Style Icon Challenge: Jean Seberg

First, apologies for hogging the forum. I am about to leave on a holiday today and wanted to get to this before the forum loses steam for the idea. 

Inasmuch as I could ever be said to have a style icon, Jean Seberg is it. Of course, she's much more relevant to my younger self. But even now, we have much in common. Similar body type, similar facial structure, similar colouring, and similar love of stripes, and cats!!  

Oh, and look how fabulous she looks in silver!

She died at 50 of a barbituate overdose (possibly brought on in part by grief over the death of her infant child, the rumours of an unkind press, and the pressures of government surveillance) but I like to think that if she'd lived, she would have cut her hair back to her signature pixie. She did wear it long for a while but it never suited her as well. (Picture 1) 

Something I learned about her in searching for images is that she would very likely have been a strong supporter of Black Lives Matter. She was on an FBI watch list because she made frequent donations to the NAACP and also the Black Panthers. 

There's a playful gamine freshness that I relate to in her style. She's often photographed in simple tees, pullovers, or button down shirts with ankle pants or shorts. She can also do lady-like elegance, but always with simplicity. Never much adornment; even her makeup was lighter than most women's for that time. 

I don't have to think to dress like her. Except for the neckerchief, which is a bit hot and fussy for today, and the cigarette (I tried, with a pencil, but can't capture the cool factor) and, um, the ARMOUR, I could and would and DO wear almost everything I've seen her wear. 

So. My tribute to Jean. Bonjour, Tristesse! 

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55 Comments

  • chewyspaghetti replied 8 years ago

    Very cute, Suz!

  • merwoman replied 8 years ago

    You are fabulous and delightfully channeling Ms Seberg! Love the poses Suz and have a wonderful holiday!

  • replied 8 years ago

    You are a hoot Suz! Love the poses! You are the epitomy of her style. Fab!

  • Mochi replied 8 years ago

    Fabulous, the both of you. Her style is so modern and current. I totally relate to it. And the hair makes it all possible. 

  • texstyle replied 8 years ago

    What fun!  I can definitely see why you would relate to her style - it seems like a natural for you, love it!

  • Ledonna N. replied 8 years ago

    Wow thank you for the introduction. I love it her styles to is really an all American Classic look. Black lives matter loves it. I think many people during that time were really revolutionary. My favorite look from you is that beautiful skirt.

  • Sara L. replied 8 years ago

    Fun poses and great outfits!  Her style does seem very much like your own.

  • Marilyn replied 8 years ago

    Wonderful!  I especially like the poses in 16 and 17.  :)

  • Maneera replied 8 years ago

    Yes....I see the similarity between your styles. Striking!!! Love the outfits and the poses, Suz. #20 is just KILLER awesome!!!!

  • Angela K replied 8 years ago

    You really nailed her style--and such fun poses.  I agree with Marilyn 16 and 17 are my favs!

  • El Cee replied 8 years ago

    Fabulous interpretations from head to toe!!! My favorites are 16 & 17 -- gorgeous and spot-on. Enjoy your holiday.

  • replied 8 years ago

    Wonderful looks, Suz.  She is someone I have long admired, both for her talent and for her fearlessness.  And she is definitely your style sister!

  • Greyscale replied 8 years ago

    This is so well done!

  • AviaMariah replied 8 years ago

    Great style icon and you are her to perfection.  Although I wish you had tried to throw a cat up in the air.

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Ha, ha, I don't think Max would be too happy about that idea!! 

  • chouette22 replied 8 years ago

    Oh wow, you are too cute! When I read Sean Seberg I thought, that is obviously perfection for you! Great inspiration photos, great interpretation. Such a wonderful post!

  • Roxanna replied 8 years ago

    Adorable. Thank you for sharing her style! She's a bit before my time so i really enjoyed learning about her. And you capture her style so well!

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Even before my time, too, Roxanna, but when I was an undergrad there was a vogue for those French New Wave films among a few of my friends. And I guess those images never left my mind. Interesting how something takes hold of the imagination even if you are not conscious of the influence. 

  • rachylou replied 8 years ago

    Jean Seberg IS perfect for you, Suz. I loved everything about her in Breathless. A woman who can do stripes in an extraordinary way.

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    I know how you feel about stripes, Rachy, so I'm not sure if that is a compliment or the reverse, but I will take it! :)

  • rachylou replied 8 years ago

    It's a compliment! :D I am death to stripes is my problem. I do them in the most unextraordinary way. I don't know what I do to them, lol!

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    It's really true that certain patterns -- even the simplest ones -- simply don't work for some while they do work for others. I do that to most watercolour florals. They turn to mud!!

  • skylurker replied 8 years ago

    Thanks, I enjoy the old pictures.
    She's well known here for her role in "A bout de souffle" - must be the same movie Rachy calls "breathless". Her Herald Tribune tee look has become iconic.
    Gamine, yes, and she looks so vulnerable don't you think?
    And you definitely channel her with your pixie and stripes.

  • Fern replied 8 years ago

    I am in awe of your creativity! Thanks for sharing these fun photos.

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Isabelle, yes, vulnerable --- which it seems she was. I see a certain wistfulness in some of the photos as well. I think she really was sad inside. 

    Fern, it took zero creativity because I literally pulled out some of my most worn and favourite items. I dress like that most of the time with only slight variations.  

  • Bonnie replied 8 years ago

    You look very much like her, especially in photo #1. 

  • Sal replied 8 years ago

    Great rendition!! Wonderful fit.

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    Thanks for the background info to your style icon. I enjoyed the prologue very much.

    WOW. You aced this challenge too, Suz. You channel Jean Seberg just beautifully. A natural icon fit for you. Killer all round. #17 and #12 are my best. GREAT poses. 

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Thank you, Angie. I realized after I wrote it that YOU are my biggest style icon!! But I meant before YLF. :)

    I'll do Annie when I return from hols. 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 8 years ago

    Suz, thanks for this tribute and your super fun and stylish photos emulating Jean Seberg! You do look fantastic in these outfits (and fortunately, you do not need a cigarette to look cool). She does have a wistful touch of sadness about her look, though, and to me, you look happy from the inside out--a point of difference to be celebrated.

  • Beth Ann replied 8 years ago

    Gorgeous outfit, Suz!  The addition of he neckerchief is marvelous.

    Jean Seberg was transcendent.  All of these pics are lovely, but I have a soft spot for the one in the black gown.

  • Tanya replied 8 years ago

    I don't know if I like the outfits or the poses more, Suz.  You totally nailed it and look stunning.

    And thank you for the background story on Jean, I did not know half of the facts you mention.

  • Brooklyn replied 8 years ago

    Oh, she was gorgeous. I enjoyed looking at the photos. I love your homage and can definitely see the similarity in style. Jean is the perfect icon for you. Have a great holiday!

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    Oh, Suz. (((HUGS))).

  • Jaime replied 8 years ago

    Smoking the pencil, or rather your pencil is smoking! You are killing me (in a good way of course) with this. Love your choice of icon, when I got to the first picture of you I thought this is how she would look had she lived a couple of more years. The stripe top outfit is fabulous! 

  • Karie replied 8 years ago

    Oh I really wanted to see a pic of you smoking a pencil, and a pic of you tossing your cat into the air! Or wait, you could combine those and smoke the pencil WHILE tossing the cat into the air! HA!

    Seriously though, you aced this challenge. You have portrayed her to perfection, and you even look alike.

  • Bijou replied 8 years ago

    Well I am glad that you did not throw poor Max into the air! What a fantastic tribute to a wonderful woman. With most of the women of great style, there is usually an interesting personality attached - I think this makes them far more enduring than just another pretty starlet.

  • anchie replied 8 years ago

    Fabulous. And the poses, so fun. I can definitely see the resemblance. Especially in picture 8. 

  • Sally replied 8 years ago

    There is a striking similarity between you two in looks and style.  I think you really pulled it off and it was very interesting to read about her.  She had a depth to her that not all celebrities have. 

  • Cococat replied 8 years ago

    I love this, including your pencil cigarette. :)

  • Kookaburra replied 8 years ago

    She was amazing and you have the style, the hair and the poses down to (an International Herald Tribune) tee. A Bout de Souffle is one of my favourite films ever and she's had one interesting (though ultimately sad) life. You look gorgeous Suz.

  • Jjsloane replied 8 years ago

    Fantastic tribute - you nailed it naturally. My mom went to high school with Jean Seberg. So sad to have lost her so early.

  • replied 8 years ago

    Yes armour is a pretty tricky thing to get your hands on these days :)
    It's too bad she was a sad person. I too can see it a little bit in the pictures.
    I agree with Firecracker that you look a lot happier!
    I love your goofy cigarette poses!

  • unfrumped replied 8 years ago

    So creative, and you really have found an icon!

  • approprio replied 8 years ago

    Fantastic post Suz! Thanks for all the pics. She was magnificent and I can see how well her look works for you. 

    A friend works for the IHT. I've been nagging her since forever for one of these tees.

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Thanks, everyone for the kind comments. Approprio -- you must get one of those tees!!

    And Jeanne -- talk about six degrees of separation! WOW! 

  • tulle replied 8 years ago

    Great pick for you, Suz!  I've always adored her look, and thought of her every time I cut my hair very short.  I'm so glad you put together those photos.  As style icons go, she suits you perfectly!

  • Eliza replied 8 years ago

    I've been running around and missed this. You rock this icon and her polish. Your poses are well done and at times hilarious. And your hair: also beautiful.

  • Lynne replied 8 years ago

    Awesome, Suz! Jean would be honoured. I love your hair cropped, it flatters your features beautifully.

  • kerlyn replied 8 years ago

    Perfection!  You really nailed it.  However, I'm holding out hope that we can see you in the armor at some point!

  • avicennia replied 8 years ago

    Both of you are beautiful! Thank you for letting us enjoy this photos!

  • SarahTheWhite replied 8 years ago

    OH my goodness, this is fantastic!! I think that you have captured her perfectly, and yet maintained exaclty who you are! She was perfect for you in this challenge, and you did a wonderful job. Thank you for sharing!

  • Traci replied 8 years ago

    You look amazing. I do feel compelled to share with you rule #1 in our house: Never catch a falling cat!

    Not only do I see her in your outfits here, I can absolutely see her style influence on your wiw pictures over the past few years. You really resemble her too!

  • goldenpig replied 8 years ago

    You nailed it Suz! Amazing. You channel her beautifully! Not only do you look like her, you also have a great sense of style. Love your copycat poses. Now where's the jumping with cat pose?

  • Gail replied 8 years ago

    Late to the party here . Wow you capture her perfectly ! I love it .

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