Whilst I've always thought of August as a pre-autumn month, with the heatwaves rippling through Europe right now, I'm starting to doubt my stance. Paris is experiencing 34° heat, and London is close behind at 30°, so right now, it seems like there's still plenty of summer left.
This time around, I'm more prepared than usual, as I spent Europe's last heatwave in the heart of Le Marais experiencing one of Paris's famous warm-weather spells firsthand. Having been to Paris countless times, my itinerary was focused on stopping by new haunts and catching up with friends, and, to be quite honest, between the glaring sun and snaking queues for the best eating and drinking spots, museums and monuments didn't get a look in.
As such, I think I slotted in with the locals rather well, and naturally, I couldn't help but keep tabs on some of the key trends and silhouettes that kept them looking so chic, despite the sweltering temperatures. Amongst the throngs of chic dressers, a handful of trends struck me again and again, and now that London's enjoying its very own heatwave, I'll be putting my learnings into practice and replicating some of those very same looks that serve the French so well.
Read on to discover how Parisians make heatwave dressing look so chic.
5 Pieces French Women Wear During a Heatwave
1. Black Tank Top
Style Notes: Whilst white tanks might be the default in London, across the Channel, their darker counterparts are dominating wardrobes during the city's hottest days. A sleeker upgrade, black tank tops offer a breezy cut that keeps you cool, whilst the dark hue lends an element of polish. I spotted so many Parisiennes pairing theirs with crisp white trousers or jeans, adding an element of contrast that made their heatwave styling feel particularly chic.
Shop Black Tank Tops:
This classic ribbed tank also comes in seven other shades.
Style this with denim or contrast it more boldly with white jeans or trousers.
Shop this basic whilst it's on sale.
2. Capri Pants
Style Notes: More comfortable than trousers, more elevated than shorts, it's no surprise that capri pants have become a Parisienne's favourite during summer's hottest days. I spotted them everywhere; worn simply with classic tees or airy blouses and finished with either kitten heels for a touch of poise or Mary Janes for comfort. Functional yet refined, they’re a clever solution for days when you want polish without overheating.
Shop Capri Pants:
Style with a heeled mule or pair with ballet flats.
The cotton composition ensures a light and breezy feel.
These come in UK sizes 4 22.
3. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Paris in peak summer can be deceptively dusty, and despite their airy appeal, sandals aren’t always the most practical choice. Instead, French women are stepping out in ballet flats en masse. Whilst you might assume closed-toe shoes would feel stifling, locals style them with cotton dresses, tailored shorts and breezy skirts, and they look incredibly chic in the process.
Shop Ballet Flats:
Style with white socks to give your look a preppy edge.
These also come in nine other shades.
Maison Margiela's Tabi ballerinas are a fashion-person favourite.
4. Slip Dresses
Style Notes: Few pieces rival the effortless elegance of a slip dress. Thrown on with minimal accessories and simple flats, it evokes a '90s silhouette that does all the hard work for you. Lightweight, fluid and inherently chic, it’s the sort of piece that requires almost no styling to look its best.
Shop Slip Dresses:
Every great wardrobe starts with a simple LBD.
Add a pop of colour to your heatwave rotation.
The butter-yellow colour trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.
5. White Skirts
Style Notes: A swishy white skirt might just be the smartest heatwave investment you can make. Its lightness keeps you cool, whilst its versatility is endless. I saw Parisiennes wearing theirs with tonal white tops for a sleek, monochrome effect, or contrasting them with bright colours to channel a more playful, high-summer mood.
Shop White Skirts:
Whilst I love this in white, it also comes in a very wearable shade of beige.
Style with knee-high boots to give your outfit an autumnal twist as we move towards the cooler months.
Made from cotton poplin for breezy comfort.
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