By the time Jane Birkin had a Hermès bag named after her in 1984, the British actress had already become a household name. She broke out with a role in the 1969 film Slogan, where she met — and sang a rousing duet with — Serge Gainsbourg. The two became a couple, and a magnet for paparazzi. Birkin was often photographed dangling off boats in off-the-shoulder white blouses, wide-leg trousers, and delicate gold chains. She became known for her effortless (and refreshingly minimal) style — and though she hailed from England, she left a lasting imprint on French style. (Her daughters, Lou Doillon and Charlotte Gainsbourg, are, true to spirit, unfailingly on point.) From relaxed denim and crop tops to tennis shoes and perfect bangs, take a look back at some of Birkin’s best looks in our slideshow.
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