French designer Simon Porte Jacquemus finds inspiration in some of his favourite things: the colour blue, the south of France, youth, and simplicity. In the over-the-top fashion world, though, you'll find that simplicity is frequently undervalued and overlooked. This, of course, is a mistake. When everything around you has been designed to shock and awe, what makes something truly powerful is a defiant plainness.

The cult designer's other big inspiration for his eponymous label is youthfulness. In interviews, he talks about the Jacquemus girl: peppy, innocent, naive, raw, very French, and without a stitch of make-up. And much like the Jacquemus girl, the Jacquemus garment carries with it plenty of youthful elegance as well.

Take the Jane Birkin dress, named after the youthfully elegant French fashion icon, and available now as part of the label's spring summer 2014 collection. The navy checked sleeveless dress is cut with a drop waist and features a pleated skirt. The overall look is very French, very school girl, and inspired by the clean lines of a tennis uniform. Made from a lightweight summer wool, the Jane Birkin dress has a high crew neck and a mini hem, which also happens to be the length favoured by peppy school girls everywhere. 

$499. Available online or in store at Jonathan+Olivia, 49 Ossington Ave., 416-849-5956