TRUE FASHION ICON

Romy Schneider is renowned as an actress who played a diverse range of roles. But did you know she could also pull off an impressive palette of styles! From countryside & simple costal outfits during the day, to high fashion diva at night!

In my latest newsletter about Schneider and Delon’s passionate love story I showcased some beautiful photos of them looking very chic in winter in Paris, and glamorous at social events and film festivals. Today I will focus on what made Romy’s summer attire so individual and iconic. She had the knack of combining sweetness with a touching simplicity and down to earth attitude.

The headband/ headscarf

While browsing through hundreds of photos of Romy I was struck by how often she wore head bands and head scarfs. While these were very in style both in the 1940s and the 50s, Romy is unique in continuing to wear them long after they had ceased to be considered fashionable and she did so throughout her life. When she wears head bands she incarnates the true feeling of “la dolce vita”, looking beautiful like a soft summer breeze.

Not only did she wear them for aesthetic purposes but also to protect her fair and sensitive Austrian skin from the hot summer sun rays…

The hats

For the same reason (protection from the sun) she wore hats almost as profusely as she wore headbands! Not only did her facial type formidably suit any and all kinds of hats but this also allowed her to express her style in a unique and sometimes fun way. Matching the lime green colour of her hat with her jacket was definitely an iconic move (see photo above, bottom left) Her hats could also add cowboy vibes to a vibrant outfit or bring a soft holiday feeling to a simple swimsuit or loose shirt.

A sunshine of patterns

Although Romy Schneider always seems to be associated with the dark and tragic times of her life, to me she seems like a personality who suits sunshine and summer very naturally, perhaps because of the warmth of her heart…

Romy had fun during the summer experimenting with classic patterns (see photos above): Going from a girly relaxed summer look (gingham tied-up shirt and mini shorts), to a chic riviera look (polka dot and sunglasses), passing on to fun excursions (tartan patterned swimsuit) and meadow dreams (floral patterned praire dress).

Summer Trousers

Trousers were starting to become quite a classic in the 60s for that independent woman look. When Romy wore trousers she always seemed effortlessly chic with her relaxed and fun attitude. From soft linen trousers in the backstage photos of “La Piscine”, to washed out pale blue jeans and a masculine t-shirt in “Les Choses de la Vie”. Romy absolutely knew how to wear trousers, making them seem cool and elegant at the same time!

She also thrived in the classic 60s ‘Capri’ fitted trousers and the 70s more subtle version of ‘Bell Bottoms’!

I hope you enjoyed discovering Romy Schneider’s iconic sense of style on summer days as much as I did researching and writing about it. Her looks and way of accessorising are a true source of inspiration we can use for the upcoming summer.

If you’d like to watch a video tribute to Romy with film and interview extracts, you’ll love this video!

This is the my last newsletter of my 4 part series about the beautiful and sophisticated Romy Schneider, and the fabulous Alain Delon… of course! If you haven’t read the previous three newsletters in this series or would simply like to re-read them you’ll find them all right here.

Have a beautiful week-end.

Wishing you all the best,

Jamila Wilson