How to Style Your Bag Like Jane Birkin
How to Style Your Bag Like Jane Birkin
The most coveted title on the internet at the moment is that of the ‘cool girl’. Gaining cultural currency with Gone Girl’s infamous monologue, the label has become shorthand for someone effortless, ahead of trends, and who knows exactly what to do to stand out just enough. But online she’s a paradox: a perfected art of trying as hard as possible to look as though she’s not trying.
Inspired by the rise of this elusive archetype, this season, we’re exploring the style of the original, ever-relevant, eternal cool girl — Jane Birkin — and sharing how to bring her effortless approach to accessorising into your own wardrobe.
PERSONALISE YOUR BAG LIKE THE ETERNAL COOL GIRL
Birkin gave her name to fashion’s most prized bag, and somehow managed to make it even more personal, a true testament to being a ‘cool girl’. Naturally, then, it’s fitting that in the 21st Century, her sartorial impact has inspired a whole approach to accessorising: decorating, hanging, clipping and layering pieces onto your bag until it says something about you. We saw this emerge throughout 2024’s Labubu obsession; however, while the craze faded, bag charm mania as a whole has remained strong, cementing itself firmly in 2020s fashion.
And the best part? You don’t need a designer bag to embrace this trend. Keep reading as we break down how to bring that same breezy, personalised approach to accessorising into your own wardrobe.
In the words of Jane herself:
"I always hang things on my bags because I don't like them looking like everyone else's ”
In the words of Jane herself:
"I always hang things on my bags because I don't like them looking like everyone else's ”
STYLING YOUR RATTAN BAG
Early in her career, Jane Birkin was infamous for toting around her rattan basket. Woven totes have continued to have a resurgence ever since, and our resort bag styles channel that same relaxed, textural appeal. The raffia and crochet textiles are ideal for the coming warmer months, with natural materials that move easily from the beach to the bar.
Slide a charm between the strands, and it stops being an add-on: instead, it becomes part of the structure itself. More room for personality, minimal extra effort needed.
THE LIPSTICK INDEX (OR, BAG CHARM INDEX) — WHY BAG CHARMS ARE THE NEW SMALL LUXURY
In the world of accessories, bag charms call to mind the famous Lipstick Index — the theory that when people become more considered about where they direct their spending, they tend to gravitate towards smaller, more accessible luxuries, (like a new lip combo). But as far as pint-sized buys go, where charms beat out of lipstick is in their versatility. A lipstick does one thing; a charm can do five. This season is about thinking smart and stylish, and moving from bags to keys to shoes; our charms are the smartest small buys you can make.
VERSATILE PIECES — HOW TO GET MORE OUT OF YOUR ACCESSORIES
Our new-season Charms are versatile and interchangeable — on necklaces and bracelets, as well as on keychains, shoes, belts, and woven bags. One charm can easily be used across every day of the week in different looks.
Our silk square scarves also bring this versatility. Tie in your hair, loop through your belt, knot on your bag strap, or wear exactly as intended, around your neck. Here, our stunning prints and colours do the heavy lifting, no matter how you style your scarf. This is the kind of flexibility that makes the scarf feel less like a single-use item, and more like a shortcut to a versatile wardrobe. One piece, infinite looks.
THINK TIMELESS — PIECES THAT GO BEYOND THE TREND CYCLE
Jane Birkin’s namesake bag has held its place in fashion for over 40 years, proof that iconic accessories earn their spot, rather than trending their way to legendary status. The same logic runs through the pieces you’ll reach for, year after year, without thinking twice.
Our watch offerings are built on restraint rather than statement. The golds sit a little warmer, a little dressier, while our silvers lean towards the everyday, pairing gorgeously with a simple denim look or your elevated basics. Either way, these are pieces that you’ll be wearing for far longer than the duration of a TikTok trend.
