In our Style Icons series, we’re drawing inspiration from timeless women whose fashion still turns heads—and recreating their looks with Mae Threads pieces. Today’s muse? The ultimate French It girl: Brigitte Bardot.
But instead of starting with vintage outfits and matching Mae Threads pieces to the inspo, I flipped the process. I picked random items from our site—one from each category: sets, jumpsuits, tops, bottoms, and dresses—and challenged myself to style them as if Brigitte were wearing them in the 60s or 70s.
Some picks felt like an obvious fit. Others, not so much. But I didn’t cheat—even when a piece felt far from Bardot’s usual wardrobe, I found a way to make it work! Let’s see how I did.
Sweater Set
First up: The Alina Sweatshirt and Pants set in Cream. This one was pretty easy! Brigitte’s outfits in the 60s and 70s ranged from perky, mod outfits to coquettish looks to flowing, bohemian ensembles. This one fits well into the latter category with its relaxed silhouette and neutral tone.
Styling a sweater set as Brigitte and would requires leaning into the relaxed silhouette and adding some nature-inspired elements. Start with gentle waves in the hair. That’s a must. Then add a floppy hat, vintage-inspired glasses, and a necklace stack in natural-looking materials (or at least, nothing too shiny). For footwear—Brigitte was often pictured barefoot, so go low-profile on the shoe. I’d recommend something in rattan or a barely-there nude flat.
Corduroy Jumpsuit
Next up: The Bee Floral Cord Jumpsuit. This one practically styled itself. Brigitte was no stranger to playful prints or utilitarian silhouettes, and this jumpsuit strikes that perfect balance. The floral pattern channels a touch of 70s whimsy, while the structure keeps things effortlessly cool.
To get the look, think youthful charm with a touch of French countryside. Pull your hair back in a messy ponytail or scarf-tied braid, and opt for minimal makeup—just a natural touch of blush and some lip balm. Accessorize with a practical bag, oversized sunglasses, and dainty gold hoops. For shoes, go with a retro sneaker or a pair of soft leather clogs. The goal: like you just finished a refreshing bike ride through a French country town.
Graphic Tee
Now let’s talk about the 1776 Patriotic Tee. Styling this piece à la Brigitte might not seem obvious at first, but hear me out: she often embraced cheeky, unexpected details in her looks—especially when paired with ultra-feminine elements. This tee fits that playful spirit.
To channel Brigitte, treat the tee as a contrast piece. Tuck it into a floaty midi skirt or crisp high-waisted shorts (like our Basset shorts). Add a neck scarf, a straw bag, and espadrilles to bring in a Riviera vibe. Hair should be voluminous—teased at the crown or pulled into a high pony with a ribbon. Top it off with a swipe of winged liner. Voilà.
Maternity Jeans
Can we talk about how chic Maternity Jeans can be? Brigitte didn’t shy away from curve-hugging silhouettes, especially when balanced with something breezy on top. These jeans are the perfect base for a modern-day Bardot moment—baby bump and all.
Style them with a wide-neck blouse (like our Kiersten top), tousled bangs, and oversized earrings. A basket-style handbag and a pair of ballet flats bring in that iconic French-girl energy. You could also throw on a cardigan draped just-so over your shoulders for an easy layer. Bonus points if it’s in a soft pastel or a classic stripe.
Smocked Dress
Finally, the Alpha Smocked Top Dress. This one is pure Brigitte. Romantic, flirty, and ideal for barefoot strolls or lounging on a sun-drenched patio. The smocking and flowy shape echo the dreamy, feminine pieces she wore throughout the 70s.
Lean into the softness with loose waves or a messy braid. Add delicate layered necklaces, gold bangles, and a small crossbody bag with vintage charm. A pair of lace-up sandals or simple slides complete the look. Imagine sunshine, wildflowers, and an old record playing somewhere in the background—you’re there.
We’re giving Mae Threads readers an exclusive 10% off on the pieces featured in this blog!
Use code bardotstyle10 at checkout to save on your favorites. But hurry—this offer is only available for a limited time!
Whether you lean more mod or more bohemian, Brigitte’s influence is all about confidence and embracing what feels beautiful to you. These pieces from Mae Threads make it easy to bring that energy into your everyday wardrobe—no passport to France required.
So go ahead, tousle your hair, kick off your shoes, and make the sidewalk your runway. Bardot would approve.