We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
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 this past fall 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 style 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 | wide-leg jeans | sandals | 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 | midi skirt | straw bag | mary janes | 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. floral top + flare jeans + straw bag + sunglasses
top | jeans | sandals | straw bag | gold hoops | sunglasses
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 this look with a floral top – this one features flirty details like a small v-neck and a flutter sleeve. On the bottom, try a pair of jeans with a cropped length. Accessorize with woven leather sandals, a straw bag, gold hoops, and a pair of chic sunglasses.
4. striped button-down + white pants + gold watch + sandals
shirt | pants | sandals | watch | sunglasses
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 | straight-leg jeans | 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. oxford shirt + light pants + flip flops + gold watch
shirt | pants | shoes | watch | tote | sunglasses
This look is another way of wearing oversized shirts like a French woman. Style this boxy Oxford button-down as part of a monochromatic outfit, with a pair of light pants or pair of jeans. Monochromatic looks with white blouses are another key pairing for chic summer outfits.
No Parisian summer style is complete without the woven tote bag, as natural fabrics are the perfect way to add an organic element to your look. Flip flops are another way to help beat the heat, and make this a more casual look. Accessorize with a gold bracelet watch, and a chic pair of sunglasses.
7. little black dress + straw hat + woven sandals
dress | sandals | straw hat | sunglasses | 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.
Related: 8 Tricks to Make Wearing Black in Summer Chic and Comfortable
8. mini dress + gold hoops + woven crossbody bag + sandals
dress | sandals | sunglasses | earrings | crossbody bag
Breathable fabrics are key during warmer months – especially in Europe, where air conditioning isn’t as common as in the United States. Linen and cotton in particular are two fabrics to search out when it comes to building a summer capsule wardrobe.
Looking for more pieces to build up your summer capsule wardrobe? My Chic Obsession has a free resource full of shopping lists and guides that you can access here.
This linen mini dress in a buttery yellow is an excellent piece for a subtle pop of color. A relaxed summer dress is the perfect choice for days when it’s especially warm, or if you want to elevate your look in an effortless way. Accessorize with thin gold hoops, a pair of sandals in cognac leather, a woven crossbody bag, and gold-rimmed sunglasses.
9. floral dress + gold hoops + canvas tote bag + heels
dress | heels | 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 | 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. linen tank + striped linen pants + leather sandals
tank top | striped pants | sandals | bag | earrings
If you love relaxed-fit trousers, you’ll love this next look. Adapt that look for summer with these striped linen pants. The vertical stripes help to elongate your legs by drawing the eye up and down, while the faded blue and white stripes are neutral enough to pair well with a variety of tops.
For this style, try a linen tank. You could also choose a style with sleeves if you prefer, but for warmer days, a sleeveless white top is always a good idea. Accessorize with a wicker shoulder bag, gold earrings, and leather sandals.
12. floral dress + gold hoops + ring + basket tote
dress | tote bag | sandals | ring | earrings
This red-orange color is one of my favorites right now for spring and summer! The floral pattern on this dress is beautiful and subtle, and offers a great contrast between the shade of the dress and the blue flowers.
Accessories are the key to elevating this look, which makes it fitting to enjoy a glass of wine outside in the south of France. Summer dresses are so beautiful and fun, and you can take this look to the next level with gold jewelry, a woven tote bag (this one looks like it might fit a bottle of wine to go), and white sandals.
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.
Are you also looking for outfit ideas for an upcoming trip? Up Next: The Best Beach Dresses for Enjoying Your Summer in 2024
