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.
Hanes always makes great staples, and this one from its collab with Re/Done is the perfect white summer tank.
Rectangular sunglasses are continuing to have their moment.
You really can't argue with the ratings and reviews on these platform flip-flops. Your feet will thank you.
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.
Ah, yes, another oversized button-down, but this time in a classic baby blue.
A straw tote with leather straps is ideal for those weekends at the farmers market.
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.
Between the puff sleeves and the bow at the waist, it's hard to pick a favorite detail on this pink mini.
The leg slit and billowy sleeves on this midi keep things breezy.
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.
This halter dress with its plunging neckline yet sweet dotted pattern is the best of both worlds.
Slip into these embroidered block-heel slides that are basically made for the season.
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.
This stylish pair is available in straight, tall, petite, and plus sizes.
You can't talk about French fashion without bringing up this Loewe straw bag. If this is the season you're splurging, you might as well invest in this one.
This option is super soft and breathable and also has a UPF 50+ for extra sun protection.
It doesn't get more classic than these Ray-Bans. (It's in the name.)
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 always wanted to work at a fashion magazine. After finally getting an internship at Town Country in 2015, she moved to New York City and continued to get her footing in the industry with stints at Cosmopolitan, W magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and Moda Operandi. In 2017, she returned to Cosmo full time, starting off as the beauty and fashion editorial assistant and working her way 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 the West Coast for the sunshine and the change of pace. As a freelance fashion editor, she still contributes to Cosmo and nowBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . She's always trying to get ahead of the next big trend before it goes mainstream and loves discovering fashion brands with a unique point of view (Chopova Lowena, Sandy Liang, and Bode being some of her current favorites). 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. On the weekends, you can find her walking around the Silver Lake Reservoir, trying to catch up on her tan at Venice Beach, and probably ordering a Chinese chicken salad at Joan's on Third.
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