How to Dress Like a Birkin Mom When You Don’t Have the Budget for a £20k Bag

There are so many extraordinary things in this life that money simply cannot buy. Equally, there are many extraordinary things that can only be yours after money has been exchanged. Sadly, a Birkin bag falls into the latter category. Topping the wish lists of fashion people across the globe, there may be no other material item more highly coveted than the inimitable Hermès Birkin handbag, nor harder to get your hands on. Named after French style icon Jane Birkin, the bag is widely regarded as one of the classiest on the market and one of—if not the most—exclusive. Whilst the resale of Birkin bags is less strict (though you can still expect to pay a premium), buying one new is a lengthy process, with huge demand, unpredictable stock levels, Hermès sales assistants and yet more hurdles standing between you and that bag.

If you’re lucky enough to be approved to buy one (yes, you can be refused), there’s no guarantee the assistant will offer you the colour or finish you want either—I’ve heard of people asking to purchase the black colourway only to be presented with a pink option at the checkout. All of this only adds more mystery to the legend of the Birkin. Whilst the closest many of us will get to a Birkin bag is adding them to our vision boards (I, for one, fall into this category), there is a group of fortunate fashion devotees who count themselves as owners of the exclusive arm candy. Of that group, there is a subset of Birkin owners that the internet has fondly dubbed “Birkin moms”.

Being a Birkin mom goes beyond owning a Birkin bag. It’s the confidence of knowing you possess something that everybody else wants, and with that disposition, you carry yourself differently. With an affluence that announces itself without having to say a peep, being a Birkin mom is a full-time style commitment. You need to look glossy 24/7. Defined by their
quiet-luxury outfits and refined taste—think Kelly Rutherford’s Lily van der Woodsen, or ski-trial-era Gwyneth Paltrow—Birkins might be reserved for a lucky few, but their style needn’t be.

Whilst Birkin owners can likely treat themselves to a full wardrobe in keeping with the luxury bag, the rest of us have some corners to cut. So, I’ve taken it upon myself to glean what I can about the Birkin mom aesthetic and lay down how to get the look, no matter your budget. Read on to find out exactly what I discovered.

6 WAYS TO CHANNEL THE “BIRKIN MOM” AESTHETIC

1. BE SELECTIVE WITH YOUR FABRIC CHOICES

Style Notes: A true Birkin mom understands the nuances of fabrics and the difference that they can make to an outfit as a whole. In the winter you’ll catch her bundled up in cashmere and alpaca. In the summertime, you’ll find her clothed in light linen and soft cotton.

Almada Label Coco Cardigan

This supremely soft cardigan also comes in cream and black.

COS Wide-Leg Tailored Wool Trousers

Wool trousers are a wardrobe investment you’ll come back to year after year.

2. SEEK OUT EXCELLENT TAILORING 

Style Notes: A well-tailored ensemble can set your look apart, and Birkin moms know this. Think well-cut trousers, neat shoulders and considered details, and don’t shy away from a trip to the tailors to give a new buy the finesse it deserves.

Mango Pinstripe Suit Blazer

The grey colour trend has been ramping up this winter.

Mango Pinstriped Suit Waistcoat

Style with the matching set or wear solo with jeans.

3. DON’T BE AFRAID TO WEAR YOUR BEST JEWELS

Style Notes: Birkin moms know that when it comes to jewellery, more is more. Stacked rings and layered bangles are a day-to-day look you should embrace wholeheartedly.

Miansai Thin Screw Cuff 14kt Gold-Plated Ring

Elevate your ring stack with this unique design.

Daphine Aurora Crystal-Embellished 18kt Gold-Plated Bangle

Layered bracelets are back for 2024.

4. MASTER YOUR LAYERING

Style Notes: The key to an excellent, expensive-looking outfit lies in the layers. To ensure that your layered outfit looks fresh and comfortable, opt for fine knits or soft fabrics and throw in a tailored element to elevate the look.

& Other Stories Single-Breasted Wool Coat

This long, structured coat is at the top of my wish list.

Toast Garden Bloom Cotton Bandana

The outfit-elevating detail you didn’t know you needed.

5. CONSIDER YOUR COLOUR PALETTE

Style Notes: A refined colour palette is one of the pillars of sophisticated styling. Opt for elegant neutrals such as beige, black and grey tones, and throw in decadent shades such as burgundy or emerald to enhance your outfit.

H&M Wool-Blend Coat in Light Beige

This wool-blend coat is a favourite in Who What Wear UK office.

Reformation Yarden Velvet Dress in Black

Nothing screams decadence like a velvet maxi dress.

6. IT’S ALL IN THE BAG

Style Notes: Although many of us long for a Birkin, there are a myriad of handbags on the market that can emulate the feel. Recent months have seen top-handle bags dominate for their elegant silhouette, but a shoulder-strap bag can look just as chic when styled with the right outfit.

Demellier The Midi New York

The timeless design and generous size makes this a staple in my handbag rotation.

Charles & Keith Aubrielle Metallic-Buckle Top Handle Bag

The elegant lock details elevate this bag.