I'm An Editor Living in Paris—6 Classic Summer Outfits French Women Always Wear on Holiday

I may be an honorary Parisian but my love of French style extends to holiday dressing and the infamous je ne sais quoi French women exude in the countryside and beyond. The distinguishable French chicness transcends to holiday wear, too, and just like with their city looks, French women evoke a certain nonchalance when dressing for hot weather holidays. The wardrobe components and simplicity remain, but there are a few tweaks in accordance with the forecast and some skin-bearing styles woven in amongst practical basics.

I’ve perused a fair few feeds of my favourite fashion people and noticed that come summer, many French women retire to the Côte d'Azur and neighbouring destinations to lean into a slower pace of life and soak up the sun. The aforementioned holidays consist of windswept hair, picnics and restful beach days, reflected in casual and pared-back ensembles. French women have favoured basket bags, two-piece sets and crochet maxi dresses for decades. They’re also accustomed to outfits that appear effortless, although very much in an intentional way, like a scarf worn as a bandeau or a swimsuit in place of a tank top with shorts thrown over the top.

Although French women have a strong sense of individuality in their style, there are universal themes many women adhere to whilst holidaying. Crisp shirts are swapped for linen and this practical style of dressing is extended to the beach. Typically, daytime outfits are casual and activity-friendly. Come evening, all the stops are pulled out and accessories are piled high after a day spent in the sun. I’ve studied many outfit recipes throughout the years and deduced the formula for pared-back outfits you’re likely to see French women wearing on holiday.

Keep scrolling for six timeless outfits loved by French women if you’re looking for inspiration for what to wear this summer.

1. Crochet Maxi Dress + Black Sandals

Style Notes: French women were fans of crochet knits long before their resurgence in 2022. Granted, it's a flirty style, but it's also weather-wicking. Crochet dresses can be styled in many ways, from a beach cover-up to an evening dress worn with a slip underneath. For the day, simply add a basket bag and flat sandals.

Shop the Look:

2. Slouched Overshirt + Basket Bag + Chunky Sandals

Style Notes: Celebrate natural fabrics and tease proportions with this classic look. The organic textures and fuss-free footwear loan this an easy-wear appeal. Wear the shirt buttoned, with a bikini underneath for days by the beach or belt it at the waist for eveningwear.

Shop the Look:

3. Black Maxi Dress + White Sandals

Style Notes: Never underestimate the power of a basic —you can wear them in so many ways. A figure-skimming LBD can be worn with thong sandals to the beach and it doubles as an evening dress too!

Shop the Look:

4. Shorts Co-Ord + Swimsuit

Style Notes: The shorts-and-swimsuit pairing is a combination I frequently see on the feeds of French women. I adore the ingenuity of using a swimsuit as a style element and building an outfit to encompass it. Adding a raffia hat can further elevate this look.

Shop the Look:

5. White Sundress + Brown Sandals

Style Notes: You can't dispute the elegance of a classic white sundress, and for summer 2024 shirred sundresses are back in the spotlight. This silhouette speaks volumes. Pair it with everything from flats to heeled sandals.

Shop the Look:

6. Capri Pants + Tank Top + Mules

Style Notes: Alongside the Jort, capri pants have become a European style staple this summer and a way to refresh a summer wardrobe. It offers a shrunken length with more coverage than a typical mini dress. With the addition of the rope chain, you may just start to feel sentimental. This is a '90s revival that I can get behind.

Shop the Look: