As we gear up for the summer season, I’m more excited than usual to shop for some new classic pieces. After going to Paris and seeing the iconic French style in person, I have classic French outfits in mind while I’m choosing pieces to wear in the upcoming summer months. French girl style in the summer is unmatched! Their fashion is a great inspiration for ensembles that look as beautiful as they are comfortable and elevated.
With all of the lessons I learned from the streets in Paris in mind, I’ve put together 12 French summer outfits to hopefully help as you’re shopping the racks (or the Internet) to freshen up your closet for the upcoming season.
1. linen vest + wide-leg jeans + leather bag
vest (similar) | wide-leg jeans (similar) | sandals (similar) | bag | bracelet
A neutral color palette is a favorite of French women for its versatility, and the ability to mix and match pieces. Neutral colors will never go out of style, and make for a chic summer look.
Start off this neutral look with a linen vest. Not only does this vest act as a chic alternative to a basic tank, but it’s a great layering piece to transition through the seasons when layered over a short-sleeved or long-sleeved tee, or maybe even over a turtleneck in the winter months. Plus, linen is the perfect material for summer due to its thin fabric, and ability to help your body handle heat.
On the bottom, a pair of light-wash jeans is the perfect accompaniment for this cool weekend look. Accessorize with leather details, like this minimalist tote, and sandals with a raffia detail. A gold bracelet is a finishing detail.
2. linen tank top + midi floral skirt + mary janes
tank top (similar) | midi skirt (similar) | bag (similar) | shoes (similar) | gold hoops
Speaking of neutral colors, you can’t go wrong with a classic black and white look. This look again calls for a linen top, this time in the form of a boat neck tank. This one from Banana Republic also features a fun detail of a button-up back. The light color and linen fabric mean this is the perfect style for especially hot days.
French girls love the midi skirt for their beauty and practicality. It offers the perfect amount of coverage for modesty and allows you to go about your day with enough coverage for an active schedule, while also allowing you to show off your favorite pair of shoes.
Transition your Mary Jane low heels from winter to summer with this look, with a block heel that makes them comfortable enough for walking. A woven basket bag and gold earrings complete the look.
3. linen blazer + striped shirt + shorts + leather accessories
top | blazer | shorts | belt | bag | shoes
French summer style is all about easy looks that are comfortable but elevated. You don’t have to overthink it! When you’re putting your outfit together inspired by French fashion, don’t be afraid to mix textures and aesthetics to create something new.
Start your look with a pair of tailored shorts. This is an elevated alternative to your go-to denim pair. Next, add a French girl-approved staple on top – a striped sweater or t-shirt. Then, add a linen blazer. The breathable material will ensure it doesn’t cause you to overheat! Finally, finish your look with sleek leather accessories in cognac brown.
4. striped button-down + white pants + gold watch + sandals
shirt (similar) | pants | sandals | watch | sunglasses (similar)
When it comes to summer heat waves, loose-fitting clothes in light colors are the perfect way to create a modest look without overheating. Start this look with a pair of white pants – bonus points if they’re in a linen material or linen blend!
Next, pull out one of your oversized shirts. If you don’t have one, a blue and white striped button-down is one of my go-to’s for French girl summer style. This is the perfect layering piece to leave unbuttoned, tied over your shoulders, or worn with pants, shorts, or even a skirt.
Accessorize with timeless pieces like a gold watch from Breda, strappy sandals, a brown belt, and sunglasses.
5. straight-leg jeans + floral top + pearl earrings + espadrilles
top (similar) | straight-leg jeans (similar) | espadrilles | tote | earrings
Need an outfit for a summer Sunday brunch? This is the perfect look, inspired by the streets of Paris. Some of my favorite sights in the city limits were the ornately decorated cafes teeming with flowers, arched over the entrances, and decorating the already-stunning architecture in the City of Lights. Florals are the perfect way to pay homage to the beautiful flowers and gardens of France.
This linen-blend top with a balloon sleeve is a great statement piece. On the bottom, keep things simple with a pair of straight-leg jeans in a light or medium wash. Finish with details like a pair of espadrilles, a straw tote, and pearl earrings.
6. striped button-down + crop pants + pearls + flip flops + bag
button-down | pants | bag | neck scarf | flip flops | earrings
This look is another way of wearing oversized shirts like a French woman. Style this striped blue and white button-down as part of a tonal outfit. Blue and white stripes look effortless with a pair of crop navy chinos.
No Parisian summer style is complete without a staple neck scarf. It’s the perfect way to introduce a new pop of color to your monochromatic outfit. When it comes to footwear, flip flops are another way to help beat the heat and make this a more casual look. Accessorize with a simple pair of pearl stud earrings.
7. little black dress + straw hat + woven sandals
dress (similar) | sandals (similar) | straw hat | sunglasses (similar) | earrings
Elevate your little black dress for a summer date night with a midi or maxi length. This style of dress looks great on all body types, and is the perfect foundation for layering pieces, too. Throw a button-up shirt, jean jacket, or cardigan over your shoulders for a chic look, like a French woman would. Hot summer days can quickly turn into cool nights, so this extra layer is always a good idea, especially if you’re dining outside.
Accessorize this look with a pair of dressy sandals, or maybe a pair of low heels. And if you do plan to sit out in the sun, a straw hat and sunglasses are the perfect, practical touches. Add gold hoops for a classic touch.
8. striped shirt + white jeans + raffia tote + sunglasses + ballet flats
shirt | jeans | bag | ballet flats | sunglasses
A bold black and white look is the perfect way to wear your capsule wardrobe staples for a French girl-approved summer outfit. First, start with your classic Breton or Mariner tee. Then, add a bright white pair of jeans. It’s the perfect shade to wear in the warmer summer months!
Next, add texture to your look with a raffia tote bag. This one is from the French brand Sézane, and it’s the perfect chic accessory for the farmer’s market or a walk through the park. Complete the look with classic tortoiseshell sunglasses and a pair of ballet flats.
9. floral dress + gold hoops + canvas tote bag + heels
dress (similar) | heels (similar) | tote bag | earrings
No French summer outfit list would be complete without a breezy sundress, and this floral midi dress is the perfect choice. Whether you’re walking through an arboretum garden, antique shopping, or enjoying coffee with a friend, this floral dress will fit right in as your new summer staple.
When it comes to your bag, a canvas tote bag is a great choice for a day spent shopping, or maybe setting up a small picnic. Canvas totes were everywhere when we were checking out the most popular bags in Paris – and bonus points if the print features a French artist! Sandals with a low heel and thin hoops complete this look.
10. button-down shirt + tank top + linen pleated shorts
shorts (similar) | button-down | tank top | sandals | tote | sunglasses | earrings
A white shirt or racerback tank top is the foundation of this summer style. Layers are key, in linen (there’s a theme here, for sure!), for a breathable look. Swap out a pair of denim shorts for these pleated linen trousers. Next, adding a striped or solid oversized button-down will act as your next layer, left unbuttoned.
Accessorize this style with retro round sunglasses with gold rims, leather sandals, gold earrings, and a French basket tote.
Related: What To Wear for a European Summer (Whether You’re Traveling to Europe or Not)
11. striped tee + white midi skirt + sunglasses + bag + sandals + watch
skirt | shirt | sandals | bag | watch | sunglasses
A poplin midi skirt is perfect for chic, feminine-inspired summer looks. Plus, it goes well with almost any top! It’s a closet superhero for the summer, and I found myself reaching for it again and again last year.
On top, keep your look classic and casual with a striped tee. Then, accessorize with the sandwich method. Strappy black sandals, a leather shoulder bag, and trendy oval sunglasses are perfect. Finish the look with an elegant gold bracelet watch.
12. striped shirt + jeans + sunglasses + sandals + woven bag
shirt | jeans | sandals | bag | sunglasses
Ready for another way to style your favorite striped tee this summer? Here’s another classic French outfit formula for summer. First, start with your timeless striped tee. Next, add a pair of straight-leg jeans. French girls love this style because of its versatility – and the fact that it’s easy to pair with so many types of shoes. Make sure your jeans don’t have any holes or rips though – French girls like a clean look when it comes to their denim.
Keep your accessories simple. Think a pair of black leather sandals, a pair of cat-eye sunglasses, and a woven basket bag for added texture.
13. vest top + tailored shorts + thin belt + flats + gold earrings + bag
vest top | shorts | bag | flats | earrings | belt
When it comes to French summer outfits, try exchanging your go-to denim shorts for a tailored pair instead. A pair of tailored shorts will instantly elevate your whole summer look. On top, swap out a plain tank top for a vest top instead. The combination is a chic look that’s still appropriate for summer weather.
Accessorize with a timeless pair of ballet flats, gold earrings, a leather crossbody bag and a slim black belt.
14. midi skirt + white blouse + pearls + raffia tote bag + sandals
blouse | skirt | tote bag | sandals | pearls
Polka dots are trending this year, and they’re the perfect way to infuse a bit of vintage charm into your outfit. French women love classic patterns like stripes, leopard print and polka dots – they never really go out of style.
Style a polka dot midi dress with a leather pair of sandals, a white blouse, raffia tote bag and pearl stud earrings for an easy, breezy spring look.
15. white blouse + jeans + neck scarf + raffia tote + woven flats
blouse | jeans | flats | tote bag | neck scarf
Breathable fabrics are key during warmer months – especially in Europe, where air conditioning isn’t as common as in the United States. Linen, poplin and cotton in particular are two fabrics to search out when it comes to building a summer capsule wardrobe.
Pair a white poplin top with straight-leg jeans in a light wash. Then, add texture to your look with woven accessories. A raffia straw tote bag with embroidered flowers and a woven pair of flats are perfect! Finish off the look with a Parisian chic accessory – the neck scarf.
Set Your Sights on Summer
Summer will be here before we know it, and spring sales are a great time to pick up pieces that will have you extra excited for warmer weather to arrive! Whether you’re going on a vacation or enjoying summer at home, hopefully, these French summer outfits will help inspire you with a little Parisian fashion inspiration.
Love that French girl summer style? Up Next: 9 Effortless Ways to Get French Girl Summer Style
I love your outfit ideas, but it would be really helpful to see these outfits modeled on a real person in addition to the layouts in the photographs.
That’s exactly what I was thinking as I was reading the article.
I can definitely see that; thanks for the feedback!
Oh wow, I love, love, LOVE these ideas! I’m just a little over 40 and in need of a style update. This is exactly what I’m looking for! I’ll be using these ideas to shop for pieces and have these looks in my wardrobe. Thanks! 🙂
So happy to hear that, Joanna! I’m glad you are finding the outfit inspo you need. 🙂
I love your Inspo, articles and projects. Love all your French home and garden images!!!! XO joan
Thanks, Joan! Thrilled to be connected with you 🙂
It’s funny I don’t like to see the outfits modeled
I can’t sort it out as well
You don’t like the outfit collages or pictures of people wearing outfits? Thanks for your feedback!