7 Parisian-Chic Looks I'm Copying This Summer—Even If I'm Stuck in NYC Traffic

A woman sitting wearing polka dot capris, a gray polo, and a large gold tote.
(Image credit: @mv.tiangue)

A woman sitting wearing polka dot capris, a gray polo, and a large gold tote.

(Image credit: @mv.tiangue)

I'm currently in the back of a New York taxicab stuck in traffic and daydreaming about the French girl aesthetic. I sit wondering if I'll ever achieve that effortlessly cool, timeless look that my go-to France-based style inspirations pull off so naturally. I'm always in awe of their easy, thrown-together ensembles that feel polished but never too serious.

French women have this unique ability to style contrasting textures, patterns, and silhouettes—combos some might consider fashion don'ts. On them, however, these looks never fail. They're so in tune with the zeitgeist of trends that I genuinely wonder if they have some kind of direct line to the fashion gods. Cheeky polka dots, retro-styled capris, the forever divisive jelly sandals… You name it. They've got their pulse on what's in.

In honor of my existential morning commute, here are seven Parisian-chic looks I'm officially committing to re-creating this summer, even if my cab driver is the only one who sees them.

Polka-Dot Capris + Polo

Polka dots and capris are trending, so why not wear them both? Red ballet flats add a pop of color, and a loose polo keeps it casual.

A woman sitting wearing polka dot capris, red shoes, and a gray polo top.

(Image credit: @mv.tiangue)

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Slip Skirt + Flip-Flops

This take on an all-black look has finally convinced me to wear flip-flops on the streets on NYC. I know what I'm wearing tomorrow.

A woman standing wearing a black slip skirt and a black peasant style top.

(Image credit: @sabinacool)

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Capris + Jelly Sandals

Capris are a true French girl staple, and whether you're team jelly sandals or not, this 'fit is polished and playful.

A woman standing wearing black capris, a white one-shoulder top, and clear jelly sandals.

(Image credit: @salome.mory)

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Butter Yellow + Cheetah Print

Who would've thought to pair the color of the summer, butter yellow, and leopard print? It totally works.

A woman standing in front of a mirror wearing a butter yellow asymmetrical skirt, a gray tee, and a trench coat.

(Image credit: @annelauremais)

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Classic White Top + Blue Jeans

The French woman's uniform: a crisp white tank, light-wash jeans, and romantic kitten heels.

A woman sitting on a stoop wearing a pair of light wash blue jeans, a white tank top, and black kitten heels.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

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Monochrome Maxi Skirt + Tank Top

A monochrome outfit always looks put-together, especially in chocolate brown. Not to mention, it's easy to style.

A woman standing in front of a mirror wearing a brown puff skirt, a brown t-shirt, and a pair of white pointed-toe heels.

(Image credit: @juliesfi)

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Gray Dress + Brown Heels

A basic midi dress to throw on and go. Just add a statement necklace for that effortlessly chic vibe.

A woman standing wearing a gray body-con dress, brown heels, and silver necklace.

(Image credit: @annelauremais)

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