How to Get the Carine Roitfeld Look

The Guardian published a delicious little piece of journalism today on a few points where we mere mortals can attain some semblance of the Roitfeld chic. Yes, collectively we may know all these tidbits already but it's pleasant to read them at once as a sort of checklist. For example, I began growing out my poker straight, honey-brown bangs a year ago so that I could peer out from them, so check that one off the list... now for glossy...

Here are the highlights:

The hair
Every editor-in-chief needs a signature hairstyle. Roitfeld's is poker straight, glossy, honey-brown, and falls to her shoulders from an odd centre parting. To emulate, cover part of your face with hair to mysteriously peer out from in that sexy French way.

The makeup
It's all about "le smoky eye" so invest in a good khôl eyeliner. Carine prefers YSL Dessin du Regard Haute Tenue Long-Lasting Eye Pencil in Mink Touch and YSL Eyebrow Pencil. The key to her look lies in the strong, dark brows, which must be perfectly groomed. Leave off the lipstick. And the foundation. Simply moisturize.

The handbag
There is no handbag, silly. She famously hates them, preferring to keep her hands in her pockets. Not for her the lure of the It bag carried in the crook of her arm. At a pinch she might carry a tiny snakeskin clutch.

The jacket
Her preferred styles are edgy, tailored, and chic with a strong biker/rock element. She is always, but always, in black. Roitfeld likes to mix the masculine with the feminine and favours designers such as Balmain, Balenciaga, and YSL, who excel at this.

The skirt
Jeans are for her assistants and holidays, although she's not averse to a denim skirt, providing it meets her sharp-tailored standards. Think sexy body-con dresses and pencil skirts cut to the knee—classic and chic.

The shoes
High, high, high heels. Killer stilettos are by far the fashionistas most flattering and feminine choice. Look for a hidden platform and straps, laces, or buckles aka "bondage light". She hates Uggs and forbids them in the Vogue Paris office. Her favorites include the YSL Tribute and Alaïa (note the belle bells above, sigh).

The legs
Always bare. Even in winter. They must be tanned, lean, and ready for action year-round. The only other option is black opaques. Or covering the entire leg via a thigh high boot.

Bonus: The Guardian also has an in-depth interview with Carine Roitfeld by Jess Cartner-Morley

Interview © 2009 Guardian News and Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Alaïa shoes with bells photo © 2009 KarenCooper.com All Rights Reserved.