FRENCH CHIC SHIRT LESSON 101: A classic white shirt balances a vivid print a la Leïla Bekhti

I’ll Have What She’s Having:  What to wear with a bold print skirt? A white shirt, of course, is oh soooo French Chic!

Leïla Bekhti, the French actress, knows that the best compliment to something bold and bright is palette cleansing clean, classic, and crisp starkness by way of a perfect shirt.

>> MORE from the French Riviera: Cannes Do Chic

Let’s review the styling finesse of the bold “Renaissance painting” print Carven skater skirt  from last fall that she wore  at Cannes the other day.

French actress Leïla Bekhti poses during a photocall of the Un Certain Regard jury at the 65th Cannes film festival
French actress Leïla Bekhti poses during a photocall of the Un Certain Regard jury at the 65th Cannes film festival

Take a vivid print– whether it be  as bright as a Lilly Pulitzer or as fashion statement-making as this Carven– and wear the wrong top. Suddenly,  the whole looks goes downhill.

Here’s your BIG takeaway stylist tip: If you think of  your bold print bottom as a statement-making “accessory” rather than a piece of clothing. Pair simple items with it, then the look becomes incredibly chic.

What makes a top “wrong,” You ask? Anything that’s over-designed, busy, fussy, or a competing color against the print that causes your eye to lose focus.

>>RELATED: Deo-Go Deodorant Stain Remover Removes Gross Yellow Armpit Stains From White Clothing

The Carven skirt on the f/w 12 runway
The Carven skirt on the f/w 12 runway

That simple white shirt becomes the one element to keep everything in check and look fresh, off-handed and classic… even when the skirt is a season old and VERY identifiable like this one. Personally, I think Leïla Bekhti’s styling is far more interesting than as the look was shown on the Carven runway, above.

Updated Carven Skater skirt from spring 12. Click to buy at farfetch.com
Updated Carven Skater skirt from spring 12. Click to buy at farfetch.com

When it comes to French Chic, a key element, I hate the word “rule,” is to juxtapose something statement-making with something simple. Nothing is a better example than a classic white button front shirt. You really should add one to your wardrobe and rethink how to wear it.

Leïla Bekhti
Leïla Bekhti

Some classic button front white shirts to consider:

 

Required Reading for Instant French Chic:

Photo:focusonstyle.onsugar and style.com

Scroll to Top