Balmain’s DNA is distinctive. At its core lies designer Olivier Rousteing’s mission to dress women who “revel in pushing forward (while also pushing every single button along the way).” In fashion translation, that means wardrobe staples that typify the Balmain look: sharp-shoulder blazers, mini dresses, standout denim, statement outerwear, and—to top it all off—a handbag that holds its own.
Essentially, pieces you can mix and match into your own wardrobe so that you too can join Rousteing’s “Balmain Army.” Here, see four street-ready ways to style them yourself.
Snag a pair of too-chic-to-be-your-boyfriend’s boyfriend jeans.
A good pair of jeans is an essential component of any Parisienne suit of armor (as is a versatile black blazer). Fall 2019’s version is an elevated boyfriend cut, acid-washed and covered in sequins for a look that shines, whether in the sun or moonlight.
Not all style icons wear capes (but if you don’t, you should).
A white double-breasted wool cape proves, as Rousteing says, “that the Balmain girl cannot be categorized.” It’s both classic and edgy, with its high neck and structured shoulders. On the runway, the looked leaned into the biker vibe when it was paired with long black leather gloves; here, a tulle train hints at something more formal.
Splurge on a sharp-shoulder blazer (meet your new power piece).
From the marching band, military styles that hit the runway many seasons ago to the fully-studded Fall 2019 editions, Balmain has made the sharp shoulder silhouette a thing for years. Fall’s collection expanded the power look to capes and dresses, and gave the blazer an update in picked-apart boucle.
Make a big impression with a mini dress.
In a word (or two), the Balmain look has been described as “youthful opulence,” and if those words were distilled into a single runway item, it would be the minidress. This season, Rousteing layered on the texture, rendering minidresses in angora and lining the hems in feathers.