It’s a hotly debated topic in Paris about whether the proper summer holiday takes place in July or August, which just goes to show how important an annual summer trip is for the French. The French are known for work-life balance, which means that they carve out time each summer to take a break from work and get away with their family or friends. They like to escape from the heat of Paris and jet off to beachside locations, taking full advantage of beautiful European coastlines and the salty sea air. Whether you’re heading off on your own summer holiday this year or maybe enjoying a staycation, you can get inspired by French women and their take on holiday essentials with these 9 French girl fashion pieces.
1. Sunscreen
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La Roche Posay Sunscreen
French girls may have a minimalist makeup routine, but that’s because they prioritize a healthy skincare routine. After all, a great skincare foundation means you don’t have as many problem areas you feel like you have to cover up with heavy products!
What does a great skincare routine start with? Sunscreen. A quality sunscreen won’t leave a white cast, and won’t leave you feeling oily or greasy. It will blend into your skin with ease, and will look seamless underneath any makeup you do choose to wear.
On a summer holiday, especially one spent by the water, sunscreen is especially important for any prolonged exposure to the sun!
French brand La Roche-Posay is a popular choice in Paris when it comes to sunscreen. The lightweight cream formula is fast absorbing, great for sensitive skin, and has a matte finish. This is one you can apply without worrying about any whitening effect! It’s ideal for normal to combination skin.
2. A Straw Bag
j.crew
Malta Handwoven Straw Tote
The French market tote is an iconic accessory, both inside and outside of France! French women love the chic summer piece because it’s easy to pack, easy to clean, and is the perfect way to add texture to an outfit. They come in all shapes and sizes, and are perfect for nearly any occasion! Choose a large style for an afternoon of shopping for souvenirs or a day at the beach. When it comes to sightseeing or going out to dinner, choose a smaller crossbody version. If you’re headed somewhere tropical for a holiday (or maybe just enjoying the warm summer weather at home), this bag is a great choice.
When it comes to French girl style, French brand Sezane has the Justine basket bag that’s very popular when it comes to a large market tote. If you’re looking for something at a slightly lower price point, J.Crew also has a straw tote with a slightly longer handle. At any price point, a basket tote is not only great for vacation, but is also a classic addition to a summer capsule wardrobe.
Want to add a pop of color to your look? Try tying a silk scarf around the handle for ultimate French style.
blouse | jeans | flats | basket | sunglasses | bracelet
3. White Linen Pants
j.crew
New Soleil Pant in Linen
French girls love to balance a chic look with comfort while they’re enjoying a holiday away. When it comes to warmer weather, they often swap out their denim straight-leg jeans for breezy linen pants. Linen pants are lightweight, breathable, and perfect for a modest look that doesn’t cause you to overheat. They’ll also pair well with nearly any shirt, making them a versatile choice that will also save you packing space. Wear them as a beach cover-up, paired with a linen vest, or styled with a t-shirt for a laidback sightseeing outfit. The tie waist also makes them great for travel, or for long, easy dinners when you want to relax and just be comfortable.
vest | pants | sandals | earrings | bag
4. A One-Piece Swimsuit
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Italian Cami One-Piece Swimsuit
When it comes to Parisian fashion inspiration, Jeanne Damas is your stylish bff. Not only is she a model, influencer, and has been featured in French Vogue, but she’s also a fashion designer and founder of French brand Rouje. You can take a look at Rouje’s new arrivals for great French holiday inspiration, but you can also go straight to the source – Jeanne’s social media has great style inspo for dreamy getaways dressed in style.
In the photo above, Jeanne is picture-perfect proof that a chic red swimsuit is a must-have in French girl fashion while on holiday. Against a backdrop of blue skies and white sands, a red suit is the perfect pop of color. Plus, a classic one-piece suit can also double as a bodysuit. Add your white linen pants, grab a pair of strappy sandals, and you’re ready for wherever the day takes you next!
5. Chic Sunglasses
madewell
Russell Oval Sunglasses
The right pair of sunglasses can take your vacation outfit to the next level! French girls love to accessorize with classic shapes, and cat-eye or oval styles are popular choices in a French wardrobe. Sunglasses are a chic and practical accessory to keep in your bag, especially if you’re heading somewhere bright and sunny for your summer holiday.
When it comes to finding the best pair of sunglasses for your face shape, the first step is to know your face shape. Face shapes typically fall within one of these five categories: square, heart, oval, round, and diamond. Once you’ve identified where yours falls, you can start to narrow down which shapes of frames are most suitable for you. For example, if you have a round face shape, look for sunglasses that balance your softer features with edged details – like cat-eye, square frames, or rectangular ones. On the flip side, if you have a diamond face shape, look for glasses that soften your face shape – an oval pair like the ones shown above would be perfect.
6. Gold Jewelry
gorjana
Newport Layering Set
French girls tend to stick to dainty, minimal jewelry for their everyday looks. However, a summer holiday is the perfect excuse to have fun with layering and stacking! A French woman on holiday might go for larger statement pieces while she’s on vacation, or mix and match her daily pieces to accessorize her vacation looks.
If you’re still building up your jewelry collection with quality pieces, try a dainty layered set for a combination that you know will work. It takes the guesswork out of choosing the perfect pieces that look great together, and is a two-for-one deal if you want to get the most out of your investment! The great thing about jewelry is that you can incorporate it into your everyday looks for year-round style – it’s not just limited to vacation wear.
7. A Linen Cover-Up
j.crew
Cabana Dress in Linen
A linen or cotton cover-up dress is a great addition to a travel capsule wardrobe. French women love this warm-weather staple piece, but it can be worn over swimwear for a chic walk to the beach or dressed up for lunch by the water. It’s also light, airy, and breathable. Did I mention it also gives you great sun protection?
These linen cover-up dresses come in all shapes and sizes. Depending on your personal style, you can choose a mini, midi, or maxi dress to best fit your preferences!
linen dress | sandals | bag | sunglasses | earrings
8. Strappy Sandals
everlane
The City Crossover Sandal
A European holiday often involves a lot of walking, and so French girls prioritize footwear that’s both cute and comfortable! A pair of strappy sandals is great for airflow during the peak summer heat, while also providing great support thanks to the additional straps. A pair of leather sandals looks great with nearly any outfit, and can be dressed up for a nice dinner or dressed down for a day at the beach.
Planning on sightseeing? If you love neutrals, you can take notes from classic French girl fashion by pairing strappy sandals with a mini dress in Breton stripes, chic sunglasses, and a basket tote. Or, go for an eye-catching, colorful style with a patterned sundress, a straw hat, and a mini tote like the French girl above.
9. A Sun Hat
j.crew
Wide-Brim Packable Straw Hat
A straw hat is one of those wardrobe essentials that you’ll end up wearing way more than you think! French girls love this piece for its versatility, but especially while on holiday. It not only provides them with great sun protection, but instantly gives their vacation looks a fun, yet elevated edge. The easiest way to make your favorite outfits holiday-ready? Add a wide-brim straw hat.
The great thing about this piece is that it can really take any outfit to the next level for a memorable look. Going for a Breton striped top and shorts? Add a straw hat. Want to add a classy accessory to your little black dress? Swap out berets for straw hats for an instant French girl-approved upgrade that rings more true to their modern French style.
Spring and summer are great times to shop for straw hats, so now’s your chance! A retailer will usually start releasing these pieces in their spring shop and carry them throughout the summer.
French Girl Fashion at Your Fingertips
French women don’t completely reinvent their style every time they go on holiday. Instead, they adapt their everyday looks to fit their vacation locations. They lean into the easy, breezy parts of their capsule wardrobes that suit their destinations! With a few essential pieces, you’ll be able to recreate a French girl’s effortless look on holiday.
Ready for more French girl fashion? Up Next: 9 Must-Have Accessories That French Women Swear By
