Not Button-Downs, But Not Tanks—The Prettier Top Parisians Always Wear With Jeans and Denim Shorts
It's true that French style is all about classic, timeless, and non-trendy-driven staples, but it's also true that French women adore a romantic aesthetic more than most—a slip dress, a pair of wraparound sandals, a great red lip—and there's one item that I've noticed they wear like clockwork summer after summer. Despite whatever the trend cycle may say, French people will always be faithful to the simple but everlasting combo of a pair of denim (be it jeans or denim shorts) and a pretty white top.
Now, I'm not talking your standard button-downs, tees, or tanks. I'm talking about a specific subset of summer tops that are effortless, a little boho-inspired, and usually finished with delicate embroidery or eyelet details. They usually come in airy cotton or linen and tend to have flowy silhouettes that make them ideal for throwing on with a pair of denim and ballet flats on a hot day, as many Parisians tend to do. Of course, boho-esque brands like Dôen, Sea, and Chloé have some of the most iconic versions but I scoured the internet and found so many pretty styles that range from minimalist to free-spirited and luxury to affordable.
Here, shop the prettiest white tops that everyone in Paris is wearing with jeans and jean shorts this summer, plus see how to style them.

Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over eight years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.