Get the Look – Marianne Faithfull

Marianne Faithfull wasn’t just Mick Jagger’s muse or a tragic beauty. She was – and still is – a style icon in her own right, a woman whose fashion evolution mirrored her own life, sweet and swinging in the 60s, gritty and gothic in the 70s, and always rebellious and cool.

From the moment she appeared in her little white dress at a Rolling Stones press launch, to her fur coats and smoky eyeliner in the depths of her punk years, Marianne’s look was effortless and laced with edge.

Here’s how to channel her soft-meets-sharp aesthetic, from her early ingenue looks to her darker, dramatic reinventions.

Key Fashion Elements of Marianne Faithfull’s Style

The Iconic mini and boots combo

One of her most memorable looks is the classic mini skirt or dress and knee high boots combo. She tended to choose neutral colours to keep that moody, casual vibe.

How to Wear It Today:

Wear mini skirts or dresses in suede, corduroy or leather.
Pick out black or brown leather or suede knee high boots.
Wear with nude tights for an undone, mod look.

Swinging Sixties Staple: Mod Coats

In her early years, Marianne was the quintessential 60s girl – all A-line skirts, Peter Pan collars, and statement coats.

How to Wear It Today:

Look for boxy Mod jackets, preferably with bold buttons or contrasting collars.
Military jackets and capes were some of her more iconic looks.
Finish with opaque tights, a tight fitting sweater, a mini skirt, and Mary Janes, Chelsea or knee-high boots.

Victorian Touches: Ruffles, Lace and romantic Goth

Even in the 60s, there was a romantic darkness to Marianne’s style. She played with Edwardian collars, lace blouses, and high necklines like a ghost in a poem.

How to wear it today:

Look for high-neck blouses with ruffles, lace, or puff sleeves.
Mix these feminine tops with leather skirts, flared trousers or raw denim.
Add a velvet ribbon around your neck as a choker or bow tie.

Seventies Rebel: Fur, Fringe, and rock n roll decadence

Post-Mick and post-heartbreak, Marianne’s style took a darker turn. She embraced bohemian layers, dramatic coats, and a dishevelled kind of glam.

How to Wear it Today:

Throw a faux fur coat or oversized trench over your outfit, you get bonus points if it looks slept in.
Layer long scarves, loose blouses, and worn jeans.
Think decayed romances, clothes that look like they’ve been through something and survived.

Hair and Makeup Guide: How to Recreate Marianne Faithfull’s Look

Marianne’s hair was soft, wispy, and golden, usually worn with a slight wave or completely straight, but always parted in the centre.

How to get her hair look:

Ask for long layers with face-framing softness. Your hair should move not sit stiffly.
Use a flat iron for straight hair days, or a french waver for a more boho feel.
Keep it on the natural side, no extreme volume or heavy styling products.
Her bangs changed over time depending on fashion and her style. If you want to go for iconic Marianne, try a wispy fringe that can be parted or blended.

The Doe-Eyed Sixties Look

Her eyes were pure poetry. Wide, innocent, and subtly smoky. No harsh lines, just dreamy definition.

How to Get the Eye Look:

Use taupe or light brown eyeshadow to softly define the crease.
Line the upper lash line with a brown or black pencil, keeping it soft – not a sharp wing.
Smudge a bit of dark brown eyeshadow along the lower lash line.
Load up on mascara, especially on the bottom lashes, for that doll-eye effect.

Skin: pale, clean, and barely there

Marianne’s skin always looked natural and untouched. It didn’t try too hard, that was the point!

How to Get the Skin Look:

Use a lightweight foundation or BB cream, just enough to even things out.
Add a dab of peachy or rose cream blush on your cheeks. Apply with your fingers for that undone look.
Let your natural skin texture show, especially freckles if you have them!

Lips: Muted, Moody, or Bare

Marianne’s lip look changed with the years. From peachy nude in the 60s to wine-stained and undone in the 70s her pout was always classic Marianne.

How to Get the Lip Look:

For early Marianne: use a sheer nude-pink lipstick, applied lightly and blotted.
For later years: try a brick red or berry stain, a bit smudged, like you’ve been singing all night.
For this undone look, you don’t need lip liner but use plenty of lip balm to keep your lips soft and kissable.

Accessories and Styling Tips

Ribbons and Velvet Chokers

She often wore simple ribbons or velvet ties around her neck – just enough detail to add a little something.

Try These Tips:

Wrap a black velvet ribbon around your neck and tie it in a bow.
Add a pendant on a thin, chain for a delicate feel.
No need to layer or choose chunky necklaces, think small trinket box style instead.

Boots, Flats, and Mary Janes

Marianne’s footwear was the finishing touch for her look. Clean, classic, and just a little bit rebellious.

What to Look For:

Patent leather Mary Janes, either flat or with a low heel.
Mod Chelsea boots in black or brown leather.
Leather or suede knee high boots in neutral tones.
Suede ankle boots for that 70s feel. Bonus if they’re scuffed.

Scarves, coats and Perfectly Imperfect Layering

You could say that she layered like someone rushing out of bed in a hurry. Inspiringly, and a tiny bit annoyingly, it always worked.