EXPRESSIONISM
Caroline wears: Paige Verdugo Skinny, Feel The Piece A Line Racer Vest
"With the weather we have been having I feel the need to wear bright coloured clothes almost daily. These tie dye skinnies are perfect. I wasn't sure at first but when I put the outfit on I felt so happy! It’s very California girl, I’m channeling my inner Blake Lively. I would wear this for a night out with my girlfriends, for a fun dinner, art gallery drinks or casual party. I added purple Gucci sandals for added oomph - very Studio 54. I’ve accessoriesed with a diamond bracelet by my girlfriends Rosa and Tierney's Rosa de la Cruz line (I am addicted) and my gold necklace which was given to me on my 40th birthday."
FENG SHUI
Caroline wears: Current/Elliott Captain Trouser, Tucker Slim Fit Shirt
"I love this outfit, I never thought I would wear bright pink trousers, but I love these! I bought these Current/Elliott Captain Trousers in shades of khaki and sage green last season and I'll buy them again in two colours this year. They are the perfect chinos. Perfect for travelling. Casual yet chic and comfy. Here I have dressed them up with a pyjama shirt by Tucker and my new crazy Charlotte Olympia heels. It’s fresh, sexy, feminine and makes me feel happy. I will wear the trousers in the Hamptons this summer with St Tropez sandals and my Isabel Marant t-shirt, and again some simple gold jewellery."
FAIRE DU FLARE
Caroline wears: Goldsign Sissi Flares, Tucker The Blouse
"This look is very me, I would wear this from morning to evening. I love Tucker as the shirts are always fresh and playful and easy to accessorise with jewellery, fur gilets in winter and cardigans for the countryside. I have been buying Tucker since they started seven years ago and I still cherish my first one. I also love flares, they are always a great look but the right shoes are important. Not too chunky, not too pointy. These Charlotte Olympia’s are very high but much needed for the long leg and wide flare. I entertain a lot so this outfit would be ideal for a dinner party at home."
LIVED-IN LUXE
Caroline wears: Current/Elliott Stiletto Skinny
"These jeans are so cool, a great faded pale blue color and subtle check print in the perfect ankle length. I have teamed them with an Isabel Marant jacket and boots. I feel very Parisian with a London twist. With age I have definitely become more daring and don't care as much what people say or think. If my outfit makes me happy, that’s what matters."
GRANDE ALLURE
Caroline wears: Nobody Cult Skinny
"These jeans are so Studio 54! I love that era. I knew straight away what to wear with them and they're great with my Gucci bodysuit and jacket. This look feels so easy, chic and very much on trend. Definitely an evening look for a night out but the beauty of these jeans is they can be dressed up or down - they're a key buy for the season."
EFFORTLESS ARTISTRY
Caroline wears: Paige Troy Boy Slouchy Skinny, Zoe Karssen Paris Texas T-shirt
"Here I am wearing the Paige Troy Boy, which is the perfect slouchy skinny to wear with my new summer Lanvin jacket and last season's Jimmy Choos. I barely wore them last summer but they're perfect with these jeans and I know the two will be out together a lot this season."
Q&A WITH CAROLINE LEGRAND
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I was born and raised in Belgium but left at 17 to go to the US. I returned to study in Belgium and lived in Holland for four years before moving to London 18 years ago.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF - HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
I studied languages so I could get a job in any industry, anywhere in the world. I wanted to be either a fashion designer (which I ended up being), an architect (which I am now putting my energy into) or an interpreter – I studied six languages at university, but sadly not a UN interpreter.
WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE THE PEOPLE BEST DRESSED?
London because anything goes here and the English are daring and less focused on what people think. Also we have access to the best luxury brands, the best high streets and everything in between. The French women have a very "French" way of dressing (very feminine and sexy but not too in your face) they care about what people think so they tend not to be as eccentric. Italians are also very chic and always seem so effortless.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
It is a mix of classic pieces and styles that make a statement. The clothes I buy need to make me look good and they need to last. I buy well, I look after my things, and I always have the little girl in me when I buy beautiful new things. I get excited and leave them on show so I can see them when I pass by. There is nothing more exciting than a beautiful new pair of shoes sitting by the side of your bed.
WHO ARE YOUR STYLE ICONS (PAST AND PRESENT)?
I don't really have a particular style icon. I admire and learn from women who dress well and have their own style like Charlotte Casiraghi, Emmanuelle Alt, Carine Roitfeld, Bianca Brandolini d'Adda, Giovanna Battaglia, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Yasmin Le Bon, Miranda Kerr, Ruby Aldridge. I’m lucky to have three of the best-dressed girlfriends in London who are stylish, sexy and always an ode to femininity: Angela Radcliffe-Dunn, Dita Vankova and Tracy Amon.
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO ON YOUR IPOD OR READING AT THE MOMENT?
Current reads which have made a major impact on me are 'Journey of Souls' by Michael Newton, 'An Offering of Leaves' by Ruth Lauer and 'How to be a Woman' by Caitlin Moran. I have just started 'The Final Testament' by James Frey... my brain needs to be stimulated with spiritual, intellectual and honest readings. As for my iPod, it’s very eclectic from Lana del Rey to Florence + the Machine, Nicki Minaj, Coldplay, DJ Piper, Chicane, Madonna (the new album is "sick" as my son Oscar would say), Lovebirds, Krishna Das, Ministry of Sound's Chilled Out Session 3, Gotye, The Fray, Bebel Gilberto (Peter Kruder remix), Hed Kandi, Will.iam.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST INDUSTRY ADVICE?
Buy what makes you look good, not what looks "expensive" or "trendy". If you are happy within yourself and your body, and wear what feels natural, you will look like a million dollars regardless of the price