The gamine style is sweet, childish, gentle, innocent, adorable and captivating. Gamine is a French word which means "foundling" or "playful child". However since the time of Audrey Hepburn (the original gamine), the term is used to describe a thin, tomboy, doe-eyed girl with a mischievous and innocent childlike appearance.
In this article, you will discover some ways to adopt a gamine style that suits your needs.
Steps
Step 1. You must understand that a gamine is an innocent and candid person
As a gamine, you need to be simple, but romantic enough. However that doesn't mean you can't go for a tomboy look if you like it, because, after all, a gamine is a "street urchin" and a "naughty girl". The gamine look is generally the opposite of the sexy and sensual one, of a femme fatale, because it is the expression of a sweet and innocent girl. According to some people, the gamine look has charm, class and represents the real lady style you might be inspired by, but remember that a gamine is often a tomboy. So if you don't want to be a lady don't force yourself to just because it's gamine style. Gamine dresses are often romantic and girlish, but also include more androgynous garments and accessories. Whether you choose the first style or the second, both are fine.
Step 2. Look for a gamine fashion icon that's right for you
The ad hoc icon of every gamine girl is Audrey Hepburn. However, there are many others. Twiggy, Jackie O, Leslie Caron, and EdieSedgwick are great examples. If you want a modern fashion icon, there are many women to be inspired by: Carey Mulligan, Winona Ryder, Audrey Tatou and Natalie Portman are great gamines
Step 3. Gamines have simple hair
The most popular cut among gamine is the pixie. But it doesn't look good on all people, so talk to your stylist before deciding to get this cut, as the hair will take a long time to grow back. If you want long hair it doesn't matter if it's straight, wavy, fluffy or curly. What matters is that they are in order. A gamine-style hairstyle for girls with long hair is the ponytail. You can also wear a pass, a silk scarf, a bow, a hat (preferably a cap) or clothespins. If the hair accessory is in a pastel color or if you have more sporty accessories such as bows, pearls, flowers, hearts or embroidered butterflies, then they will add an extra gamine touch to your look, but if you don't have any you don't feel obligated to buy them..
Step 4. Make up must be modest, but sweet
A gamine's makeup is always natural and rosy. Choose shades of pink and peach, or the lightest colors you find. Gamines have flawless, soft skin, like babies, so make sure you care for, exfoliate and moisturize your skin and use sunscreen of at least 25 SPF. You can also use liquid eyeliner and mascara for a "doe-eyed" effect, which is very popular among gamine. Doe eyes are typically large and brown, like Bambi, but are not necessary as it is just one type of eye color. A perfect example of doe eyes is Audrey Tatou in the movie Amélie. Here's how to get this look:
- Gently apply liquid eyeliner to the upper lid, as close to the lashline as possible.
- Stretch your eyes as much as possible.
- After the eyeliner, curl your lashes and apply mascara on the upper lashes. Done! It's a simple look.
- If you want, wear brown contact lenses as well.
- Avoid eye shadow or apply very little and apply a pink blush, only on the cheeks.
- Finally, complete the look with gloss lips. Choose a pink or peach lipstick or gloss.
Step 5. A gamine should always have thick, perfectly shaped brows
Make sure that the arch of the eyebrows is exactly above the iris of the eye to make the eye more natural. Don't shave them too much; gamines have thick eyebrows.
Step 6. Choose your perfume
A gamine must always have its own personal scent. Gamines must leave a sweet trail when they walk, so a perfect scent is floral, vanilla or fruit. The most gamine perfume of all is Christian Dior's Miss Dior Chérie. The advertisement for this perfume is always gamine (sponsored by an ad hoc gamine, Natalie Portman), and the fragrance is delicious and very sweet. Other gamine fragrances are:
Lola by Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana, Romance by Ralph Lauren, L'Air du Temps by Nina Ricci, Anna Sui Flight of Fancy by Anna Sui, Gucci Flora by Gucci, Tresor by Lancome, Paul Smith Rose by Paul Smith, Daisy by Marc Jacobs, Joy by Jean Patou and L'Interdit by Givenchy
Step 7. Gamines should always have clean, short and well-groomed nails
The perfect style is the French manicure with floral designs and nude or pink nail polish. If you want, add gold or silver glitter. Make sure they are neat and not applied haphazardly.
Step 8. Select quality clothing
Clothes are very important for the gamine style. Here are the basic elements of a gamine's wardrobe:
- For the upper part she wears: pastel colored blouses, white shirts with ruffles, t-shirts with gamine-style designs and motifs (bows, flowers, butterflies, etc.), pastel colored polo shirts, sailor t-shirts, cashmere sweaters in pastel colors, cardigans, blazers, short cropped jackets, high-necked and boat-necked sweaters.
- For dresses and skirts wear: miniskirts, knee-length skirts (preferably of materials such as tulle or something fluttering), little black dresses, even better if they have bows or flowers, Dior-style dresses, baby dolls, tunics and sailor skirts.
- For the pants he wears: blue or black jeans, denim shorts, Capri-style trousers, trousers below the knee and bell bottoms.
- For coats he wears: trench coats, dusters, collared coats and capes.
- For shoes wear: ballet flats, medium heels, black low-cut shoes and high heels with delicate colors.
- Wear anything that is sweet, romantic, innocent and baby girl.
- Stylists influenced by gamine fashion are: Christian Dior, Givenchy (his muse was Audrey Hepburn), Salvatore Ferregamo, Chloé, Ralph Lauren (Audrey Hepburn wore her polo shirts when she volunteered for UNICEF) Alice + Olivia, Betsey Johnson, Thakoon, Moschino, Burberry, Marni, Marc Jacobs, Nanette Lepore, Chanel (even if some of her dresses are too serious and cold for gamine), Carolina Herrera, Phillip Lim, Jason Wu, Diane von Furstenberg, Kate Spade, Rodarte, Prada, Gucci (named a bag in honor of Jackie O), Miu Miu, Vera Wang and Lanvin.
- Cheaper brands offering gamine-style clothing are: GAP, J. Crew, Forever 21, MANGO, The Limited, Banana Republic, Zara, Charlotte Russe, Nine West, Macy's (where you can find high fashion designers, such as Ralph Lauren) and Century 21.
- Designers to avoid are: Antik Batik (too bohemian), Pam Hogg (too hard), Dolce & Gabbana (too sexy), Yves Saint Laurent (too masculine), Alexander McQueen (too complicated), Juicy Couture (although they have pieces in gamine style, such as feminine clothes and charm bracelets, neon colors jumpsuits are to be avoided), Versace (too bold), Alexander Wang (too casual), LAMB (too trendy), Roberto Cavalli and Anna Sui.
- Shops to avoid: Old Navy, Spencer's Gifts (you will never, ever find anything gamine), Hot Topic, Desigual, Bebe, Sears (if the Kardashians collaborate with them, the gamine style is not there for sure) and Abercrombie & Fitch (half-naked models are not suitable for elegant gamines).
Step 9. Accessories for the gamine
Accessories help create a perfect gamine look. Gamine accessories include:
- Hats: sun hats, caps, felt hats and derby hats. Or any hat with pastel colors, with bows, flowers or gamine decorations.
- Hair accessories: passes, barrettes and rubber bands with charms.
- Sunglasses: Wayfarer by Ray-Ban, aviator and giant ones.
- Jewelry: small and simple earrings and necklaces, anything with pearls, charm bracelets, rings with small stones and diamonds. Avoid piercings (except for the ears, but one for each earlobe). The watch must be simple, with a neutral (or pastel) color, which goes well with any outfit. Don't choose a digital watch, but opt for a classic one.
- Bags: The smaller the better, a plain handbag is fine, but quilted ones are the best. Even better if they have cute accessories, such as charms, bows and flowers. For the evening, choose a clutch and for the day whatever it is, just be classic and simple.
- Other accessories: fine belts, colorful silk handkerchiefs and anything sweet with gamine decorations.
Step 10. Gamine underwear
A gamine is endearing and innocent both inside and out, so underwear must be childish and not sexy. Today the more naked you are the better, but a gamine is classy and sweet. It will be difficult to find gamine underwear, but it is always possible.
- For bras, the lighter the better. A gamine can wear single-colored bras (preferably nude and white, or black when wearing a black dress), pastel colors (even better if they have lace and or bows) and non-padded lace bras (if you can). Gamine decorations for padded bras that you can easily find include roses or vertical stripes. Avoid push-ups because you want to be innocent.
- For panties, choose culottes, classic cut panties or shorts (granny panties are fine! A gamine doesn't care about her panties as she doesn't have to show them from under her skirt.) Again, they don't have to be sexy and you should avoid thong or brazilian. It would be better if the panties are matched with the bra, or otherwise make them look similar.
- For pajamas, silk or cotton are fine, but they must have feminine decorations and gamine colors. If you prefer the nightgown, choose a negligee (there are non-sexy versions), babydoll, long shirts or silk dressing gowns (to be worn over). Make sure they're not transparent (you don't want to show your underwear). The more feminine and sweet they are, the better.
- It may seem impossible, but there are brands that sell sweet and innocent underwear and pajamas, like Benetton and Oviesse. If you look closely you can also find something less sexy at Intimissimi.
Step 11. Be slim and fit
Most gamines are thin and have a male body. This means they have very little fat, but are always fit and healthy. Gamines cycle around town and walk (or hop) while walking the dog. Gamines love sweet things. This includes candy, chocolate, cookies, and sugary desserts. So eat whatever you want in small portions and burn calories by cycling or walking.
Step 12. Live like a gamine
Being gamine is also a way of life. There are some fundamental elements:
- Learn good manners and etiquette. Read the book by Emily Post (“Manners,” in English) and search for etiquette blogs to stay up to date on how manners change over time.
- Always try to be charming and pleasant.
- If you dress up as a sweet, innocent girl, don't act like a sex bomb. Be as naïve as possible.
- Gamines always have a good bearing. Correct your posture if it is not good.
- Gamines always smile and their smile is genuine.
- Gamines are respectful and never break the rules.
- Gamines are classy and act like ladies, but they also have a playful and light side.
- Gamines have a large vocabulary and don't swear (in public). Improve your vocabulary and use it daily.
- Gamines always think of others first.
- Gamines always try to be happy and always look to the positive side of things.
- Gamines are those happy and charming girls that all girls dream of being, but in a way that people admire and appreciate.
Step 13. Please remember that these are all ideas that you can follow if you want, but it's all up to you
Each person interprets the gamine style differently, and if you think these ideas are too feminine and sweet, don't be afraid to try something more suitable for your style and ideas.
Advice
- To inspire you on how you become gamine, read and memorize this very gamine quote from Audrey Hepburn: "I believe in manicures. I believe in too fancy clothes. I believe in dressing up on vacation and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe in pink. happy girls are the most beautiful. I think tomorrow is another day, and … I believe in miracles ".
- Since gamines are very erudite, and are often represented as part of high society, read the classics, the newspaper, watch the news, learn a new word every day, learn the importance of historical events, culture and try to get top marks (if you are still in school or university).
- Watch "Roman Holiday", "Sabrina", "Cinderella in Paris", "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "Charade" with Audrey Hepburn to truly understand her style.
- Read Trinny and Susannah's book "Who Do You Want To Be Today?" (in English); has a chapter on gamines.
- A gamine look has schoolgirl charm, but gamines are not true schoolgirls.
- Do gamine activities like going to the theater (watching a comedy, not a movie, but more comedy or funny comedies are fine too), shopping in small shops or markets with a basket, going to a ballet etc. Read classic books (especially children's books such as Frances Hodgson Burnett's "The Garden of Mysteries", "The Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum, "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain); many of these classics can be found online and are free, but a gamine always prefers a real (old-fashioned) book. Listen to classical music (or at least music from the 1950s and 1960s, such as Brigitte Bardot's song, Moi Je Joue, a gamine anthem). And you read magazines, write letters rather than emails, organize dinners and teas (with written invitations) and above all live old-fashioned and whimsical.
- The most popular color among and gamine is light pink, but pastel green, or blue and yellow are other perfect and very original gamine colors.
- The gamine look is more suitable for girls with a masculine build (i.e. broad shoulders, small breasts, no curves, long, slim legs and small hips) or for those smaller and leaner girls (like models). This is because it is difficult to think of a girl with curves. If you are curvy and still want to wear gamine dresses, choose clothes that fit your body, as not all gamine dresses are good for curvy girls. Curvy girls may have Winona Ryder as their fashion icon.
- There are other gamine sports, such as dance.
Warnings
- Don't be too exuberant and optimistic; it can be cute and funny but "too much is good".
- People may take advantage of you if you are open, joyful, and ready to help others. Don't be afraid to show that even if you are kind, you can't be manipulated.
- "Gamine" does not mean "grandmother" but "innocent". Even though gamines are old fashioned, they love clothes and a romantic life, they can still use computers and television. If you want to become a gamine, don't stop watching your favorite TV shows, or YouTube videos (unless they are offensive, violent or contain harsh and sexual language). But limit yourself to watching them only in your free time, especially if they are useless and uneducational programs. Gamines know how to manage their time between fun and education. Use electronic devices for up to one hour a day, unless you need them for education (like doing homework). But gamines always prefer books to computers to do anything. If you have to do a search, opt for books and encyclopedias rather than the computer. But if you don't have a choice, go ahead and use it, it's certainly not forbidden. Don't procrastinate on doing what you have to do. Gamines are mature and know what their priorities are.
- There is a difference between being a little naive and being stupid, learn this difference.
- Being an innocent gamine doesn't mean she has to behave immaturely. Being innocent and attractive is very different from being an immature brat.
- Avoid necklines, gamines never do.
- Don't try to be sexy, if you want to attract be adorable, do you remember?
- Do not listen to those who tell you that being sweet, childish and innocent is stupid and immature, they are jealous of your happiness, while they are bored of being "mature".
- This look is more suitable for girls with tomboy bodies rather than curvy ones. Curvy girls who want to be gamine need to remember to choose clothes that flatter their body.
