There's no season quite like summer. Beach holidays, al fresco Aperol spritzes, what's not to like? As we edge towards hotter, sunnier days, I find myself on the hunt for wardrobe inspiration, and if there's one source I return to every single year, it's the streets of Paris.
No one does warm-weather style quite like French women. They somehow manage to make the simplest outfit combinations look impossibly chic. With their unique way of curating timeless classics or vintage pieces and mixing them with modern trends, their outfits always look seamless.
This year, I've noticed certain micro-trends expanding into full-fledged seasonal must-haves. Jelly shoes, lace-hem satin shorts and pillbox hats all seem to be growing in popularity, but if you were hesitant about trying any of them, I've found some very well-dressed women who have given them the French touch, styling them in a chic, grown-up way that makes them look less like trends and more like wardrobe staples.
And as for the summer classics such as broderie anglaise dresses, polka dot skirts, bohemian tops and mini dresses, look to these women for inspiration on how to reinvent them in ways that make them feel relevant and new again.
So if you're looking to upgrade your summer wardrobe, I've compiled an edit of five French-inspired outfit combinations I'll be copying this season. Read on to find out more.
5 French Girl Summer Outfits for 2026
1. Broderie Anglaise Dress + Jelly Sandals + Straw Bag
Style Notes: Broderie anglaise dresses are a classic that appear every summer. Their intricate detail and subtle texture make them a minimal effort, maximum impact piece that simply requires accessorizing. Straw bags and broderie are a winning combination, but if you're looking to add a touch of interest, don't sleep on jelly shoes. The Row's iterations from 2024 are the inspiration behind the current woven styles we're seeing everywhere, and they feel more grown-up and serious than the versions from our childhood. Choose red for a pop of colour.
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A timeless classic.
Jelly shoes are huge this season.
A must-have accessory for summer.
For a 90s touch.
18kt gold.
2. Cropped Vest + Polkadot Skirt + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Anyone who tells you polkadots are dead this season has clearly had their eyes closed. Not only are they everywhere, as is custom for this time of year, but they've expanded far beyond the standard monochrome. Butter yellow and brown or brown and cobalt blue are the trending colour combinations for summer, and in skirt form they carry a vintage air. Keep everything else really simple and streamlined so as not to overwhelm. A simple vest top and ballet flats will help the skirt to take centre stage.
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With added support.
Just add flip flops.
A softer alternative to black.
A cute addition to any outfit.
A beach-friendly bag.
3. Broderie Blouse + Straight Jeans + Heeled Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Another broderie option for summer is the blouse. They come in a variety of silhouettes, from cropped and puff sleeved to vest-like and billowing, but all carry a bohemian charm. Lean into that and pair with a maxi skirt or ground the femininity with a pair of vintage wash straight-leg jeans for a contrast that feels cool and chic.
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Effortlessly chic.
My all-time favourite pair of jeans.
A twist on a classic.
A chic take on the bucket bag.
Great for layering with fine gold chains.
4. Cardigan + Lace Shorts + Slingbacks
Style Notes: Lace-hem satin shorts are the latest product of the lingerie-as-outerwear trend that we see rear its head as temperatures climb, but this one seems to have stuck more than most. It's still sensual and feminine but feels less risqué than corsets and sheer slip dresses and has a versatility than can be worked into your current wardrobe. A less-is-more approach is best when styling these. A thin cashmere cardigan keeps the softeness but contrasts in texture, while slingback heels prevent the look from falling into loungewear territory.
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A B-Corp brand.
A throw-on-and-go piece.
A super elegant pair.
A subtle statement.
The new It bag.
5. Mini Dress + Ballet Flats + Pillbox Hat
Style Notes: Mini dresses don't have to be reserved for eveningwear. Styles that offer a looser silhoutte and crew-neck can work as an elegant daytime look. Keep accessories streamlined and smart to prevent the outfit from feeling too casual. Ballet flats with a point or luxurious texture will elevate, as will vintage-style accessories such as chain-strap bags and pillbox hats (a huge accessory trend for summer).
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A great day-to-night dress.
Ballet flats don't have to be boring.
Straw hats just got a lot chicer.
A brand loved by Parisians.
My everyday pair.