French New Wave = Classic Fashion

I majored in French in college (well, double majored in French and English). Between high school and college I took a gap year and did a Rotary Exchange in Vervins, France. Never heard of it? Don't worry, no one else has either. I came back competent, if not fluent, in French ( bien sûr), so it was natural to major in something in which I had a head start. I took a variety of classes: grammar, phonetics, literature, and film. The French major cliche I couldn't get into as a co-ed? French New Wave film.

Those black and white films from the 1960s, sweeping cinematography, minimal dialogue, and stream of consciousness. I grit my teeth anytime someone would hear I was a French major and ask breathlessly, "Have you seen Au Bout de Souffe?" Of course I have, it's a requirement for any French film course, but there is more to French cinema. And if you're going to ask about an iconic new wave film, why not ask about 400 Blows?

Channeling my best French New Wave look (H&M t-shirt, Cotton-On Shorts, Leatheropolis Sandals)

Despite my lack of enthusiasm for Au Bout de Souffle, I can't get over Jean Seberg's wardrobe (and of course her pixie cut!). Nautical stripes, oversized men's shirts, slim-fit cropped pants (I think they're referred to as cigarette pants now), and fit-and-flare dresses. It's a sartorial dream!

And look at that pixie cut! It's a classic look that worked in 1960 and works in 2018. I was at H&M a couple of weeks ago when I spotted a nautical striped tee in their basic section and immediately thought of Jean Seberg (I still despise that film, but god that wardrobe!).

I prefer to pair my nautical stripe tee with cut-off denim shorts, neutral sandals, and a red lip for a casual summer look. I'd sport this combination for a walk near the lake or a beer downtown.

French New Wave cinema would be much better if the characters smiled more.

Brian took these photos last night and after a few of what I considered to be "Jean Seberg poses" he told me to smile, "Pretend you just ripped-ass in a quiet, crowded space." I like to think I'm a serious model and can pull off an attractive smile, but he's right, I look better when I smile.

Brian said this was the best picture of the bunch

I'll keep the Jean Seberg inspired outfit choices, but I'll pair them with a smile.