If You Want An Expensive-Looking Summer Capsule, These Are the 7 French-Girl-Approved Staples to Pick
From elegant midaxi dresses to sleek leather flip-flops, here are the seven French-girl-approved staples I’m adding to my capsule wardrobe in summer 2026.
Between the heavy thunder, spurts of showers and sudden drop in temperature here in the UK, it might seem a little out of place to be talking about summer. But the good news is that it’s soon set to heat up again here in the UK. With this in mind, there’s nothing more important to me right now than sorting out the summer capsule wardrobe that I’ll be relying on until early autumn. My top priority? Curating a seasonal capsule that’s versatile, easy to style, and that can be mixed and matched for a range of different occasions. And with this criterion, there’s no other place to look for inspiration than with the French fashion set, of course.
The Gallic girls just have a way of making everything look effortlessly chic, and as a born and raised Londoner, I’m not all ashamed to say that I look to them for inspiration more often than not. And for summer 2026, they’re relying on elevated takes on classic summer basics that feel equally as fresh as they do timeless. And luckily for you, I’ve rounded them up below so that you, too, can channel your inner Parisienne this summer.
From elegant midaxi dresses to sleek minimal flip-flops, here are the seven French-girl-approved staples I’m adding to my capsule wardrobe in summer 2026.
1. Scoop-Neck Blouse
Style notes: If you’re a regular reader of Who What Wear, then it will come as no surprise that a blouse is one of our most-relied-upon warm-weather staples, and the Gallic girls adore them just as much as we do! For summer 2026, it’s all about pretty scoop-neck silhouettes that elongate the neck and accentuate the collarbones. Très élégant!
Shop the Staple:
I cannot believe this is a high street find.
I've spotted this on so many influencers.
This long-sleeved iteration is perfect for chillier summer days.
Sézane comes French girl-approved.
2. Tailored Linen Trousers
Style notes: I love my classic drawstring linen trousers come summertime; however, they can often feel a bit too relaxed for more formal occasions such as the office. So, for summer 2026, I’ll be taking cues from polished Parisiennes who are turning to tailored linen silhouettes that look and feel slightly more put together.
Shop the Staple:
This brown pair is so chic.
These will go with everything.
No one will know guess are made of 100% linen.
An easy way to inject some colour into your outfits.
3. Minimal Flip-Flops
Style notes: It’s hard to believe that flip-flops were considered dated and tacky just a mere few years ago. But if you talk to any French it girl, they’ll tell you that this pared-back sandal style is here to stay. However, instead of being relied upon solely as rubbery “beach shoes” like before, there now lies a myriad of sleeker, minimal leather and suede options that chic Gallic dressers rely on every summer.
Shop the Staple:
An investment pair you'll never get rid of.
Chocolate croc will always get a yes from me.
Two-tone flip-flops are very in this summer.
A timeless pair that will go with everything you own.
4. Midaxi Dress
Style notes: Sitting halfway between a classic midi and more formal maxi silhouette, midaxi dresses will perfectly balance ease and elegance this summer. They remain long enough to look slightly more polished than your average short dress, but still allow enough space to show off your statement sandals.
Shop the Staple:
The very definition of an easy throw-on dress.
Perfect for in or out of the office.
One of the most elegant dress styles I've seen on the high street in a very long time.
Just look at the dropped-waist!
5. Oval Sunglasses
Style notes: It wouldn’t be a summer round-up without a sunglass style of some sort, and for 2026, stylish French people are turning to flattering oval shapes championed by the likes of French fashion house, Celine. However, never fear if you don’t fancy breaking the bank this summer, because this chic silhouette looks expensive at any and every price point.
Shop the Staple:
Truly iconic.
Gone are the days when white sunglasses were considered dated.
So sleek.
An instant outfit elevator.
6. Asymmetric Midi Skirt
Style notes: Midi skirts are a warm-weather wardrobe staple. But when classic a-line silhouettes start to feel too samey, why not take a cue from cool French dressers who are turning to elevated asymmetrical iterations? This flowy skirt style helps to elongate the legs and can also be taken from day to night with ease.
Shop the Staple:
Weekday never disappoints me.
Such a pretty shade of pink.
Wear with tank tops, tees and blouses alike.
Just look at the lace trim!
7. Woven Tote
Style notes: Whether it’s raffia, leather or suede, the French girls just adore their woven tote bags throughout the warmer months. An easy way to add texture to an outfit, this expensive-looking bag style can be styled in a myriad of ways.
Shop the Staple:
The Hudson is a bestseller for very good reason.
Dragon Diffusion comes editor-approved.
An icon in the making.
I own this and it earns me so many compliments.
