Summer is here and if you love French style as much as I do, you've come to the right place! Those who read my stories regularly know I'm a bona fide French girl at heart—especially when it comes to my style. I'll always favor nonchalant, effortlessly chic outfit formulas that embody the French aesthetic we talk about so often here at Who What Wear.
With warmer weather upon us, I wanted to share eight classic and fashion-forward looks that embody the "essence" of a French-woman summer and lean into that je ne sais quoi. From elevated denim shorts with a Parisian vibe to effortless floral slip dresses paired with basket bags, take a peek below at these easy and chic outfit ideas and shop the looks yourself. You can rely on these fail-safe formulas throughout the summer months.
8 Classic French-Woman Outfits to Try This Summer
1. Cardigan + Denim Shorts + Espadrilles
Style Notes: High-waisted vintage-inspired denim shorts are a mainstay in almost every French woman's wardrobe. Pair them with a cute fitted cardigan (I'm partial to a red one) to add a bit of polish to this casual everyday staple. Finish your outfit with neutral espadrilles and an effortless basket tote.
Shop the Look:
You'll reach for this no matter the season.
When it comes to denim, Agolde never disappoints.
A summer shoe staple.
This is a bestseller for good reason.
2. Tank Top + Straight Jeans + Heeled Sandals
Style Notes: Sometimes the chicest summer outfits are often the simplest. Lean into a combo the French fashion set loves: a crisp white tank and straight-leg jeans. Keep the look elevated by pairing it with minimal black accessories. Perfect for summer in the city.
Shop the Look:
This will act as the basis for so many of your summer outfits.
A quality pair of jeans is never a bad investment to make.
Dreamy.
3. Linen Shirt + Maxi Skirt + Thong Sandals
Style Notes: Sleek and sophisticated. A black-and-white ensemble is an easy day-to-night outfit. Opt for a trend-forward black maxi skirt, black tank top, oversize white button-down, and simple flat sandals.
Shop the Look:
I love the looser fit of thus shirt
Simple but stylish.
Perfect for in and out of the office.
I love the contrast sole on this pair.
4. Bodysuit + Denim Mini Skirt + Bandana
Style Notes: For an off-duty look, you can't go wrong with a simple outfit comprised of a high-waisted denim skirt and a black bodysuit. A pretty necklace and summery accessories add a touch of cool to this easy ensemble.
Shop the Look:
A bodysuit you can easily take from day to night.
A denim mini skirt is a summer must-have.
So sweet.
This shape gives major 'off-duty model' vibes.
5. Button-Up Shirt + Floral Dress + Raffia Bag
Style Notes: An easy floral dress is a summer essential the French fashion set frequently relies on. Style yours with a raffia bag, espadrilles, and a button-down shirt for a breezy summer look.
Shop the Look:
Wear this over your floral dress on those chillier summer days.
You could wear this for a casual day in town or for a formal summer event like a wedding.
A nice point of difference from your typical beige raffia totes.
6. Classic Tee + Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: For a day of meetings in the city, consider a pair of tailored ivory wide-leg trousers with a simple and chic black fitted tee. A polished bag and belt pull the look together.
Simple? Yes. But so very chic.
This will easily elevate any outfit.
There's something so elegant about white trousers.
This is at the top of my luxury wishlist.
7. Baby Tee + Slip Skirt + Flip-Flops
Style Notes: A white baby tee is a French summer staple that's easy to pair with shorts, miniskirts, or, in this case, a silky slip skirt. Finish your outfit with a raffia bag for a look that embodies the French summer aesthetic to a T.
Shop the Look:
This comes in so many different colours.
Rixo makes the coolest slip skirts on the market, in my opinion.
I love this two-tone pair.
8. Striped Shirt + Mini Skirt + Platform Sandals
Style Notes: A relaxed button-down shirt paired with a black miniskirt and cushy sandals is a casual and chic outfit formula that always works.
Shop the Look:
You can never have too many linen shirts.
You'll reach for this in the colder months as well.
The chunkier sole will ensure all-day comfort.
-
French Girls Rarely Wear Leggings, Unless They’re Paired With This Specific Boot StyleChic every time.
-
I Want to Look Elegant and Polished, Even When It’s Raining—7 Outfits That Nail the BriefPolished but practical.
-
News Just In: These Are the Winter 2025 Fashion Trends I've Already Spotted French Women WearingThey nail it every time.
-
Espresso Martini: The Rich-Looking Colour That's Already EverywhereDelectable.
-
Yes, UGGs Can Look Passé, But This Exact Jeans and Jacket Formula Makes Them Feel ChicComfy and chic? I'm listening.
-
I'm a Fashion Writer Living in Paris—6 Accessories I've Noticed French Women Wear to Elevate Their Winter LooksFrom bags to belts.
-
I Just Got Back From Paris—This Is the Jacket, Jeans and Shoe Formula I Saw on Every CornerI'm feeling inspired.
-
Lila Moss Just Wore the Anti-Jeans Trend All the Chicest People I Know Have in Their RotationsJeans aren't always the answer.
