Turns Out These Sneaky Pieces Are Sitting in Every French Girl's Summer Wardrobe

Summer is coming (side note: How is it already May?), and if you're in need of some inspiration for your warm-weather wardrobe, ask yourself WWTFW? (What would the French wear?) Parisians from Ellie Delphine to Sabina Socol have no shortage of outfit formulas and summer staples that will make you wish you could teleport straight to Shakespeare and Company, Sacré-Cœur, or literally any sidewalk café along the cobblestone streets.
Of course, you don't have to live in an arrondissement to copy any of these French-approved summer pieces. (Although, you can dream, right?) It's easy to be influenced by these French style stars and shop the clothes and accessories they can't get enough of this season, from tailored wide-leg pants to ballet mules. Here, I've rounded up a bunch of outfits and the specific items that make up each one so you can live your best, most fashionable summer life.
Oversized Button-Downs + Beige Trousers
Both pieces look chic when paired with other items, but when you get them together in one look, you really can't go wrong. Keep your shirt open over a cropped tank to combat the summer temps, and balance out the tailored trousers with sporty-looking flip-flops to be on-trend for the season.
Ballet Mules + Bandanas
The ballet flats of your high school days are back, but French girls are all about the ballet mules. Just slide them on, and you're ready to walk out the door. Another summer accessory that's basically mandatory for Parisians? A good ol' bandana. You can wear it around your neck, as a hair accessory, tied to your bag—the possibilities are endless.
Statement Loafers + Pearl Jewelry
Loafers aren't just for fall and winter, you know. When you wear them with frilly socks, a silky dress and pearl jewelry, you can consider them just as much of a summer shoe as any lace-up sandal. If you're planning on walking for most of the day but don't want to wear sneakers, these are it.
Printed Sundresses + Baguette Bags
When you think of French fashion in summer, it's easy to picture walking along the banks of the Seine in a printed sundress—gingham, floral, paisley, polka-dotted, you name it!—with a slim baguette bag under your arm. And if that is *exactly* what you pictured, then I'm happy to report that those are the exact pieces popular among Parisians.
Wide-Leg Jeans + Straw Totes
High-waisted wide-leg jeans (especially ones with patch pockets) are the key to looking effortless this summer. Plus, the silhouette ensures your legs get some air in hot temperatures. And maybe it's cliché, but it's true: A straw bag is the Parisian-approved summer accessory.
Next: I'm in My 20s and Live in Paris—Here Are the Outfit Formulas I Love

Lauren Adhav is a freelance fashion editor based in Los Angeles. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she got her start as the beauty and fashion editorial assistant at Cosmopolitan and worked her way up to fashion editor. She contributed to both the website and print issues, pitching new ideas, forecasting trends, covering red carpet events, and informing the overall coverage and brand voice.
After five years in NYC, she moved to Los Angeles. As a freelance fashion editor, she contributes to Cosmo, The Cut, and nowBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . She also spends an unhealthy amount of time online shopping for the perfect piece, and now that she's in L.A., she's rediscovering her soft spot for malls.
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