How to Nail Clémence Poésy's Effortless French-Girl Style

It’s a fact that some of the best dressers in the fashion universe possess an inherent style signature that they rarely deviate from. And hey, if it ain’t broke, why fix it? French actress Clémence Poésy is proof of this notion. The petite Harry Potter star unapologetically returns to a recipe of a few key pieces but manages to never look predictable. How does she do it?

Well, a close analysis of some her most covetable looks reveals a penchant for denim, ankle boots, and something eye-catching up top, be it a romantic blouse or a statement jacket. As a Chanel ambassador, lucky Clémence has no shortage of access to the latter, but the way she makes a pastel tweed cover-up look effortless is worth taking note of. She thinks nothing of pairing it with clumpy monk straps or lace-up derbies. She also has a wardrobe bursting with fluid, feminine Chloé pieces thanks to her role as the face of the French fashion house’s Love Story fragrance.

What’s easy to take away from Clémence’s enviable style is how effortless she looks. She’s wearing those jackets—not the other way round. Comfort is key, but an interesting detail on a shirt or a strategically placed trilby ensures that she never looks boring. So before you blast yourself for always dressing up that same pair of jeans, just think: What would Clémence do?

Browse the gallery below for the actress’s most effortless looks that you’ll want to emulate.

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(Image credit: Rex Features)

Style Notes: The star demonstrates how to take the ultimate investment piece—a tweed Chanel jacket—down a notch by pairing it with everyday staples such as skinny jeans and practical monk-strap flats. Notice how this makes her classic quilted bag appear less formal, too.

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(Image credit: Rex)

Style Notes: Ever wish you could just go out in the basics you’ve been sporting all day? Here’s proof you can—just have something clever to layer with. Clémence’s dramatic Pierrot-style neckline is quintessentially French and lifts her black skinnies just the right amount.

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(Image credit: Rex)

Style Notes: Ms. Poésy has more strings to her style than just jeans, however. Here, she balances wide-leg trousers with a beautifully cinched jacket to show off her petite proportions.

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(Image credit: Rex)

Style Notes: Here’s the ultimate lesson in marrying masculine tailoring with an utterly feminine blouse—bonus points for pairing pinstripe with a pattern, Clémence.

Related: French Fashion: 10 Secrets to Dressing Like the World's Chicest Women

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(Image credit: Rex)

Style Notes: Not sold on the merits of brown? Let Poésy make you reconsider. When paired with a denim tunic and shades of tan leather, it makes for the most arresting color combo we’ve seen in a long time.

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(Image credit: Rex)

Style Notes: We’re loving everything about this mischievous ensemble—it’s gamine and androgynous. And now we’re off to source a hat just like that…

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(Image credit: Rex)

Style Notes: How chic can one woman make rolled-up jeans and a loose white shirt look? Très, it turns out; just add scallop-edge shoes.

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(Image credit: Rex)

Style Notes: Clémence has a few pairs of flares in her wardrobe, and these are her front row–worthy pair. Notice how the rest of her silhouette takes its cue from the cut of these easy trousers: a sloppy jacket and bag top it all off.

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(Image credit: Rex)

Style Notes: It’s not often that we witness Poésy play with color, but when she does, it’s artfully orchestrated. This sequined Louis Vuitton top was the perfect partner to inky jeans and ankle boots. A simple red clutch recalls the pop of color in her demure top.

Related: The Parisian Way to Create a 5-Piece Capsule Wardrobe

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(Image credit: Rex)

Style Notes: Flares again—this time she paired them with the most timeless pieces a woman can own. Don’t ever apologize for mixing a classic trench with a splash of leopard and a Breton. If it’s good enough for Clémence…

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(Image credit: Rex)

Style Notes: A slick of pink lipstick harmonizes perfectly with a mannish overcoat. Our interest is piqued here by the scrunched-up sleeves, too.

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(Image credit: Rex)

Style Notes: Another shirt, this time layered over a silky vest in an unexpected colorway for a nonchalant take on occasion dressing.

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(Image credit: Rex)

Style Notes: A final case for a trophy jacket—the marriage of silver sequins and black ribbons elevates black trousers and a plain shirt to utterly memorable heights.

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