Style Icon: Caroline de Maigret

If you don’t know Caroline de Maigret, she’s one to add to your style radar. The Paris-born model, music producer and author was discovered by a modeling agency while studying modern literature at the Sorbonne and went on to walk for everyone from Chanel and Dior to Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Balenciaga. She’s also a longtime Chanel ambassador.

But it’s her personal style that has us interested. De Maigret has that very French ability to make great clothes look like they belong to her rather than the other way around. She relies on menswear-inspired pieces, great trousers, denim, blazers and long coats, then throws in something unexpected: a bold print, a feminine blouse, a flash of red, an interesting shoe. Nothing feels overly coordinated or precious, and there’s usually a little tension in the mix that keeps a simple outfit from feeling boring.

She’s particularly good at the high-low, masculine-feminine combinations we love, and at 51, she’s also a great reminder that personal style only gets better when you really know what works for you.

So, we pulled together some of our favorite Caroline de Maigret looks and broke down exactly why they work.

Let’s start with this fresh, simple outfit of white trousers (these Favorite Daughter trousers and excellent) and a red silk blouse like this Gucci beauty, or this French one with white embroidery that’s less of an investment. While we love her red boots, we’d opt for a high profile flat like these Prada ones or these from Quince. Her Paris-Salzburg felt Chanel bag is iconic, but if you’re not up for spending $18K on a bag, we have a few options for you like this sweet Celine bag or this white leather bag with red and blue beads.

Why this look works: It’s slouchy and bold at the same time. The fabrics drape beautifully and feel like a whisper, while the bright red is loud. It’s the tension and balance that makes it so interesting.

Here’s a look to book-mark for fall. An easy combination of cropped black leather pants (like these investments ones or these longer faux leather ones from Ann Taylor at a fraction of the price), a perfect, high-neck black tee and a light-weight camel coat (this one from Vince is 50% off and still available in a few sizes). We are huge fans of lace up mens’ shoes like hers and can’t get these “Office of Us” (formerly the Office of Angela Scott) beauties out of our heads, so perfect for fall! Her cow print bag is adorable and now we all want one.

Why this look works: It’s classic and edgy. She combines rock ‘n roll leather pants and masculine shoes with a lady-like, classic coat and basic tee. And the light camel color over the solid black softens everything. The animal print bag adds the perfect amount of playfulness to the look.

Clearly Caroline likes red, white and blue/black outfits and we’re here for it too. The wide leg jeans (Leenah wide leg style from Paige is so good and comes in various styles and fits) and French Breton striped top are straight from your core capsule. Her coat is Proenza Schouler but we found this Desigual red and black geometric coat on major sale that someone should nab for fall/winter. Her loafers look great with that Chanel Gabrielle bag (we also really like this big white woven bag from Quince). We’d add big sun-glasses like these cool ones from Warby Parker (you can get them in a reader version too!)

Why this look works: The pattern play is vibrant and chic. The jeans and classic loafers keep the rest of the outfit grounded. There’s an underlying nautical theme that isn’t too literal and nothing is too matchy-matchy.