Instead of Jeans, People in Paris are Wearing This Elegant Staple with Ballet Flats and Loafers
If there’s one item I keep spotting all over my Instagram feed and tucked into the wardrobes of the chicest women in Paris right now, it’s a white maxi skirt. Last summer, the airy staple quietly took over as the anti-jeans trend fashion people couldn’t stop wearing, and now that warm weather is finally back on the horizon, I can already tell it’s set for another major return in 2026. The appeal is obvious: white skirts have that effortless, polished feel that somehow makes even the simplest outfit look directional.
What I love most is how versatile white skirts are when you're crafting a heatwave-proof summer outfit. Whether styled with a crisp button-down, a lightweight knit, or a simple deep-v tank, the silhoutte instantly brings an elegant touch to an otherwise relaxed look. And if the Paris style set is any indication, the key to making it feel especially elevated is in the way they're styled. French women are consistently pairing their white maxi skirts with classic ballet flats and sleek loafers, proving the breezy trend can feel equal parts easy and refined. J'adore!
Below, scroll through to see the best French woman-approved ways to style a white maxi skirt this summer.
White Maxi Skirt Outfits
How to style: Cashmere t-shirt, white maxi skirt, black heels, and black oval sunglasses.
How to style: White tank top, white maxi skirt, black ballet flats, and black cashmere sweater.
How to style: Navy t-shirt, white maxi skirt, black opera pumps, and oversize black blazer.
How to style: Black peplum top, white maxi skirt, animal-print sandals, and chunky gold necklace.
How to style: red rollneck sweater, white maxi skirt, and black loafers.
How to style: Black tube top, white maxi skirt, T-bar heels, and chunky black belt.

Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor known for her sharp takes on fashion and culture. She’s covered everything from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Roe v. Wade protests as the Editorial Assistant at Glamour after earning her journalism degree at the University of Florida in 2021. At Who What Wear, Ana mixes wit with unapologetic commentary in long-form fashion and beauty content, creating pieces that resonate with a digital-first generation. If it’s smart, snarky, and unexpected, chances are her name’s on it.