Clémence Poésy dresses like someone who owns fewer clothes than you'd think and wears them hard. Her outfits look unplanned, but there's always a reason behind them: one piece with character, everything else plain, and shoes she can walk in. The twenty looks below are drawn from her street-style and press moments, from a tweed jacket over skinny jeans to a long red skirt with black faux fur. I've written each one as a full outfit with notes on what makes it work, so you can borrow the idea rather than hunt down her exact pieces.
Swapping Her Skinny Jeans for a Straighter Leg
Many of these outfits come from years when skinny jeans were everywhere, and Poésy wore plenty of them. You don't need to. The idea behind each look is a slim, quiet bottom under a top with personality, and a straight or slim-straight leg does that job today without looking dated.
- With flats and loafers, choose a straight leg that ends at or just above the ankle bone so a little skin shows.
- With ankle boots, the hem should just touch the top of the boot. If it stacks, ask a tailor to take an inch off.
- With knee-high boots, a slim-straight leg tucks in without bunching; a true straight leg will crease inside the shaft.
- Rigid denim holds its shape through the day, while very stretchy denim bags at the knee by afternoon.
Black trousers can stand in for black skinnies in almost every evening look below. A slim cigarette cut in wool crepe gives the same narrow line and looks more grown-up with a blazer or sequins.
1. Clemence Poesy Chanel Tweed Jacket Outfit
Poésy takes the formality out of a Chanel tweed jacket by wearing it with skinny jeans and monk-strap flats. The textured weave and the jacket's cut carry the outfit, so the bottom half can stay ordinary. A black quilted bag and one fine chain or ring are all she adds. Any good boucle or tweed jacket does the same job; what matters is that it ends at the hip and sits close at the shoulder, because a boxy short jacket over slim jeans can look top-heavy. Dark denim and leather flats keep it sharpest for a gallery visit or a lunch meeting.
2. Clemence Poesy White Shirt and Black Tie Outfit
A crisp white shirt, a skinny black tie pulled slightly loose and black skinny jeans made one of her best-known off-duty looks. The tie gives it a tomboy edge, and loose hair with a bare face keeps it from looking like a uniform. Pointed black flats or slim ankle boots keep the line clean, and a black blazer over the shoulders turns it into an evening outfit. I'd size the shirt so it drapes rather than strains across the chest; a fitted shirt with a tie reads office, a loose one reads off-duty. The slightly rumpled knot is the point.
3. Clemence Poesy Pierrot Neckline Top and Black Skinnies
Poésy often wears tops with a Pierrot neckline, ruffled, scalloped or softly tied, over black skinny jeans. It's simple arithmetic: one statement top, one quiet slim bottom. Flats or a low block heel keep the attention near the face, where the ruffle frames it. A small crossbody or an old leather satchel finishes the look. Ruffles add width at the collarbone, which suits narrow shoulders but can feel crowded on a fuller bust, so a softer tie neck is the gentler version. Swap the jeans for black tailored trousers and it works for the office.
4. Clemence Poesy Breton Striped Top and Trench Coat
A Breton striped long-sleeve tee under a beige trench is about as French as dressing gets. Poésy updates it with cuffed jeans and leopard-print or pointed flats. She leaves the trench unbelted and lets it swing, which looks relaxed and stops the belt from bunching cotton gabardine at the waist. A canvas tote or a worn leather shoulder bag fits the practical mood. I'd wear it on a travel day or to a Sunday market, especially when the forecast can't decide.
5. Clemence Poesy Wide-Leg Trousers and Cinched Jacket
This is her lesson in proportion: wide-leg trousers with a jacket that pulls in at the waist. The trousers break slightly over a chunky loafer or derby, and the jacket is either cropped or belted so there's a clear waist between the two volumes. She sticks to charcoal, taupe and cream so the eye reads the shape. A simple knit or silk blouse sits underneath. The cinched waist is what keeps wide trousers from swallowing you; without it, the whole outline goes straight down. It's a strong choice for appointments and cultural outings.
6. Clemence Poesy Pinstripe Trousers and Feminine Blouse
Pinstripe trousers and a soft blouse is one of Poésy's most repeatable moves. The blouse brings a ruffle, a slight sheen or a small print; the trousers bring a straight or slightly tapered leg and some authority. Pointed flats or low heels and a structured neutral bag ground it. Keep the pinstripe fine and the blouse plain if you're new to mixing them, since a busy print against a bold stripe gets loud fast. A slim silk scarf at the throat can repeat the blouse's color. I'd wear it to a creative office or dinner with friends.
7. Clemence Poesy Denim Tunic Dress Outfit
She has worn a denim tunic dress, or a long denim shirt as a dress, with warm brown leather: a wide belt, a slouchy hobo and tan sandals or ankle boots. All that blue makes one clean column, and the leather breaks it up. Sleeves rolled and a few buttons open at the neck keep it airy in the heat. The belt does real work here; unbelted, a shirt dress can look like a nightshirt, especially on shorter frames. It's her minimal summer approach: one garment, a few grounding accessories and a tinted lip balm.
8. Clemence Poesy Androgynous Blazer and Hat Outfit
An oversized blazer, a well-cut shirt and a wide-brim fedora or trilby give Poésy a gamine, tomboy look. She wears the blazer open over a white or oxford-blue shirt tucked into slim trousers or dark jeans, with monk straps or polished brogues and a single signet ring. The hat is the finishing note. A hat brim should be roughly as wide as your shoulders or narrower; a very wide brim on a small frame looks like it's wearing you. Gallery afternoons and literary events suit this one.
9. Clemence Poesy Rolled Jeans and White Shirt Outfit
Some of her best outfits are the simplest. Rolled boyfriend jeans, a loose white cotton shirt half-tucked with sleeves pushed up, scallop-edge ballet flats or cap-toe shoes and a worn leather belt. A pendant or a few thin rings are the only detail. The roll on boyfriend jeans should land just above the ankle bone so the flat shoe shows; roll too high and they turn into capris. This is the outfit I'd suggest on a day you can't decide, for brunch, a bookshop or an evening walk.
10. Clemence Poesy Flared Jeans and Statement Jacket
High-rise flares with a statement jacket bring out her seventies, folk-leaning side. The jacket might be suede, corduroy or a painterly print, worn open over a fitted knit or tank. Flares only lengthen the leg if the hem nearly reaches the floor in your shoes, so I always hem them with the platform boots or clogs you'll actually wear. A slouchy leather bag across the body finishes it. It suits a concert or an art fair.
11. Clemence Poesy Sequin Top and Skinny Jeans Outfit
Poésy wears sparkle the casual way: a sequin or beaded top in a muted metallic or jewel tone with dark skinny jeans and sleek ankle boots. Everything else stays bare: minimal jewelry, natural makeup, loose hair or a low bun and a simple black clutch. Sequins scratch the inner arm, so I look for tops with a soft lining or a fine-knit back. It works for a birthday dinner or a holiday gathering when a full party dress feels like too much.
12. Clemence Poesy Trench Coat and Leopard Print Accessories
A cotton trench over a Breton top and relaxed jeans gets a jolt from leopard flats or a leopard scarf. She uses the print as an accent at the feet or neck, never across a whole garment, and the trench stays the main piece. A burgundy or oxblood structured bag adds one more color without fuss. Leopard looks best in small doses near neutral camel, which already shares its tones. This is a good one for between-seasons weather when you're layering anyway.
13. Clemence Poesy Long Red Skirt and Faux Fur Jacket
At a press day for The Tunnel, Poésy wore a long red skirt with a black faux fur jacket, which shows how to balance color with texture. The skirt moves as she walks, and the fur adds drama and warmth. A plain black top or fine knit underneath keeps it from looking costume-heavy, and flat combat-style boots or heeled ankle boots give it a city edge. A messy bun and light makeup soften the whole thing. Faux fur sheds and mats at the cuffs, so brushing it gently after wear keeps it looking good.
14. Clemence Poesy Floral Midi Dress and Ankle Boots
Florals show up in her wardrobe as midi dresses that fall below the knee, often with a tie waist or an easy A-line. Black leather ankle boots and a neutral crossbody keep the print from going sweet, and a denim jacket or light knit over the shoulders handles a cool evening. The trick is the base color: florals on burgundy, navy or olive look grown-up, while bright pastels lean young. The gap between hem and boot should be short; a long stretch of bare leg cuts the outfit in two. It goes from a garden party to an early dinner.
15. Clemence Poesy Military Boots and Flowy Skirt Outfit
Lace-up military boots with a floaty skirt above the ankle were a Poésy signature in her early street-style years. The skirt is soft floral or plain chiffon, and the boots add weight and attitude. A crew-neck tee or fine cashmere on top keeps the attention on that contrast, with a vintage-style satchel or worn leather backpack. Keep the boots sleek in shape; a very chunky sole with a fine chiffon skirt can look clumsy rather than deliberate. It's a real walking outfit that still looks planned.
16. Clemence Poesy Boyfriend Blazer and Skinny Jeans
A slouchy boyfriend blazer over a soft cotton V-neck and skinny jeans is her answer to polished but relaxed. The blazer is soft and moves with the body, sometimes with a tonal check or a wool texture. She rolls the cuffs to show the wrist, adds a fine bracelet or watch, and wears pointed flats or low pumps for a long line. A plain leather tote finishes it. Roll the cuff so the lining shows evenly; a sloppy roll is the one detail that makes this look careless. It suits client meetings and busy city days.
17. Clemence Poesy Chunky Knit Sweater and Flat Boots
When it turns cold, Poésy pulls on an oversized chunky knit in cream, oatmeal or charcoal, front tucked loosely into straight-leg jeans, with flat riding boots or combat boots. A long wool scarf in another neutral and a beanie or felt hat finish it. The big sweater works because the jeans stay straight and the boots add structure underneath. Riding boots should fit close at the calf, or jeans bunch inside them. This is her winter armor for brisk walks and travel days.
18. Clemence Poesy Velvet Blazer and Black Trousers
For evening, she swaps a standard blazer for one in black or jewel-toned velvet, over slim black trousers or cropped cigarette pants and a silk camisole. Low pointed shoes keep it grounded, and one piece of jewelry, a cocktail ring or an old brooch, is enough. Velvet catches light softly without sparkle. It crushes at the elbows and where you sit, so hang it on a padded hanger and steam from the inside, never press it flat. I'd wear it to the theater or a dinner party.
19. Clemence Poesy Beret and Tailored Wool Coat Outfit
A felt beret worn pulled back slightly, almost like a beanie, anchors one of her most Parisian cold-weather outfits. She wears it with a single-breasted black or navy wool coat, straight trousers, leather gloves and a fine turtleneck underneath. Low ankle boots or polished oxfords finish it. Worn back on the head with loose hair, a beret looks lived-in; pulled straight and low, it starts to look like a costume. I'd wear it for a winter museum day.
20. Clemence Poesy Pinafore Dress and T-Shirt Layering
A pinafore over a T-shirt carries a little schoolgirl charm into grown-up dressing. Poésy picks dark denim or black linen and adds opaque tights with flat ankle boots or Mary Janes, a slim leather belt and a canvas backpack or crossbody. The tee underneath is what keeps it adult; a frilly blouse in its place would push it young. Check the bib height: it should cover the bust fully, or the straps drift outward. It's an easy weekend and travel outfit.
Her Silhouettes on a Body Shaped Differently From Hers
Poésy is tall and slim, and most street-style looks are cut for that frame. The good news is that the outfits here rely on balance, not on height, so they adapt well once you know where to adjust.
If you're petite
Shorten every hem first. Trench coats and long blazers should end at mid-thigh or the knee, and wide trousers should just skim the shoe. Keep the boyfriend blazer, but choose one with a shorter body, and tuck the front of every sweater so your waist stays visible.
If you're curvy
The cinched-jacket and belted-shirt-dress looks suit you better than straight boxy ones. Pick fabrics with some weight, such as wool crepe and good denim, because thin jersey clings and shows every line. A V-neck or open collar works better than a high Pierrot ruffle if you have a fuller bust.
If you're over fifty
Nothing here needs to change much. Tailoring, trench coats, Breton tops and loafers are as easy at sixty as at twenty-five. I'd keep the sequin top and the pinafore as the only judgment calls, and even those work with a longer hem and a darker shade.
Borrow the Formula, Not the Exact Pieces
Poésy's style lasts because she doesn't chase trends. Her clothes are comfortable, they move and they have one detail with a bit of poetry in it. From the tweed jacket and jeans to the beret and wool coat, each of these looks rests on generous shapes, quiet colors and shoes made for real streets. Take the formula that fits your week, swap pieces you already own into it and adjust until it feels like yours rather than hers.
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