Marie Marot's Fashion Proust Questionnaire
Style tips from the world's sexiest shirtmaker
Rarely in life, you meet someone who makes you want to throw out everything you’ve ever owned save for a handful of perfect, unfussy shirts, some essential tailoring and maybe underwear.
Marie Marot is one of those people. I was seated across from her at lunch a few months ago and couldn't get over how incredibly sophisticated she made the simple blue shirt she was wearing look —sophisticated and sexy. In her androgynous, pared-down looks, Marie is the incarnation of that French knack for looking seductive without displaying the faintest hint of effort. Of course her statuesque features and limbs and hair for miles don’t hurt, but the way Marie wears her clothes evokes an out-and-out, devil-may-care confidence.
When you meet Marie, with a glass of wine in her hand, a subtle hint of bra under her sharp cotton shirts, and an impressive talent for saying what’s on her mind without scrimping on warmth or friendliness, you can’t help but be fascinated.
The shirts in question, which she designs herself for her namesake brand Marie Marot, are simply la base. Perhaps you’ve seen them on, oh you know, Kamala Harris and Meghan Markle lately.
Or perhaps you saw her collaboration with JCrew, which sold out at warp-speed (sorry). You can’t always get what you want. But trust me, visit MarieMarot.com, and you’ll get what you need.
Fresh off the runway, where she just made a perfectly-cast cameo for French menswear brand Fursac Paris, I give you Marie Marot and her fashion Proust Questionnaire.
What is your idea of a perfect outfit?
A crisp, tailored white shirt paired with high-waisted trousers, a sharp blazer, and loafers. Timeless, functional, and effortlessly chic, it lets the personality shine through while remaining refined.
What is your greatest fashion fear?
Over-complicating an outfit. Too many layers, clashing patterns, or accessories can overwhelm, and I fear losing the clarity and simplicity that defines great style.
What, in hindsight, is the worst outfit you’ve ever worn?
I’m probably going to sound boring, but I’ve pretty much had the same style since I was a child. Maybe that’s my mistake—sticking to what feels comfortable and familiar, rather than experimenting with something new. But I’ve always gravitated towards the same kind of pieces that feel timeless and true to me.
What is the worst outfit you’ve ever seen on someone else?
In general, I dislike seeing people wearing jogging pants in the street. Joggers belong in a sporty context, and to me, they lack the elegance required for everyday wear.
Which living person’s style do you most admire?
Without hesitation, I most admire the style of Ralph and Ricky Lauren. Their ability to blend sophistication, timeless elegance, and effortless American style is truly inspiring. As is the love they share for each other, which adds an extra layer of warmth and authenticity to their work.
I also admire the style and presence of actress Charlotte Rampling, whose understated elegance and individuality are a constant source of inspiration.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Chrome Hearts jewelry—bold, substantial pieces adorned with crosses. I cherish how their striking, edgy aesthetic contrasts with my otherwise classic style. They feel like protective shields and have been an integral part of my identity for over a decade.
What is your current state of mind with regards to the fashion industry?
Hopeful, but cautious. I admire the shift toward sustainability, but I believe more work needs to be done to balance creativity with responsibility.
For my brand, I strive to have a thoughtful production process—minimal references, no excess, just what is necessary and meaningful.
What do you consider the most overrated style virtue?
Being “fashionable" or "it's trendy." To me, that's not what style is about. Style is about personal expression and authenticity, not following fleeting trends.
Also exclusivity. Style should be accessible and inclusive rather than something that isolates or intimidates.
What is the quality you like most in a man’s outfit?
The ability to wear what feels like a "uniform"—the same style or silhouette, but with variations in colour or fabric. It shows consistency and confidence, while still allowing for individuality.
What is the quality you like most in a woman’s outfit?
I admire women who wear clothes that tell their own story rather than following trends blindly. I generally love people who wear the same clothes often, letting them wear out and get damaged over time, and who also mix and match them with what they already have.
Which fashion trend do you most despise?
Fast fashion micro-trends. They promote waste and dilute the importance of personal style. People no longer have the time to really search for or define their own style. They don’t question what they like anymore—whether it’s colors, fabrics, or quality.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse when describing fashion?
“Effortless," "timeless," and "authentic” and “j’adore”." They are core to my philosophy of style.
Which runway collection in history was your greatest love?
Yves Saint Laurent’s 1966 “Le Smoking” collection. It redefined power dressing and the role of women in fashion.
“For a woman, the tuxedo is an essential garment, a timeless piece that allows her to always feel elegant. It is a garment of style, not fashion. Fashions fade, but style is eternal. » YSL
When were you happiest with your own look?
The day I launched my first shirt collection. Wearing one of my own designs felt like stepping into my true style identity. And also, when I saw my first feature in Elle France with my shirts.
Additionally, collaborating with the American brand J.Crew to create capsule collections was a significant milestone. Seeing my designs featured in their collections and receiving positive feedback from their customers was incredibly fulfilling.
Which designer’s talent would you most like to have?
I would say I have two: Gabrielle Chanel and Ralph Lauren. It’s impossible to choose between them. Chanel’s revolutionary approach to women’s fashion and her ability to redefine elegance is unmatched, while Ralph Lauren's mastery in creating timeless, sophisticated American style is something I deeply admire. Both have shaped fashion in their own unique ways, and their influence continues to inspire me.
If you could change one thing about your wardrobe, what would it be?
I’d wear more long satin dresses, like those from the Ralph Lauren Purple Label collection. The elegance and flow of satin would bring a new, luxurious dimension to my style.
What do you consider your greatest achievement, career-wise (so far!)
Establishing my brand as a reference for timeless shirts that women of all ages and body types feel both beautiful and comfortable wearing. It’s incredibly rewarding to see my pieces embraced by such a diverse range of women. But the work is still far from finished ;)
If you were to die and come back as a fashion item, what would it be?
Quite obviously, it would be a perfectly tailored white shirt—timeless, versatile, and indispensable. As Karl Lagerfeld famously said, “The white shirt is the basis of everything. Everything else comes after.” It embodies the essence of style that transcends trends.
Where on earth do you get the most style inspiration?
Inspiration comes from everywhere—it’s truly limitless. From archives, the streets, the metro, my family, the new generation of designers, and every corner of the world. It’s a constant, ever-evolving source of creativity.
What is your most treasured possession?
I would say old photographs of my family. They show how they dressed at the time—especially my grandmother in her pink or mauve Chanel tweed suits and my mother, who was already wearing Repetto shoes as a teenager. These images are a window into their style and history.
What do you consider the lowest depth of fashion rock-bottom (ie. Karl’s sweatpants)
Overly logoed outfits and joggers worn outside of a sporty context, which ties in with what Karl Lagerfeld’s answer about sweatpants.
What is your favourite fashion-related occupation?
Styling. It’s fascinating to see how garments can completely transform when placed in the right hands. Styling isn’t just about choosing clothes—it’s about creating a narrative, understanding how a piece can reflect someone's personality, and making sure every detail complements the whole look. A great stylist can turn something simple into something striking, and it's amazing to witness how clothes can come to life through the right combination, creating something both visually powerful and deeply personal.
What is your most marked style characteristic?
A classic style that feels current, always with a touch of modern twists to keep it fresh and relevant. I also find myself enjoying layering more and more.
Who are your favourite fashion writers?
Robin Givhan, Camilla Nickerson, Joan Didion, Suzy Menkes.
Who is your style hero in fiction?
My style hero in fiction would be Audrey Hepburn in any role. Her effortless elegance and her ability to wear timeless, masculine-inspired pieces with confidence, especially as she got older, are qualities I truly admire. She embodied a sense of freedom and authenticity that resonates with my own design philosophy.
Which historical figure’s style do you most identify with?
Same answer! Audrey Hepburn. Her embrace of masculine tailoring and fluidity resonates deeply with my aesthetic.
Which individual that you know (or have known) personally most influenced your style?
My mother. Her grace and impeccable taste were my first lessons in style, and she continues to be a major influence, now more than ever. Her ability to make simple pieces look extraordinary, and her timeless approach to fashion, has shaped the way I think about style every day. At the core of her style are the essentials—good basics made from the finest materials—which has taught me the importance of investing in quality pieces that stand the test of time
What would you like to wear to your own funeral?
In a total black-and-white Chanel look, with plenty of perfume, the one I wear, Le Lion de Chanel — and all my Chrome Hearts jewelry.
What is your style motto?
Don’t take it too seriously ! Especially when it comes to clothes...
Fashion should be fun, personal, and reflective of who you are. Experiment, mix things up, and remember that the best style is the one that feels effortless and true to yourself.
I love these questionnaires. You nail it every time with someone I’ve been loving and love even more after reading.
I believe we have the same girl crushes. (Only difference is that you are lucky enough to know them or be friends with them)
Thanks for sharing their existence and knowledge 😅😘
Perfection! I just bought two of her shirts after reading this and they are 👌👌👌. Incidentally it also helps to answer my earlier question about what to wear when breastfeeding (although have now stopped)…