How To Look Cool Rather Than Cutesy In A Bardot Top

A Bardot top is instantly reminiscent of French actress Brigitte Bardot frolicking around a beach in the south of France – Bardot?was the ultimate ingenue. But for those of us?who’d rather look grown-up than?girlish, cool rather?than cutesy in a Bardot top, here’s how.

Wear?with tailored trousers

A pair of structured, tailored pants in a dark colourway will act as a counterpoint to the prettiness of this style of?top. This item?from Uterque is in gingham, which makes it doubly girly in my mind, so the masculinity of the trousers really helps to bring balance to?the overall look. The athleisure-style stripe down the side of each trouser leg also adds a’street-wear vide to the outfit.

Gingham top, €75 at uterque.com

Choose a utilitarian fabric

Choosing a Bardot top in denim is a great way to dilute down the cute factor. This piece from New Look is a great choice?because it plays with that fine balance between masculine and feminine. The washed-out denim and button-front style are contrasted beautifully with an?off-the-shoulder cut and fluted sleeves.

Denim Bardot top, €24.99 at New Look

Go for a classic nautical look

Nautical always looks grown-up and sophisticated. Even when paired with a denim mini, this striped top from Warehouse looks simple and chic.

Striped off-the-shoulder top, €32 at Warehouse

Wear with something sporty

Paired with navy drawstring trousers, this cotton top with tie-detail sleeves becomes less pretty and more about the point of difference it creates with the athleisure-style pants. Add a pair of trainers for a very cool but sophisticated look.

Off-the-shoulder blouse, €14.99 at H&M