Style Master Class Inspired By Catherine Deneuve

An Analysis Of The Star's Timeless Appeal

Everything you need to know about style you can learn from images of Catherine Deneuve. Of course, her beauty is breathtaking and that abundance of thick blond hair is the best accessory of all, but her timeless appeal owes just as much to her effortless embodiment of classically cool style. Many of the photos that follow are over fifty years old; yet look just as modern today as the moment they were taken.

Deneuve’s brand of classic never looks uptight or studied. There’s a relaxed attitude that implies the innate style within, the woman makes the clothes, not the other way around. So through the prism of the great Deneuve let’s cleanse our palette in preparation for New York Fashion Week, which officially starts today. As Chanel once said, “Fashion fades, only style remains the same”. I strive to strike a balance between the two.

For all proper movie stars sunglasses are essential. Deneuve always wore glasses with an edge. The glasses cut the propriety of her refined clothes and gave the looks some bite. For example, the black wraparound sunglasses at the top left lifted her ladylike pillbox hat and tailored wool coat as seen in Belle du Jour. Her wardrobe in the film was designed by her dear friend, Yves Saint Laurent, and is one of the most stylish movies ever made. In private she also sported cool sunglasses in forward shapes. Let’s face it there is nothing that would not look good on her. The blue-tinted lenses on the bottom left I’m intrigued by. I recommended a pair in Borrowed From The Boys. Something about the blue lens looks very new to me now. You can find similar black wraparound glasses here and here. For glasses with blue lenses try these or these. Here are a few pairs similar to her tortoise frames at the top right.

A small note about sunglasses: they are essential! I never go out without them. Make sure to buy quality glasses that block out harmful UV rays. It’s vital to protect the delicate skin around the eyes from the sun. They also add so much to your look, it’s a win-win situation. I have a huge collection of glasses. I wear whatever best compliments the outfit I’m wearing. This is an area I don’t mind spending on since they last forever and I use them every day. I can’t go into a store without trying on a few pairs, photographing what I like, and filing it under should I get these. Looking at the photo a day or two later, I know.

Catherine Deneuve’s shoe game has remained consistent over the years. She favors sensible chunk heels and has been loyal to Roger Vivier since famously wearing them in Belle de Jour. The Belle Vivier 45 pump (named for the movie) with the distinct pilgrim buckle has been tweaked over the years. Recently, they redesigned the heel to angle in more, but it has remained essentially the same. They own the market for great-looking pumps that high-powered women can comfortably wear all day. The heel is a comfortable 2 inches and the cut flatters the leg. I prefer them to the classic Chanel pump. I particularly love this version in the most glorious color of blue velvet. This haircalf version in zebra stripe is oozing with style and is 50% off! When not wearing them I‘d put them in my bookshelves to admire. Both look great with pants or skirts. My high-powered clients love them. It is a boss lady shoe that means business while still super stylish and not stuffy. Fully endorsed by the queen, Catherine herself. Here’s a fun video she made with the brand.