The Movie-Star Guide to Summer
There are summer wardrobes, and then there are wardrobes that feel as though they belong in a film.
They begin with a swimsuit, but rarely end there. For our summer edit, we looked to three enduring cinematic moods: Jane Birkin’s undone St Tropez style, the polished femininity of Marge from The Talented Mr Ripley on the Italian Riviera, and Romy Schneider’s quietly seductive minimalism in La Piscine.
Three women. Three destinations. Three ways to dress for a summer in which you are very much the leading character.
01 — The Jane
St Tropez, laid-back
Jane Birkin’s summer style never appeared overly assembled. That was its appeal.
A slightly rumpled prairie blouse, faded denim, bare legs and a basket carried as though it might contain a novel, a baguette and not much else. Her wardrobe was practical, sensual and charmingly imperfect—the kind of dressing that looks even better after a day in the sun.
The foundation of the look is the Kikki G Bobbi Bikini inspired by Jane Birkin's 70's retro styling. Feminine without feeling precious, it has the relaxed confidence needed for long mornings beside the water and spontaneous afternoons away from it.
Layer it beneath the DÔEN Aphra Blouse, romantic and slightly bohemian. Add the Chloé Clogs with their distinctly 70s sensibility. The Hunting Season Leather-Trimmed Raffia Tote is a more refined interpretation of Jane’s indispensable basket.
Finish with the Jacquemus Hat: oversized, sun-conscious and just dramatic enough to transform simple separates into a complete holiday look.
The result should never feel too pristine. Wear it with vintage 501 jeans.
02 — The Marge
Italian Riviera, circa 1950
Marge Sherwood’s wardrobe in The Talented Mr. Ripley belongs to a different kind of summer.
Her clothes are composed but never stiff. They suggest handwritten invitations, hotel terraces, polished wooden boats and lunches that require a little more effort than a swimsuit and bare feet.
Begin with the Kikki G Gigi in Red. The colour brings immediate confidence to the look, while the silhouette evokes the poised glamour of riviera resort dressing. It needs very little accompaniment: just an expansive straw hat and sunglasses.
For the evening, the Plan C Asymmetric Tie-Neck Blouse paired with the Erdem Floral Gathered Midi Skirt. They don't perfectly match which we love. Complete the look with the Stella McCartney Ballerina Alter Suede Flats.
The Marge wardrobe is not about excess. Its glamour comes from selecting a few expressive pieces and giving each one room to be noticed.
03 — The Romy
Poolside minimalism
Romy Schneider’s wardrobe in La Piscine demonstrates how powerful summer dressing can be when kept very minimal and monochrome.
Chose the Kikki G Kate in Faux Snakeskin. The shape is minimal, but the faux snakeskin is an elevated quiet point of difference.
For the transition from pool to lunch, add the Max Mara Sarong.
For cocktails at sunset throw on the Faithfull Ariellea Black Dress.
Keep the accessories simple and deliberate. Add the Kikki G Emma Bracelet.
No need to add more, just swept-back hair.
Choose Your Summer Character
Perhaps your ideal summer is Jane’s: barefoot, spontaneous and a little undone.
Perhaps it belongs to Marge: polished, romantic and destined for the Italian coast.
Or perhaps you are most at home in Romy’s world, where a black swimsuit, a sarong and an excellent pair of sunglasses are almost all that is required.
The pleasure of holiday dressing lies in deciding who you might become once you arrive. Start with the swimsuit. Add a few carefully chosen pieces. Let the destination—and the mood—take care of everything else.
Which icon are you?