5 Pieces Later, and You've Got a Brigitte Bardot–Style Wardrobe

Much of our industry's obsession with French fashion can be pinned on the Parisian pinups of the past, with Brigitte Bardot's style being at the epicentre of it all. The actress/model/singer's on- and off-screen looks are indelibly marked in the history books, and so many of her choices are iconic today—who doesn't know the headband-and-Breton getup from Le Mepris? While Jane Birkin will forever be referenced in regard to straw baskets, it's Brigitte who you'll be able to imagine reclining on a beach towel wearing the simplest but most impactful bikini you've ever seen.

We took a dive into the archives to look at the common threads that run through Brigitte's best outfits so that you can piece together a modern version of her trusty wardrobe. True, there were many times where Brigitte was entirely naked (well, the '60s were a radical time in the movie business), we've found the five key pieces you need to re-create her best moments, and you can see the proof below. Keep reading to see Brigitte Bardot's signature style in action.

Essential #1: Hats

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Airport style, 1967 edition. Brigitte flew in a leopard-print coat and beret to London, and it's an outfit that wouldn't look out of place in Heathrow again today.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Making everyone want a wide-brimmed straw hat via her wardrobe on the set of Viva Maria.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: You know this year's rise of the "Instagram hat"? This flower-adorned piece, worn on set for the filming of Vie Privée, would be a prime contender on social media today.

Essential #2: Sassy Sundresses

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Spanish-inspired dresses were an important part of Brigitte's look in the '60s. 

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: The model/actress/singer knew how to pose like a pro—working the hell out of those girlish pigtails and a matching gingham dress.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: This red frilled dress was an iconic look from the film La Femme et Le Pantin.

Essential #3: Jumper-and-Jean Combo

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: If this doesn't immediately make you start matching your knitwear to your hairbands, nothing will.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Even when cycling and wearing the plainest clothes, Brigitte looked alluring.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Suede jeans, a chunky belt and a cosy crew-neck feels like a formula we'd like to wear this winter.

Essential #4: Simple Swimwear

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Can a swimwear designer please hear our cry and make this one-piece for next year?

Related: Jeanne Damas—the Ultimate French Girl—Thinks Brits Are More Stylish

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Style Notes: Just like Bella Hadid, Brigitte also liked wearing jewellery with her swimwear.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: A little white bikini—what could be more Bardot come summertime?

Essential #5: Stripes

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: The seminal Brigitte outfit from Les Mepris included a thinly striped Breton. Meanwhile, a cardigan has never looked more tempting.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Another day, another striped piece and another cardigan.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: This nautical sweater was part of Brigitte's wardrobe for A Coeur Joie.

Next up, the French fashion brands on our radar.

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.