be quietly returning in 2026. After years dominated by straight-leg or oversize denim, slightly flared silhouettes are slowly making their way back—often with the high waist and rigid fabric that recall the 1970s.

The challenge, as always, is finding the right flare. Not too wide. Not too cropped. Not too stretchy. Just the kind that looks like you've had the denim forever.

Shop My Top Flared-Jeans Picks for 2026

There was nothing that could have prepared me for the reaction of my fellow editors when a package containing an Hermés Birkin landed on my desk at Who What Wear UK HQ.

The gasps! The touching! The collective awe! This is a bag that still commands unwavering reverence everywhere it goes, and despite being on the market for well over 41 years, it is still as coveted today as it was when it launched. My introduction to the Birkin (as I'm sure is the same for many millennials) was the episode of Sex and the City when even Samantha Jones can't get her hands on one. The implication even then was clear: the Hermés Birkin is in the upper echelons, and no waiting list or amount of sweet-talking sales staff will get you one, but with the unexpected drop of a $80 Wallmart dupe dubbed the "Wirkin" at the end of last year, TikTok is one again buzzing over the bag that is as much a status symbol as it is an accessory.

"Hermés bags are the pinnacle of luxury, and great from an investment perspective, as most models double or triple their value the minute they leave the shop floor," notes Hanushka Toni, founder of luxury preloved boutique Sellier. "It is nearly impossible to walk into Hermés and simply buy a Birkin or a Kelly. Whilst the crafts[person]ship and quality are second to none, what really makes Hermès bags so desirable is their exclusivity. That sense of rarity, combined with their timeless design and investment potential, makes them the ultimate status symbol, which is why consumers are so eager to get their hands on one."

So, is the Birkin truly head-and-shoulders above the rest, or just the product of some extremely well-thought-out marketing and endorsements? Well, prices aside, the secondhand market would suggest that similar to the Chanel Flap and Dior Book Tote, the allure of the Birkin, and in fact, of most designer handbags, no longer lies in the shopping experience alone, but the preservation of archival pieces.

"The preloved market is the best place to invest in timeless luxury pieces. When an item is on its second life, it’s a testament to the quality of its fabric and crafts[person]ship—provided it has been well cared for," adds Toni. "Buying secondhand makes investment pieces more accessible, as price points are often lower than buying new. The secondary market has completely transformed access to luxury. It allows buyers to find rare and discontinued pieces that would otherwise be out of reach without spending years building a relationship with a sales associate.

"Many designer bags even hold or increase in value over time, making them a smarter investment than buying retail, and, for those who want to experience the magic of a Hermès bag without a long-term commitment, luxury rental is also a fantastic alternative. It allows people to enjoy iconic pieces for special occasions or try different styles before making a purchase. Luxury should be enjoyed, and the resale and rental markets are making that more possible than ever."

Keen to feel the quality and road-test this iconic bag for myself, I reached out to the Sellier team and asked to spend 24 hours with the world's most famous handbag. Would it feel luxurious? How would it carry? And most importantly, would it be worth the money?

The Stats

Brand: Hermès

Model: Birkin 35cm

Materials: Clemence leather (thick and durable calf leather with a medium grain).

Colour: Biscuit

Hardware: Palladium

Comes with: Dust bag, lock, keys, clochette and Entrupy certificate (an AI-based luxury certification service).

Measurements: 35cm x 25cm x 18cm

Stamp: L Square

Year: 2008

Hermés Birkin Bag Review

So, let's start off with the look and feel of the bag. There's no denying the wow factor when you slide off the dust bag to reveal the tote underneath, and given the current penchant for structured top-handle bags of a medium size and minimalist design (specifically The Row's Margaux and the Ferragamo Hug), this bag immediately ticks all of the right boxes on style.

My first stop of the day was a breakfast meeting, and the last thing I wanted to carry was a super-heavy bag that I'd have to lug around on the tube. Although the Birkin I tested isn't quite big enough for my laptop and extras, it comfortably fits my makeup bag, phone, keys, perfume, a hairbrush and my book—in other words, the essentials, without weighing me down. The clasp may have taken some initial fumbling to get open, but if ever there was a bag that you needn't worry someone could slip their hand into, it's this.

Although we may be more used to slouchier totes that you can fold up under your arm, there's something satisfying about the Birkin's rigidity. Whether it was in my locker, on the train or sitting on a coffee table, it holds its form whilst taking up minimal space. At times, I was suddenly aware that I was treating the bag like a baby (and yes, it deserved its own seat at the breakfast table), but in this colourway in particular, I'm inclined to treat the leather like a precious object. It's not buttery soft, but instead, it's a much thicker, grained leather that feels more durable—perfect for protecting the far smoother and more sumptuous suede inside. Now, that looked and smelt like pure luxury.

I got plenty of looks carrying this around, and I wondered if it was because of the bag itself, people trying to figure out whether it was real or fake or the fact that I immediately carried myself like a celebrity despite standing in a queue for a salad at lunch. Clearly, this bag unlocked the latent A-lister in me, and I'm not about to consider that a problem.

So, how did it hold up for the rest of the day? Well, given that this is not your average throw-on-and-go bag, I did spend a lot of time undoing the clasp, lifting the flap, aligning everything and fastening it again (and that's without locking it with the key, as I didn't trust myself not to lose it). It's a strong safety measure that will please many buyers, but I'm perhaps a little too impatient. By the time I make it to the evening, I'm ready to go out for drinks after work without having to swap to a different bag, and I cannot stress enough how convenient this is when I see so many commuters stuggling with a nice handbag, a tote bag and potentially a laptop bag all at once.

"On the resale market, the classic Birkin 25 in black with gold hardware or gold on gold is a sought-after item, making it a worthwhile option for collectors looking for a long-term investment," points out Toni. "Additionally, we’re seeing the classic size of the Birkin (the 35) becoming more popular amongst buyers." And for very good reason. The size is what scores the real points here, as it isn't the biggest Birkin available (that's the whopping 50), but the shallower mini 25 is just too micro to fit everything inside, making the 35 the happy medium.

Unlike many top-handle bags, the Birkin doesn't come with a shoulder strap, so if you want to switch around positions for comfort, you're looking at swapping the hand you carry it in as opposed to wearing it crossbody or on the shoulder, but as someone who never uses the extra attachments anyway, this is more of an observation than a criticism.

On close inspection, the faultless seams and joins are a clear sign of the craftspersonship that goes into these pieces. Every detail, from the colour of the thread to the embossing on the padlock, has been thought out and executed by the artisans who make every cut and stitch by hand to uniformity. It may sound like a lot, but as someone who has paid to have bags restored, handles replaced and shoes re-glued, it's reassuring to find a designer item that hasn't cut corners just to increase the markup. Every penny spent to make this bag (and believe me, it's a lot) must count for something.

Final Thoughts

It's almost impossible to ignore the eye-watering price when discussing the Birkin. It's not the kind of purchase that anyone could easily describe as "value for money", but it is an example of just how designer bags can retain their value on the resale market. Out of all of the luxury greats to stand the test of time—the saddle bag, the baguette, the Jackie—it is Hermés with the most impressive and farthest-reaching legacy, and even its sister bag, the Kelly, doesn't have quite the same pull as its younger counterpart.

The bag I loaned was one of the "cheaper" options, retailing at around £8850 secondhand, so it didn't hit the £20K benchmark like some of the rarer styles, but it still felt far too special to be an everyday bag option. If you're looking for one of the more entry-level options, go for palladium hardware over gold, Clemence leather over Chèvre leather and exotic skins and stick to sizes 35 and below—anything more sizable can send costs into five figures on reputable sites.

Is the Birkin the kind of bag you carry on the tube for your everyday commute? Absolutely not. But is it the kind of special-occasion style you can hand down to the next generation? Honestly, yes. What you may or may not consider a "wise investment" ultimately comes down to budget, and if you are a bag collector who would happily spend thousands on the latest styles from Loewe or Khaite, a Birkin feels like it has far more longevity in the long run. Whilst owning a Birkin is outside the realm of possibility for this fashion editor, I did get a buzz from this moment of proximity to fashion greatness and would happily recommend renting one for the curious.

PROS: Exclusivity, elegant design, exceptional craftspersonship, iconic legacy, roomy, lightweight, cleaning kits available (depending on colour), resale value.

CONS: Price, wearability, ease of access.

Shop Hermés BIrkin Bags:

I've always had a thing for old French movies, and the architecture, design, fashion, colors, and language all play a part in their appeal. If you ask me, the most alluring ones always take place in the summer, when the genre's iconic bright hues appear diluted by the sunshine over Saint-Tropez and the on-screen style consists mainly of capri pants, stark-white maillots, and hair accessories ranging from acetate headbands to mod bandanas. Picking just one decade would be hard, but with the 1960s being an option—a period that saw Brigitte Bardot, Jane Birkin, Marie Laforêt, and Romy Schneider grace the big screen with their royal presence—there really is no question. It's the winner by a clear mile.

Naturally, with summer underway, I've been busy refreshing my knowledge of classics from the era, like La Piscine (The Swimming Pool), Le Mépris (Contempt), and Plein Soleil (Purple Noon), in an effort to gather as much seasonal inspiration as possible, particularly in the fashion department. Since my forever aesthetic goals revolve around the women in these three films, stills from them make for the perfect mood-board starters as I continue to shape and perfect my summer 2024 wardrobe. If yours is similar, you've come to the right place. Scroll down to discover seven trends that I'll be borrowing from the stars of some of France's most epic vintage films, from gingham print to A-line skirts and so much more.

Gingham Print

Though she isn't La Piscine's leading lady, Birkin has more than her fair share of iconic moments in Jacques Deray's 1969 film, plenty of which included enviable ensembles just like the ones Birkin donned off-screen in her everyday life. The above still features one such look. The French fashion darling is wearing a blue-and-white gingham minidress that's just as relevant in 2024 as it was back in the '60s. From High Sport to J.Crew, everyone's craving elevated takes on the picnic print this summer—myself included.

SHOP THE TREND:

A-Line Skirts

Everything Bardot wears in Le Mépris is as beautiful as the various backdrops in Jean-Luc Godard's film—from the stunning apartment the actress's character Camille and her husband Paul live in to Casa Malaparte, a seaside villa in Capri, Italy, where Simon Porte Jacquemus recently held his fall/winter 2024 show. One such fashion winner is the belted A-line skirt she dons with a striped, long-sleeve tee and flats. Elegant and effortless, the shapely skirt is a perfect choice for warm days when you want to look nice but can't bear to stress about putting together an outfit.

SHOP THE TREND:

White Maillots

No matter the decade, there's nothing more classic than a white maillot in the summertime. You can wear it solo at the beach or pool, and it also acts as a perfect base, whether you want to toss on a cover-up or pareo skirt for a seaside lunch or put on jeans, linen trousers, or a billowy skirt for a day of exploring in your local city. If you're going the classic route, take a cue from Schneider's La Piscine character Marianne's playbook and opt for a simple, minimalistic option with a scoop neck and spaghetti straps. Just make sure the style you're buying is lined—we all know the pitfalls of wearing an unlined white swimsuit in the water.

SHOP THE TREND:

Silk Nightgowns

If you didn't already know, Plein Soleil aka Purple Noon is the first adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's 1955 novel The Talented Mr. Ripley and follows a young American named Tom Ripley to Italy, where he's been sent to return one Philippe Greenleaf back to San Francisco by Greenleaf's father. (If you've seen the 1999 version starring Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow, this probably sounds familiar.) In the original, Paltrow's character is played by a gorgeously dressed Laforêt (Marge), who can be seen above sleeping lazily in a white silk nightgown that could easily be worn outside of the bedroom with a few accessories and a good pair of strappy kitten-heel sandals.

SHOP THE TREND:

Black Bikinis

If you already own a white one-piece swimsuit but don't possess a tiny black bikini, let Schneider's in La Piscine persuade you to add one into your swimwear collection immediately. Her character in the film wears a black, almost triangle-shaped top with low-rise, thick-strap bottoms—no bandeau tops or high-waisted bottoms in sight. This photo alone is the sole reason why I own a number of very similar cuts. It's just so chic and laissez-faire. I can't get enough.

SHOP THE TREND:

Stripes

French women loving stripes isn't exactly a groundbreaking discovery. While I usually trust the style tips of all women from the country, this isn't one that felt particularly alluring to me until I saw Bardot's character wearing a navy-and-white striped tee in Le Mépris paired with a thick blue headband, a matching cardigan, and a knee-length pencil skirt. The look made me immediately want to buy all of the ingredients and re-create it again and again.

SHOP THE TREND:

Bandana Scarves

One of my all-time favorite French-girl trends is the way they style silk scarves, specifically when they're worn like bandanas. In the summertime, my hairline is always getting too much color, so I'm constantly on the lookout for cool ways to cover up. Sadly, baseball caps and sun hats don't look as effortlessly chic on me as they do on Instagram, so I've had to seek out alternatives, thus the love of headscarves. Schneider has a plethora of head accessories throughout La Piscine, with my favorite being—shocker!—this bandana-style white scarf that she paired with the aforementioned black bikini.

SHOP THE TREND:

It's not every day that a bag trend comes around that won't send your savings back for at least a few months if not more. These days, buying a designer handbag is like putting a down payment on a house, especially if you're using celebrities, who tend to carry styles like the Hermès Kelly or The Row's Margaux, as inspiration. Fortunately, today is one of those rare days when the word "affordable" can accurately be used to describe a major celeb-backed bag trend. It's crazy, I know, but it's also true. And I'm here to tell you all about it.

If you haven't already guessed, I'm talking about the bag charms and accessories that A-listers are using to personalize their purses. The styling hack, which was originally made famous by French style icon Jane Birkin, can cost you next to nothing, but it'll make even your simplest tote feel special and unique every time.

Dua Lipa has been spotted with her customized Birkin bag on several occasions, most recently at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City after her recent trip to Capri, Italy. For the long flight, she wore a black sweatsuit and Puma sneakers, elevating the outfit with a black Birkin decorated with a silk scarf and various other colorful charms. Last year in November, the "Houdini" singer was seen carrying the same embellished bag on the streets of Manhattan, and earlier this year in March, it was spotted again at London's St. Pancras Station when Lipa traveled via Eurostar to Paris alongside her boyfriend, Callum Turner.

On Dua Lipa: Prada Leather Jacket With Belt ($8100); Puma Palermo Sneaker ($90); Hermès bag

On Dua Lipa: Puma Palermo Sneaker ($90); Hermès bag; Raf Simons coat; Supreme sunglasses

But Lipa isn't the only one to change up their bag with a few well-placed keychains, twillies, and more. Most recently, Anne Hathaway was photographed outside of a family dinner in NYC wearing the most elegant baby-blue set with black fishnet Alaïa flats and a Birkin of her own that she added a large Hermès horse charm to. During fashion month in February, dressed-up handbags were spotted in flux, with Livia Nunes Marques carrying a personalized Miu Miu bag and Leia Sfez wearing a scarf- and charm-embellished Kelly. Suffice to say, charms and accessories are *the* bag trend of the season, if not the year. And unless you go straight to the source and shop them from Hermès, getting in on the buzzy styling trick won't cost you anywhere near the price of a new purse.

Scroll down to shop the bag charms and accessories trend.

I must admit that I'm not much of a Halloween person. I usually half-ass my costumes using pieces I already own mixed with cheap Party City accessories. (A striped shirt with a sailor hat has been my go-to costume for several years running.) After compiling this story, I'm feeling extra inspired this year to come up with something a bit more fun. The costumes I included below aren't scary, out-there, inventive, or silly—they're just plain stylish. They can be re-created with things you already own or items you can absolutely wear again post-Halloween.

Celebrities such as Margot Robbie and Lupita Nyong'o have worn excellent Halloween costumes over the years, and they deserve to be revisited. I also included throwback looks from Jane Birkin, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Cindy Crawford—you're welcome. Scroll down to see the most stylish Halloween costumes, according to me.

Jane Birkin as a Circus Performer 

Margot Robbie as Ginger Spice

Sabrina Carpenter as Tinker Bell

Emily Ratajkowski as Jennifer Lopez

Lupita Nyong'o as Dionne From Clueless

Cindy Crawford as Marilyn Monroe

Mindy Kaling as Elle Woods

Jasmine Tookes as Foxxy Cleopatra

Olivia Rodrigo as Elvira Hancock

Jamie Lee Curtis as a Witch

With trends constantly coming in and out of the sartorial world, it can be rare to find one that stands the test of time. But one trend continues to pop up every summer without fail and has also been a French favorite since the '80s: woven bags. Whether it's rattan, straw, raffia, or jute, the trend seems to be the ultimate summer staple that won't go away anytime soon.

When you think of Jane Birkin, the iconic Hermès bag will instantly come to mind, but what you might not know is that a basket bag was also one of the French actress's top handbags of choice. It completed her relaxed "cool-girl" look, and it's safe to say the Hermès bag isn't the only timeless bag she's championed. A woven bag completes any summer ensemble, whether you're running errands or relaxing on vacation. Plus, who doesn't want to emulate French style?

While the actress used to shop for her woven bags on her travels, you can shop for your own from the comfort of your home. I've scanned the market for the best picks, from affordable options at H&M to investment-worthy bags by Loewe. Keep scrolling to find your pick for the season ahead.

Shop the best woven bags

• Best classic woven bag: Etsy Jane Birkin Basket With Lid ($100)
• Best affordable woven bag: H&M Straw Shopper ($35)
• Best luxury woven bag: Khaite Medium Lotus Tote in Natural Raffia ($1650)
• Best clutch woven bag: Mansur Gavriel Mini Cloud Clutch ($545)
• Best leather woven bag: Dragon Diffusion Interwoven Leather Tote Bag ($372)

Shop Woven Bags

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Straw, wicker, rattan, basket, raffia, jute—whatever you call it, one thing's for sure: It's the summer bag trend that will never die. It's not often that a specific seasonal look has real longevity, but it's certainly true when it comes to straw bags. Alexa Chung recently proved just that when she stepped out in New York City this week with a cute basket bag, which is a trend she's personally been wearing for well over a decade. 

There are so many shapes and sizes to choose from that the options can seem overwhelming, but I took great care in rounding up the absolute best versions to consider investing in for summer 2022. Scroll down to shop my favorite wicker and straw bags inspired by both Alexa Chung and the original aficionado, Jane Birkin. 

Then: March 2010

On Alexa Chung: Chanel bag

Now: April 2022

On Alexa Chung: Celine Triomphe 01 Sunglasses; Gucci boots

The OG: Jane Birkin 

Shop My Favorite Basket Bags

Next: The 2022 Swimsuit Trends Celebs Are Already Wearing

Straw, wicker, rattan, basket, raffia, jute—whatever you call it, one thing's for sure: It's the summer bag trend that will never die. It's not often that a specific seasonal look has real longevity, but it's certainly true when it comes to straw bags. Alexa Chung recently proved just that when she stepped out in New York City this week with a cute basket bag, which is a trend she's personally been wearing for well over a decade. 

There are so many shapes and sizes to choose from that the options can seem overwhelming, but I took great care in rounding up the absolute best versions to consider investing in for summer 2022. Scroll down to shop my favorite wicker and straw bags, inspired by both Alexa Chung and the original aficionado, Jane Birkin. 

Then: March 2010

On Alexa Chung: Chanel bag

Now: April 2022

On Alexa Chung: Celine Triomphe 01 Sunglasses ($510); Gucci boots

The OG: Jane Birkin 

Shop My Favorite Basket Bags

Next, The 2022 Swimsuit Trends Celebs Are Already Wearing

I recently spoke with a French woman who vented to me about growing bored of “French-girl style.” My friend felt like wearing nothing but the basics gets old. I beg to differ because I think true style comes from a place of energy. Cool-girl energy is equivalent to cool-girl style. You can’t have one without the other. That’s what I think makes Jane Birkin such an icon and master of personal style. She can make a T-shirt and flared jeans look like something you’ve never seen before with the radiant energy that is so loud it translates through a photo.

I’ve been really editing down my wardrobe for the past few years, and while I like to use summer to make a statement, I’ve been dreaming up some timeless outfit ideas. I started wondering what moves Jane Birkin would make if she took over my closet, and it got me thinking about these five staples. Let’s talk about them.

1. Basket Bag

At the peak of her career as a model and actress, Birkin could carry any bag she could dream up, yet she chose simplicity. A series of nameless basket bags followed her everywhere and looked like they'd been plucked out of a random market in the South of France. I've been styling this piece with a variety of outfits, and it's felt amazing.

2. Flared Denim

For a woman of the '60s and '70s, it's no surprise that flared jeans would be in the equation. Birkin certainly preferred them, which could be easily seen in her outfits every time she wore denim. They are the secret to always looking taller than you are.

3. Pretty White Top

If you only buy one top this summer, make it pretty and white. Jane Birkin would be egging you on at the checkout counter, so don't be shy. This is the top that I'm always most likely to invest in this time of year since it goes with absolutely everything.

4. Naked Dress

To say Jane Birkin was ahead of her time would be an understatement. Yes, she was wearing the "naked dress" trend that we know and love now long before us. Bold and always taking risks, she makes me want to strut through a crowd with nothing on but a sheer T-shirt dress and woven bag.

5. Lightweight Sweaters

If you don't wear sweaters in the summer, you might want to reconsider. Birkin would call this a year-round piece and always invest in cashmere. Whether she threw one over her shoulders during the daytime or wore one on top of her outfit when things cooled down, she almost always had one on her.

While we’re always keeping our eye on new trends and what’s next in fashion, sometimes the best way to get inspiration is by looking back. While some trends fade over time, others prove to be timeless and classic. Curious to find out which beach styles look just as cool today as they did decades ago, we did some digging.

It’s impossible to think of retro style without including everyone from French icon Brigitte Bardot to British fashion muse Jane Birkin to American film stars Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Faye Dunaway. Each has a unique take on dressing for the beach and proves there’s no need to reinvent classic style. From nautical stripes and espadrilles to bustier dresses, there’s no shortage of stylish looks. Want to see how to tap into their style?

Keep reading to see our favorite cute beach outfits from five fashion icons and shop pieces inspired by their looks.

Audrey Hepburn

It doesn’t get more classic than nautical stripes at the beach. Wear a striped top over a swimsuit and add a pair of espadrilles.

Jane Birkin

Denim at the beach? It’s Jane Birkin–approved. Try styling a pair of flares with a simple white T-shirt.

Grace Kelly

Tap into Grace Kelly’s style with a streamlined one-piece swimsuit, cat-eye sunglasses, and a headscarf.

Brigitte Bardot

If you want to imitate Brigitte Bardot’s iconic style, pair a bustier top with a fuller skirt to keep the proportions in balance.

Faye Dunaway

Follow Faye Dunaway’s lead and stick to neutral tones. Pair tailored white pants with a cream sweater.

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

How does a new creative director make a splash at his first fashion week debut for one of the most iconic brands in history? Well, placing one of Europe’s most famous fashion icons and her two famous daughters in the front row isn’t a bad start. That’s right, Jane Birkin, along with her daughters, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Lou Doillon, coordinating in Saint Laurent–approved black-and-white looks nearly stole the show in Paris last night—until it started, of course.

Minutes later, when the catwalk began, the world got its first look at AV for SL, and it instantly became clear that while Heidi Slimane will be missed, it is definitely not the end of this successful era for the highly revered brand. From iconic tuxedos to party dresses to the most covetable leather pieces, Vaccarello struck the perfect balance between paying homage to the house’s heritage, while simultaneously making it his own.

See the famous trio as well as the full runway show below, then shop Saint Laurent’s current collection here!

Want more fashion week coverage? Head here for everything you need to know about the spring runway shows. 

There's a bag named after her, she provides many with endless style inspiration, and her name is synonymous with French-girl style. We're talking about Jane Birkin, the latest muse of French fashion house Saint Laurent. Following the likes of Joni Mitchell, Courtney Love, and Marianne Faithfull, the 69-year-old stars in a series of ads for the brand as part of its ongoing Music Project. Saint Laurent designer Hedi Slimane photographs his muses for the campaigns, none of which are tied to a specific season, to promote the iconic women who have inspired him over the years. The understated black-and-white photos feature Birkin in the label's legendary Le Smoking jacket, which was crafted by Yves Saint Laurent himself in 1966 as part of his pop art collection. What better way to celebrate the iconic tuxedo than to have it modelled by one of the industry's biggest style icons? It's a match made in fashion heaven!

Keep scrolling to check out the photographs featured in the campaign.

Shop for classic Saint Laurent pieces here and let us know what you like about these pics in the comments box below…

The holiday season will be here before you know it, so why not take a stroll down memory lane and see how Hollywood partied in the '70s? (Hint: The decade's biggest celebrities went all out.) We set out to find the best old photos from New Year's Eve bashes, and we truly struck gold.

We're talking Diana Ross at a New York bash in 1978, Meryl Streep partying it up wearing a blazer over a slip dress in 1979, and Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg celebrating in Paris in 1977. (Naturally, Birkin is holding an on-trend wicker bag, and we wouldn't mind borrowing the exact same one.) Oh, and there's also an epic photo of a seriously stylish and iconic trio: Bianca Jagger, Andy Warhol, and Liza Minelli. What more could you ask for? What we would have done to be invited to these parties. (The only question that lingers: What would we have worn?) 

If you're feeling inspired by the decade, we rounded up the perfect pieces to add to your closet. Frame, for one, has created arguably the best pair of flared jeans around, and Quay designed some cool John Lennon–esque shades that ring in at under $75. Easy-breezy blouses and cool striped tees complete our roundup of '70s-inspired items that don't look out of place in 2018. Scroll down to see the best vintage photos from New Year's Eve in the '70s, and shop our picks to get the look. 

Get the '70s Look 

It’s safe to say that many of us spend our sartorial lives trying to re-create the effortless style of Jane Birkin, Bianca Jagger, and the like. The original trendsetters, the seven fashion icons below showed us what it means to have a trademark look. Now more than ever, given the ’70s throwback vibes that are so on-trend this season, we were inspired to delve into the photographic archives of some of our favorite It girls of all time. The easiest route to take if you want to emulate the looks these icons perfected? Shop the modern-day brands that would’ve been their go-tos when the world was watching their every sartorial move. Naturally, we couldn’t help but peruse the brands’ offerings with these icons in mind. So if you’re wondering what brands would suit the gamine Audrey Hepburn or Brigitte Bardot’s bombshell sensibilities, read on!

Scroll down to see the brands and shop the pieces that the fashion icons would’ve loved!

The ’60s icon’s signature mod, glamorous style would’ve found sanctuary among Zara’s wide selection of graphic printed minidresses, bold color offerings, and structured separates. We’d happily follow in the Brit model’s footsteps in the hopes of re-creating her polished style.

One of the original bombshells, Brigitte Bardot had a classic, French Riviera–inspired style that was alluring, to say the least. The beauty’s aesthetic is in perfect sync with Tibi. With a plethora of “Bardot-style” (the off-the-shoulder silhouette made famous by its namesake) dresses and tops this season and a consistent feeling of fresh femininity in each collection, we think the brand would’ve been a favorite of Bardot’s.

So inspired by Jane Birkin is Reformation that it even named a dress in its current collection after her. Birkin’s casual, cool style is what off-duty dreams are made of, making it the perfect match for the brand’s effortlessly cool offerings.

Audrey Hepburn’s perennially polished style is aspirational in every way, making her the ultimate icon for those among us who wish to emulate her sophisticated yet playful look. Hepburn would’ve loved Equipment’s timeless, whimsical printed blouses and cropped silk trousers.

Françoise Hardy’s cool, androgynous style would be the perfect partner for MiH Jeans’ vintage-inspired denim and classic separates. Every one of the brand’s pieces is in perfect keeping with the French-girl effortlessness that the Francophile songstress so expertly perfected.

When we think of Ali MacGraw, it’s hard not to envision her preppy alter ego in Love Story. But in reality, MacGraw’s style leaned more toward the bohemian, favoring paisley prints and breezy shirtdresses paired with knee-high boots, making Free People’s carefree boho offerings the obvious choice.

The ultimate disco queen, Bianca Jagger would’ve had a field day with ASOS’s vast offerings when shopping for her notorious nights out at Studio 54. From sleek jumpsuits to deep-V-neck dresses and a plethora of night out–worthy accessory options to complete the looks, Jagger would’ve undoubtedly turned heads in ASOS’s on-trend pieces.