The state of my bank account doesn't support a Euro summer, so I'll have to settle for a South-of-France state of mind instead. If you're also interested in dressing for the vacation you want, not the one you have, you've come to the right place. Our readers are obsessed with shopping at J.Crew and Zara, so it was a no-brainer to focus my search on these two retailers.

Below, I rounded up my favorite pieces that are giving major I-vacation-in-the-French-Riviera vibes. A pair of green gingham pants from J.Crew, for instance, would look just as chic on a yacht as they would in the parking lot at Trader Joe's. As a bonus, J.Crew showed us exactly how to style them for maximum chicness: with an unbuttoned white shirt, white bikini top, straw bag, and flip-flops. What's not to love? Some pieces have a bit of nautical flair (but not in a cheesy way), while others are made for ordering room service in bed. Scroll down to shop my favorite summer pieces from J.Crew and Zara.

Much to the delight of fashion fans, Zendaya will be logging some serious red carpet hours before 2026 is over. Currently, she's on a press tour for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, but we'll also be seeing her at promotional events for The Odyssey, in theaters on July 17, and Dune: Part Three, to be released on December 18. But I'm getting ahead of myself! Today in Rome, Italy, Zendaya and Tom Holland were firmly focused on everyone's favorite web-slinger from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Ever the thematic dresser, Zendaya wore a red-and-blue skirt from Versace's fall/winter 1997 collection in homage to Spider-Man's iconic costume. With the addition of white Christian Louboutin pumps, however, I couldn't help but think how perfect her outfit would be for Bastille Day in Paris on July 14. Wearing the emblematic bleu, blanc, et rouge of France's tricolor flag, Zendaya would look right at home at the Champ de Mars on the French national holiday. Scroll down to see her newest red carpet outfit and shop similar colorblock skirts.

On Zendaya: Versace F/ W 97 top and skirt; A.Jaffe earrings; Christian Louboutin shoes

Shop Bastille Day–Worthy Red-and-Blue Pieces

When thinking of chic French fashion, Amazon might not be the first place that comes to mind. So when I discovered that one of my most stylish French friends—a woman whose wardrobe consists almost entirely of timeless tailoring, pretty dresses and effortlessly polished basics—was an Amazon obsessive, my interest was immediately piqued.

As it turns out, she's not alone. Whilst French women are known for investing in forever pieces, they're equally adept at uncovering affordable finds that look far more expensive than their price tags suggest. In fact, Amazon has quietly become a destination for elevated wardrobe staples, from linen shirts and relaxed tailoring to minimalist sandals, elegant blouses and understated jewellery; all the pieces that form the foundation of that coveted French-girl aesthetic.

With Amazon Prime Day 2026 officially underway, there's never been a better time to shop these hidden gems. From pretty dresses and straight-leg jeans to sweet ballet flats and expensive-looking accessories, I've taken inspiration from the French approach to dressing and focused on versatile, elegant pieces that will work hard in your wardrobe long after the sale ends. And then, of course, there are the Amazon beauty finds. Amazon is also a treasure trove of French pharmacy favourites, from cult skincare staples to the effortless beauty essentials French women swear by.

Below, I've rounded up the Amazon fashion finds that my French friend would genuinely wear—and, naturally, several have already made their way into my basket.

Shop The Best Chic French Amazon Finds

Happy Amazon Prime Day sale to all those who celebrate! If there's one thing about me, it's that I can't pass up a great sale, and my cart is already filling up fast with incredible deals from Amazon's four-day event running from June 23 to June 26 for Prime members.

This year, I'm approaching my shopping with a game plan, predominantly seeking out classic and elevated basics that exude an effortlessly chic French girl aesthetic. Below, you'll find everything from relaxed button-downs to charming blouses and staple jeans that I'm pretty certain our Parisian friends would likely buy if they found themselves shopping Amazon's epic sale. Keep scrolling for the ultimate guide to shopping Amazon like a stylish French person.

To travel well is to travel in style. To the most discerning amongst us, this typically means tweaking your wardrobe to the sights and shades of whatever destination you’re visiting. This summer, my itinerary includes a few weekend getaway trips to Paris and Marseille. Despite these locations offering two varying iterations of France’s enchantment, these mini breaks are a perfect way to immerse myself in the local style and bustling culture of these cities. My dilemma, however, lies in what to pack for these trips. Enter, my edit of the best French summer staples.

As a place, Paris is made unique by its Haussmann architecture, legendary bistros like Brasserie Lipp and streetside bars that sling St-Germain spritz amidst the hum of the city. On the other hand, Marseille’s proximity to the glamour of the Côte d’Azur, yet slightly grungy reputation, makes it both sun-kissed and gritty, even if long alfresco lunches at gorgeous establishments like Tuba Club are on the agenda.

With distinct approaches to fashion—not to mention the added pressure of feeling like I need to blend in with my surroundings when on holiday—the contents of my luggage have become my paramount concern of late. Whilst I’m there, I want to feel like I’m emulating the je ne sais quoi of French women with my wardrobe, rather than just looking like I’ve copied a stereotypical ensemble that will immediately identify me as a tourist.

So, to ensure I’m stocked with the chicest French fashion staples, I’ve turned to some trusted fashion destinations to pick up a few essentials. What you won’t find is an edit of Breton-stripe tops, cigarette trousers and ballet pumps. These are far too conventional and, in all truth, not quite aligned with the actual ensembles I see French women wear daily. Instead, you’ll see polished basics, flirty neutrals and sophisticated essentials that can work from Le Marias to Saint-Victor. Best of all, these are pieces that will channel the essence of a French woman’s style, irrespective of whether you’re actually visiting there.

Live out your Jean-Luc Godard fantasy with these stylish pieces, below.

Shop French Summer 2026 Buys from Zara

Shop French Summer 2026 Buys from Sézane

Shop French Summer 2026 Buys from Reformation

As Who What Wear editors, we shop a lot. And that means we're always looking for new ways to think about the trends, products, and retailers we cover. With Amazon Prime Day running from June 23 through June 26 and early deals already live, I decided to approach the sale through a different lens: If a French woman shopped on Amazon, what would she buy?

For fashion, my mind immediately went to wardrobe staples and timeless basics. A black Vince slip dress, Naturalizer Mary Janes, a Hanro V-neck camisole (famously worn by Nicole Kidman in Eyes Wide Shut), and a pair of Lily-Rose Depp–approved Worishofer wedges are all currently marked down.

As for beauty, I started with the obvious: French pharmacy favorites from brands such as Bioderma and La Roche-Posay. Then I found cult favorites like Paula's Choice's exfoliating toner and Bumble and Bumble's sea salt spray alongside items ranging from cleansers and sunscreen to Essie nail polish.

Below, shop the best early Amazon Prime Day fashion and beauty deals—all under $165.

Early Clothing Deals

Early Beauty Deals

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Timeless, polished, and expensive-looking—there are so many things I love about French style. And whilst the Gallic girls’ polished approach to cold-weather dressing will never go unappreciated by me, it's spring and summer where they really stand out. So, with a new season fast approaching, my top priority is curating a summer capsule that’s versatile, easy to style, and can be mixed and matched for a range of occasions. With that in mind, I decided to take inspiration from the elegant Parisiennes I follow on Instagram.

Now, if you’re more of a pared-back dresser like me, never fear. Whilst there are a number of niche microtrends popping off for summer 2026, in true French-girl fashion, the summer staples I’ve spotted remain just as anti-trend as they do elevated. I mean, it’s all well and good to follow the latest fad, but the truth is that looking put-together will always be difficult if you don't have the key basics in place. I’m talking the type of staples that solve my daily "what do I wear?" panic sessions, as well as look expensive regardless of price point.

And luckily for you, I’ve rounded them up below so that you, too, can channel your inner elegant Parisienne this summer. From timeless tank tops to elegant black dresses, here are the seven anti-trend basics you'll find in every French it girl's summer wardrobe.

7 Basics You'll Find In Every Elegant French Women's Summer Wardrobe

1. Scoop-Neck Tank Top

Style notes: It doesn't get more classic than a tank top in summer. But instead of the high-neck racer silhouettes I usually reach for, I’ll be taking a cue from elegant French girls and opting for scoop-neck iterations that feel relaxed and effortless. It’s the perfect warm-weather staple to throw on with linen trousers, midi skirts and denim shorts alike.

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2. Cotton Skirt

Style notes: Anti-trend, elegant and extremely versatile, a white cotton skirt is one of the hardest-working basics in a French woman’s summer capsule. Whether you prefer mini, knee-length, midi or maxi, you’ll reach for this breezy style for any and every occasion.

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3. Minimal Flip-Flops

Style notes: It’s rather hard to believe that flip-flops were considered tacky just a few years ago. However, if you talk to any elegant French women in 2026, they’ll tell you that this minimal sandal style is here to stay.

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4. Black Dress

Style notes: Nothing makes summer dressing easier than a throw-on dress, and the simplest way to ensure you look put-together is by opting for a neutral hue such as black. It’s a versatile shade that looks expensive no matter the price point you decide to invest in.

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5. Cord Necklace

Style notes: It’s official: cord necklaces are back in 2026. But gone are the days when they were considered “gaudy, and instead, lie a myriad of sleeker, minimal options that chic Gallic dressers rely on every summer.

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6. White Linen

Style notes: Linen season is here! And despite the fear of spillages on my commute to and from the office, I can't help but be inspired by the amount of chic white linen separates I’ve been spotting on French it girls lately.

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7. Raffia Tote

Style notes: I didn’t think that anyone could love their raffia totes more than us London girls, but the Parisian fashion set might just have us beat. Whether it be for a sun-soaked getaway or the office, polished French women will be relying on this roomy bag style from now until early autumn.

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The phrase "dated French fashion trends" sounds like an oxymoronic phrase. We often turn to the French as style luminaries and pull from their seasonal shopping lists. Their trends are more often than not timeless or at least hold a longevity that many other micro trends don't.

That said, no one is completely immune to the fashion industry's rapid changes. Though, for clarification, I want to stress that a "dated" trend doesn't necessarily mean it's on the back shelf of your wardrobe for good. Nor is it inarguably passé to wear. It might mean something more seasonally apt is stepping in for the moment, or a trend with similar energy has emerged as a slightly more relevant option for the current state of summer fashion.

This is something French women excel at—knowing when it is the right time to substitute something in their wardrobe for a more contemporary style or investing in a timeless silhouette from the outset. So, when it comes to the fashion trends French women are swerving this summer, consider this a gentle guide.

Examples? French tastemakers and stylists are thoughtfully replacing last summer's hot pants, bloomers and micro shorts with longer Bermuda shorts and those inspired by surf culture's board shorts. Rather than an influx of bubble hems, there's been a move to bring lace-trim pieces through from spring.

There are also creative alternatives to your usual seasonal staples. They're trading out straight-leg linen trousers for balloon silhouettes, and autumn's stirrup leggings are getting the capri treatment for warmer days. In lieu of ruffles and peasant blouses, I've spotted French women wearing the globally-beloved tassel trend and broderie anglaise tops.

Curious about other swaps? Scroll for 6 dated summer trends French women are pausing, and the 6 they're wearing instead.

6 Dated French Fashion Trends to Swap This Summer

1. Pause: Micro Shorts

Wear: Board Short Bermudas

Style Notes: I have French fashion creators to thank for the board short and Bermuda renaissance. My rash-guard-wearing and board-short-obsessed younger self would never have believed this style would see the light of day, but I'm so glad it's back—and in cuts and fabrics that feel relevant for both strolls along the boardwalk and dinners out. A white cotton pair, like those worn by Paris-based art director and model Salomé Mory, brings a sense of elegance that isn't always expected from shorts such as these. With a black top and accessories, it's a minimalist's dream in terms of summer outfits.

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2. Pause: Bubble Hems

Wear: Lace Trim

Style Notes: Bubble hems are fun and pretty, but there's been a move toward sleeker styles in 2026. Volume is coming through balloon trousers, broderie blouses and slouchy bags—all part of this year's summer starter pack—but the rest? Svelte and minimal. That's why the lace-trim trend is so prevalent. It's not overbearing and looks gorgeous at the bottom of silk tops or skirts and on trouser hemlines. Lace is subtle yet noticeable, and slots in neatly with the other romantic and boho trends that are big this year.

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3. Pause: Straight-Leg Linen Trousers

Wear: Balloon Trousers

Style Notes: No, straight-leg trousers will never lose their appeal. However, balloon trousers are here to give your linen pants an upgrade. This shape has smoothly transferred from the autumnal balloon jeans that were everywhere last year to a suitable summer trend made of linen. Paris-based creator Franny Fyne styled hers into a tonal outfit in colours and materials that only further the warm-weather aesthetic, from crisp cotton to butter-yellow leather.

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4. Pause: Ruffles

Wear: Tassels

Style Notes: When discussing trends that transcend borders, tassels are one. From Los Angeles to New York to London to Paris, tassels are front and centre this summer, and like the lace trim trend, they're undeniably sleek. You also won't feel stuck for ideas. Tassel trousers are part of summer's biggest trouser trends, tasselled belts and scarves are an easy accessory to wrap around and tassel bags and pendant necklaces make it a breeze to finish any look.

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5. Pause: Peasant Blouses

Wear: Broderie Anglaise Tops

Style Notes: Boho-inspired peasant blouses appeared for spring, but French women are slowly shifting into a different (yet equally as romantic) summer counterpart. Broderie anglaise dresses, tops and trousers are all present. This delicate fabric gives whimsy to summer outfits, but because the needlework is so subtle, I anticipate this specific look to remain timeless for years to come.

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6. Pause: Stirrup Leggings

Wear: Capri Leggings

Style Notes: It's more than possible to wear leggings during summer—it's just a matter of finding the right styles. One such option beloved by French women are capris. They're the shorter, more seasonally relevant version of stirrup leggings that work just as perfectly with flats and trainers as they do with kitten heels and chic sandals. Add a lace-trim scarf or tassel belt and you get two trends in one outfit.

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As I was mindlessly scrolling through Mango's new-arrivals section, one pair of shoes stood out to me. A few years ago, I shelled out over $500 for Mary Janes from the beloved French brand Carel, and now, I'm supremely jealous to learn that Mango is offering a strikingly similar pair for just $56 when you use the code SALE30. Even still, I don't regret my original purchase, as I'm obsessed with my Carel shoes and recently wore them to the Hermès show in Los Angeles.

My favorite French style icons, such as Anne-Laure Mais, are fans of Carel and wear the Paris-based brand all the time. Mais recently 'grammed the Carel Peche Black Patent Leather Mary Janes ($530), and Olivia Rodrigo owns the Kina Black Patent Leather Mary Janes ($605). Yes, I know Rodrigo's not French, but she did wear the shoes in Paris, proving that they look right at home in the City of Light. Mango's new shoes are a worthy alternative to get a similar look on a smaller budget. Scroll down to buy them before they sell out.

How French Women Wear the Trend in Paris

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As a shopping editor with years of experience hunting down the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, my friends often call on me for fashion advice. Whilst the weather takes a quick interlude from the high temperatures, I found myself daydreaming of warm days in the South of France, and evidently, I'm not alone. My best friend texted me to ask for help building her summer wardrobe, but with one precise demand: to create a French Riviera-worthy wardrobe on a budget. Luckily for her, I'd already found a series of refined pieces at Zara and H&M.

When Zara and H&M launched their summer collections, I was immediately transported to the Côte D'Azur. The languid silhouettes, breezy textures, and refined details all embody the relaxed attitude of French dressers in the summer. At Who What Wear UK, we often look to our French friends for style inspiration due to their innate way of looking polished whilst relying on staple summer buys which can be restyled for endless outfits. Trust me, I've lived in the South of France and spent countless summers studying their effortless ease, and now I've curated a sophisticated edit which will exude French refinement whether you're jetsetting this summer or simply strolling through the city.

The best part about embracing French style is that it depends on simple pieces that can hold their place in your wardrobe for years. Think a breezy linen shirt, wide-leg trousers and timeless basket bags that will outlast moving trends, but also feel incredibly considered. Silhouette sets the great pieces apart from the good, with long-line shorts over mini cut-offs, sweeping maxi and midi dresses, and of course, relaxed fits for added comfort on the warmest days. Below, you'll find 12 pieces I sent directly to my best friend, as well as a few extras that will complement any refined French wardrobe.

Shop 12 French-Inspired Zara and H&M Buys:

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Despite the downpours and sudden drop in temperature (in true British form), blue skies and warmer weather will make their return again. As such, I refuse to revert back to knitwear and my Birkenstocks are firmly staying as a part of my everyday uniform, so when summer does kick things up a notch, I'll be ready for anything.

Elevating all of my usual summer looks is my top priority this year, and gone are the days of buying endless fast fashion pieces that won't even last the year. As I get older I’m taking a more conscious approach to shopping, and I'm looking to really fine tune my wardrobe to maximise the hardest working pieces, and my first stop for inspiration was of course, the French fashion set.

French women possess the ability to make even the simplest of looks feel fresh, polished and considered. Everything they wear just looks so effortlessly chic which is why I often turn to them when I’m in somewhat of a styling rut.

From statement printed dresses to a classic broderie anglaise embroidery, these are the five Parisian-approved summer outfit trends for 2026.

1. Statement Printed Dress + Ballet Flats

Style Notes: Summer is the prime season for people to start getting experimental with their wardrobes. Once reserved for neutrals and minimalistic pieces, the sunniest season is now the time we start injecting prints and colours into our looks, and this pairing from Ellie Delphine is a masterclass in balancing fashion with function.

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2. Striped Shirt + White Trousers + Flats

Style Notes: Summer whites are a beloved favourite for a reason, and whether it's a plain cotton, light linen or, like Anne-Laure, a broderie anglaise embroidered pair, there’s no going wrong with white trousers. Pair with a timeless striped shirt and a mule, and it’s a failsafe summer look.

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3. Strapless Dress + Mesh Ballet Flats

Style Notes: A strapless dress perfectly balances elegance and ease for a chic summer look, and the mesh ballet flats give this a more daytime appropriate finish, perfect for those balmy days spent lounging al fresco.

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4. Broderie Anglaise Mini Dress + Woven Bag

Style Notes: A Broderie anglaise mini dress is a style I’ll always have in my wardrobe and revert back to year on year. Paired with sandals and a woven bag, whether it’s raffia, leather or suede, it’s an instantly effortless look that is made all the more interesting by adding a pop of colour.

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5. Linen Top + Light Shorts + Heeled Mules

Style Notes: When it comes to peak summer, light, airy fabrics are key—think linen, hemp, or cotton. I love how Julie has opted for a brighter pair of shorts paired with a neutral toned top and a contrasting mule for a colourful combo that's sure to invite compliments.

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Navigating the summer season whilst looking expensive is a feat that French people make look easy. When I lived in France, I realised that the locals had an innate way of looking chic and effortless on any given day, and I was immediately desperate to replicate this French way of dressing. I then spent my days analysing the stylish women around me, noting the staple pieces they rely on and the bolder pieces they embrace when the weather heats up. Soon, I found myself curating a cheatsheet for French-inspired breezy dressing. And now, I've found all the components of an elegant French wardrobe in Zara's new summer collection.

There's an art to looking effortlessly chic on the warmest days, and if anyone has the secret, it's French dressers. Looking closely, you'll notice that they depend upon certain staples to act as the foundations of their summer capsule wardrobes (think throw-on mini dresses, timeless sandals and linen two-pieces), which exude that French Riviera feel, even when sourced on the high street. Another aspect that leans into this instantly elevated feel is fabrication. Looking to breezy linens and airy cottons not only brings a touch of respite to the warmest days, but also looks intrinsically put-together.

Right now, Zara's summer collection has all the pieces required to emulate an expensive-looking French wardrobe on a budget. The high street hero is leaning into languid silhouettes, which are primed for the summer days, easy dresses that look instantly polished with a simple sandal in tow and relaxed trousers that can be styled up for day or night. Whilst most people assume that French dressers only stick to neutrals, the joyful summer days call for an infusion of colour, but all the shades have a rich tone to them. Think bold red accessories, deep cherry hues applied to classic silhouettes for a timeless feel and reworked denim for the warmer months. The overarching feel of ease comes from the softened silhouettes of wide-leg shorts, loose dresses and slouchy bags. Now, let's get straight into the chicest French-inspired summer buys at Zara right now.

Shop the Chicest French-Inspired Summer Buys at Zara

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Eugénie Trochu is a Who What Wear editor in residence known for her transformative work at Vogue France and her Substack newsletter, where she documents and shares new trends, her no-nonsense approach to fashion and style, plus other musings. She's also working on her upcoming first book that explores fashion as a space of memory, projection, and reinvention.

Little summer dresses are probably the most efficient pieces of clothing in the world. No thinking required. No ironing required. You can roll them into a ball inside a suitcase between a damp swimsuit and an iPhone charger. They take up no space at all yet somehow instantly make it look like you made an effort.

Every summer, I fall into the exact same trap. I convince myself I need a spectacular dress—a full "Sophia Loren on the Amalfi Coast" silhouette, something fluid, dramatic, almost cinematic. And then, after two days of heat, I always come back to the exact same thing: a slightly wrinkled dress, flat sandals, black sunglasses, and a tote bag full of sunscreen, receipts, and books I swear I'm going to read instead of scrolling on Instagram.

What I love most is their ambiguity. A short dress can very quickly become too sweet, too "pretty girl on vacation." So the fun lies in disrupting that slightly by creating contrast and making it a little stranger, a little more personal, a little less literal.

For example, I love wearing them with lace-up sandals tied around the ankles. The shoes give them something Mediterranean, almost theatrical.

I also love when they feel more effortless—a slightly romantic white minidress worn with flat flip-flops, messy hair, and a chunky sweater tied around the shoulders—or, on the contrary, heavily styled with a huge leather belt, stacks of gold jewelry, shorts peeking out underneath, or even pants worn under a tiny dress in a very early 2000s kind of way.

Ultimately, the most interesting summer dresses are rarely the perfect ones. They're the dresses that look like they were thrown on at the last minute—slightly sheer sometimes, slightly too short, not entirely appropriate for the situation. That's exactly what makes them feel alive.

My favorites usually fall into a few very specific categories.

The minimalist '90s dresses: thin straps, black or chocolate jersey, ultra-simple cuts, very Calvin Klein–era Kate Moss. The bohemian dresses with tiny ruffles that make you want to live barefoot in a house with curtains moving in the wind. The ultra-sexy, almost aggressively Italian minidresses that transform tanned skin and an old pair of sandals into a look. And then there are safari dresses, sheer crochet dresses, and knitted styles—the ultimate staples of every single one of my summers.

Shop My Top Summer 2026 Minidress Picks

As a 5'10" person averse to wearing heels, I keep my closet brimming with sneakers, ballet flats, loafers, and flat sandals. The minute I saw Lily Collins's new outfit, however, I suddenly realized my collection of non-heeled shoes is not complete without one specific style: jazz shoes. Similar to oxfords but made with softer, more pliable leather and thinner soles, jazz shoes are incredibly on-trend right now.

Collins wore the shoe trend to watch fourth-round matches at the French Open in Paris. I'm not sure how much thought went into her shoe selection, but they're actually quite a fitting choice for the chic tennis tournament because they resemble the plimsolls made famous by 1920s French tennis player Suzanne Lenglen (whom one of the courts is named after). Over 100 years later, low-profile shoes are trendy in 2026. As the saying goes, what's old is new again! Just a couple of weeks ago, Charlize Theron wore a very similar pair of flats in New York, helping cement the style as one of 2026's emerging alternatives to ballet flats. Scroll down to see how Collins styled them and shop the trend for yourself.

On Lily Collins: Matteau dress; Cartier earrings

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If you live in the UK, then you’ll be fully aware of the above 30°C temperatures we’ve been experiencing recently. And between balmy bank holidays and overly sweaty commutes to work, I’ve quickly come to a realisation; I own way too many jeans and long trousers, and not nearly enough shorts. But after scouring the runways to find the shorts trends that will dominate summer 2026, and later investing in a few pairs of my own, I was still left with a dilemma: how do I style them?

And with elevating my summer outfit rotations as a top priority this month, there was only one place to look for inspiration. The French fashion girls, of course, and after a quick scroll on my Instagram feed, my saved folder was very quickly filled with a myriad of shorts outfits that feel equally as fresh as they do timeless. But to make things easier for you, I’ve decided to narrow my edit down to the five chicest shorts outfits that I’ll be copying from now until early autumn. And in true Gallic-girl fashion, each outfit remains classic, endlessly versatile, and expensive-looking.

Keep scrolling to see five effortlessly elegant ways in which French it girls are styling their shorts for summer 2026. Then take a browse at how to shop the look for yourself.

1. Relaxed Shirt + Bermuda Shorts + Mules

Style Notes: A cooler (no pun intended!) alternative to the myriad of tailored trouser styles that I reach for throughout the chillier months, Bermuda shorts can be dressed up or down with ease. For the office, I’ll be taking notes from the outfit above and pairing it with a smart button-up and sleek mules.

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2. T-Shirt + Denim Shorts + Flip-Flops

Style Notes: The best thing about denim shorts? They can be styled with everything that jeans can. For those more formal days, a timeless white tee and playful jelly flip-flops are a simple but fail-proof combo to reach for. Then, finish off the look with a large raffia tote, a bag style the French girls know all too well.

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3. Waistcoat + Tailored Shorts + Slingback Flats

Style Notes: The best alternative to the blazers you used to dress up your outfits is the lighter but no less elegant waistcoat. To make the outfit feel even more polished, opt for a pair of tailored shorts and easy slingback flats for a look that can be worn for both the office and a summer dinner date alike.

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4. Blouse + Colourful Shorts + Kitten Heels

Style Notes: Blouse season is here! And to stop my pretty white blouses from feeling too boring or same-y, I’ll be turning to shorts and heels in playful pops of colour, and keep the rest of my outfit tonal so it doesn’t feel too out-there for a minimalist like myself.

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5. Lightweight Knit + Satin Shorts + Strappy Sandals

Style Notes: Once considered rather drab or even frumpy, lace-trim is now one of the it details of summer 2026. It’s versatile, classic and most importantly, looks (and feels!) cool throughout the warmer weather. On those slightly chillier summer days, I’ll be styling it with a knitted Henley top and strappy flat sandals.

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Eugénie Trochu is a Who What Wear editor in residence known for her transformative work at Vogue France and her Substack newsletter, where she documents and shares new trends, her no-nonsense approach to fashion and style, plus other musings. She's also working on her upcoming first book that explores fashion as a space of memory, projection, and reinvention.

This morning, I open my wardrobe. I hesitate between the short beige knit cardigan and the long denim shirt. Then I take my shower, eat breakfast, grab my laptop. Direction: my living room. I’ve just moved in. There’s the olive-green velvet Togo sofa, the brutalist bookshelf, the beige-khaki walls in such a peculiar shade that I still can’t imagine what I’ll eventually hang on them, the travertine coffee tables I found at the Saint-Ouen flea market, and the globe bar I bought on Le Bon Coin a week ago…

A doubt crosses my mind: Does any of this actually go together? But also, does it go with me? With my style, my personality, the way I dress? Because all of this carries meaning, a kind of logic that, in my line of work, has become essential now that journalism blends with influence, photography, embodiment.

I like to think there’s a secret dialogue between what we wear on our bodies and what we place inside our living spaces. Two expressions of the same identity. So how do you move from that feeling of disconnect (“I’m more bohemian than my apartment”) to something fluid and personal—a real harmony?

Here are a few ideas. Ones I’m hoping to test out alongside you.

Take Inventory

Before creating harmony, you have to know yourself. Take a sheet of paper (or your favorite notes app) and answer these three questions:

• What are the three words that best describe your personal style? (Minimalist? Rock? Bohemian chic? Preppy? Artistic?)
• What are the three words that describe your current interior—or the one you dream about? (Brutalist? Scandinavian? English countryside? Wabi-sabi?)
• Which colors keep reappearing in your wardrobe? In your living room? Is there common ground? A navy blue lingering on both sides? A warm beige shared between them?

I’m not looking for perfection. I’m looking for the common thread: a material, an atmosphere, an emotion running through both my wardrobe and my walls.

Four Perfect Harmonies

Here are four character archetypes where fashion and interiors exist in perfect resonance. It may not feel like you entirely, but it might spark ideas.

1. The Serene Minimalist: Japandi & Quiet Luxury

• Look: polished cardigans, straight-leg jeans, linen, silver jewelry or pale-wood details, Venetian slippers.
• Interior: white or natural-toned walls, pale wood, concealed storage, a linen pendant lamp, embroidered cushions.
• The magic link: texture. The linen of your shirt is the same linen hanging as your curtains.

2. The Unapologetic Maximalist: Boho/Eclectic/Vintage

• Look: '70s-inspired silhouettes, patchwork jackets, acid-trip tassel loafers, bohemian influences.
• Interior: wallpapered walls, layers of cushions and rugs, plants everywhere, collections of hand-painted vintage ceramics, incense and mineral stones.
• The magic link: energy and visual richness. The eye drifts from your pearl necklace to the fringe of a floor lamp.
• Tip: repeating the same motif—an Aztec print on both your backpack and a cushion, for example—creates a sense of unity.

3. The Sharp Contemporary: Mineral/Brutalist/Graphic

• Look: structured blazer with graphic shoulders, the perfect white top, a silver choker, architectural shoes.
• Interior: concrete-gray or matte-black walls, a black leather sofa, a steel table, a geometric lamp.
• The magic link: line and contrast. The geometry of your shoulder pads echoes the lines of a shelving unit. The black-and-white palette of your outfit mirrors the room itself.

4. The Soft Innocent: Scandinavian/Pastel/Cocoon

• Look: overalls, wool slippers, shearling sleeves, pastel shades (butter yellow, sage, lavender).
• Interior: petrol-white walls, a pink velvet sofa, colorful books, wooden toys, pom-pom rugs.
• The magic link: emotion. The softness of your knit reappears in the throw draped across the couch.

Five Concrete Ways to Take It Further

So you’re convinced, but you’re not sure where to begin. Here are a few simple exercises, no overthinking required.

1. Choose a texture: velvet, linen, leather, wool. Make it the star of both an outfit and a corner of your home (a cushion, an armchair, a belt).
2. The 60-30-10 rule: in interiors, it means 60% dominant color, 30% secondary, 10% accent. Apply it to your wardrobe for a week. You’ll start noticing unexpected bridges.
3. Conscious organization: arrange your sweaters by color the way you’d organize books on a shelf. Think of your wardrobe as a decorative library.
4. The space selfie: photograph your outfit, then your interior. Place the two images side by side. What feels off? What works? The photographic eye is ruthless… and fair.

Conclusion: Become Your Own Echo

Matching your style to your interior isn’t a fashion commandment or another excuse to spend money. It’s a way toward a calmer, more coherent version of yourself: You no longer feel “in costume” at home, or like a stranger the moment you step outside.

Denim skirts are set to make a comeback for summer 2026, but as with any wardrobe staple, the secret to making them feel current in the new season lies in the styling—particularly the shoe pairing. Stepping out in a distinctly French-girl-approved style that wasn't a ballet flat, Kate Moss just demonstrated the elegant alternative that makes a denim skirt look coolest.

The foundation of the look already had me ready to put pen to paper. Choosing a light-wash denim skirt in a trending knee-length silhouette, Moss paired it with a tonal jacket in a blue hue just a few shades deeper than the skirt itself. With Loewe's Large Amazona 180 bag (£3,900) tucked under her arm and a tiny dog in tow, the model's outfit was already off to an imitably cool start.

Then, in a styling move that even further elevated her outfit, Kate bypassed predictable ballet flats, instead opting for a much more elevated strappy heel. Between the delicate straps, the cage the front of the foot, the elegant slingback detailing and the poised, understated heel that subtly elevates, this shoe trend offers a timeless alternative to the flip-flop heels trend that's otherwise taking over. Timeless, feminine and unfussy, this is the French-girl-approved alternative I would recommend instead.

Whilst ballet flats remain a staple, Moss's styling serves as a timely reminder that a pretty heel is still well worth a place in your summer rotation. Read on to shop my edit of the best French-girl-inspired strappy heels below.

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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 heat wave–proof summer outfit. Whether styled with a crisp button-down, a lightweight knit, or a simple deep-V tank, the silhouette instantly brings an elegant touch to an otherwise relaxed look. If the Paris style set is any indication, the key to making it feel especially elevated is in the way it's 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

To me, the French girl aesthetic is less about copying specific trends and exact styles, but rather emulating the forever timeless mindset about getting dressed. It's selecting pieces that will last you for years rather than months and styling yourself in a way that feels authentic to yourself, effortless and repeatable no matter what decade it is. When it comes to French girl summer jean outfits, the story is the same.

Whether it's skirts, shorts, dresses or yes, jeans, French girl summer outfits serve as a great starting point for developing your own seasonal wardrobe. Here, we're solely shining a spotlight on jeans and celebrating just how well French women predict and personalise denim trends, including during the warmest months of all.

This summer, a selection of cuts, leg shapes, rises and colours is emerging as covetable go-tos for women across the Channel. Parisian women are rotating between stovepipe jeans, barrel-leg jeans and white denim. In the South of France, light-wash denim is key, and low-rise jeans are also making a clear comeback, according to Gallic tastes. Each of the trending styles works well with the summer tops and footwear you likely have already on hand, from romantic, off-the-shoulder blouses and silk camisoles to minimalist flip-flops and heeled sandals. As a whole, these outfits are the perfect foundations for building on top of.

Though I'm a strong proponent for cultivating your personal style (and truly taking the personal part to heart), I find nothing more helpful than sourcing inspiration for a new season. And French women will always inspire. If you're motivated to update your denim collection for summer, these are the 6 key French girl summer jeans outfits to wear in 2026.

6 French Girl Summer Jean Outfits to Wear in 2026

1. Low-Rise Jeans + Minimalist Camisole

Style Notes: Yes, you've heard it here first—and no less, from a millennial. Though I'm of the age group where most of us deeply covet our high-waisted jeans, I'm tempted by the thought of wearing low-rise jeans this season. If we're honest, jeans can be tricky to wear when it's hot, so the less fabric encroaching on my space, the better. With a simple camisole and heels you have a classic look for this summer and the next.

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2. Stovepipe Jeans + Open-Back Top

Style Notes: When discussing French girl denim trends, I would be remiss to forget stovepipe or cigarette jeans. This particular silhouette has skyrocketed in popularity, and now Londoners and New Yorkers are incorporating the style, too. And speaking of millennial trends, stovepipe jeans really are the answer to those of us still holding out hope that skinny jeans may come back—though they're really suitable for anyone after jeans that are a little more tailored than relaxed, baggier styles. With an open-back top and casual (but also extremely trendy) flip-flops, you get a look that's set for summer.

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3. Frayed-Hem Jeans + Silk Top

Style Notes: Jeans are no longer merely a casual part of your wardrobe; they're easy to dress up. However, if you'd like to embrace that more laidback aspect, frayed-hem jeans are worth reaching for. That doesn't mean they won't look sophisticated. When you contrast this distressed finish with the sheen of a silk top, as Paris-based stylist Sylvie Mus has done, you create a perfectly balanced outfit.

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4. Light-Wash Jeans + Off-the-Shoulder Top

Style Notes: I've noticed interest being pulled in two directions when it comes to denim colours this summer. There is a push for dark indigo shades (a great alternative to black this season), but there is also a movement toward light-wash jeans in the most whimsical faded blue colours—especially so down in the South of France. When you're by the sea, lighter hues and softened jean material are musts, and they look so pretty with a bright white top that falls off the shoulders.

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5. White Wide-Leg Jeans + Button-Down Shirt

Style Notes: No summer wardrobe is complete—no matter the year—without some form of white jeans folded up and waiting. Vibrant whites in a wide-leg silhouette is the look de saison for French women in 2026. Complete it with a button-down top in another pastel hue or opt for a monochromatic look with a matching white shirt. Any style of shoes will do, too, whether you fancy heeled sandals, flip-flops or trending summer trainers.

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6. Barrel-Leg Jeans + One-Shoulder Top

Style Notes: As far as denim silhouettes go, the barrel-leg jean is one shape that has held on for quite some time now. With more volume than straight-leg styles but in a more interesting cut than a standard wide-leg, it makes sense that French women are looking to this jean style for summer outfits. Paris-born and Portland-based content creator Claire Most wore hers with a form-fitting cobalt blue top that contrasts nicely with the chic dark indigo colour of her jeans and their relaxed shape.

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Kristina Ang is a Who What Wear editor in residence, a fashion writer and content creator, and a social producer for Spotify. Previously, she worked as a social video coordinator at Harper's Bazaar.

Paris is always a good idea, but spring in Paris feels like an entirely different city. I just reluctantly returned from my fourth visit to my second-favorite city in the world (New York City will always have my heart), but this was only the first time I've seen it in the spring. I'm used to dressing for the Parisian winter—Uniqlo Heattech, long wool coats, and outfits that rarely get the chance to be fully seen underneath them. Function has always won over aesthetics.

This time was different. The city was just starting to bloom into spring, and I found myself dressing for slow mornings, café stops, and golden-hour walks along the Seine. Think coquette tops, two-piece sets, and ultra-romantic silhouettes. Finally, I got to experience French fashion at its fullest, when cold weather can't hinder locals and tourists alike from flexing their dressing skills—myself included.

Suffice to say, I pulled out all the stops. Keep scrolling for a look at everything I wore during my recent visit to Paris.

My Paris Outfits

Day 1

The first day of my trip, I arrived in Paris at 6 a.m., and despite being severely jet-lagged, there was simply no time to waste. Since I was staying in my favorite neighborhood, Le Marais, it inevitably became a shopping day. Unfortunately, while the skies were blue and the sun was shining, the wind packed a punch, which is exactly what made this outfit the perfect option.

When I think of Parisian dressing, I think simple and chic, but New Yorkers have that bit of edge that makes our style feel unique. This double-button Fancì Club jacket became the centerpiece of the outfit, and I built everything else around it, including my go-to pair of straight-leg blue-wash Uniqlo x JW Anderson jeans. The accessories are where I had the most fun. Since I was working with mostly neutrals, I wanted to stay within the same color palette while adding something unexpected. My leather patchwork Coachtopia bag ended up being an ideal quirky touch that tied the entire look together. Finally, for shoes, I had to go with my Maison Margiela Tabis because when in Paris. It took a while to fully break them in, but now that I have, they're surprisingly comfortable and capable of walking a few thousand steps a day in.

Day 2

Believe it or not, I actually don't wear a lot of color, but Paris certainly felt like the right occasion to experiment. Ever since I got this pink suede blazer from The Toé, I've been dying to wear it. If you know me, you also know that I'm obsessed with the pink-and-red color combination, which was exactly the direction I wanted to go in with this outfit—just in a more demure fashion.

I kept the base classic with a white T-shirt and jeans, then styled them with maroon-toned accessories from two iconic Parisian brands: a Gerard Darel handbag and Veja x Baserange sneakers.

Day 3

For days three and four, I took a quick detour to Bordeaux—France's famed wine region and canelé capital. Located in the southwestern part of France, Bordeaux was a lot warmer than Paris, so I was able to justify wearing my red two-piece Tyler McGillivary set.

If you haven't already visited Bordeaux, I would highly recommend it. There's so much to see and do there, and it's just a mere two-hour train ride away. Plus, it's always nice to experience what other cities in France besides Paris have to offer.

That evening, our group had dinner at Symbiose, a beautifully intimate old-fashioned spot in the heart of Bordeaux, and rightfully, I had to dress up for the occasion.

I thought this floor-length, drop-waist number might have been too formal for the restaurant, but then again, when in Bordeaux… Naturally, I brought along my vintage Bally mini bag—the perfect companion for a night out.

Day 4

My last day in Bordeaux looked like this: a visit to Darwin Ecosystem, a collaborative space composed of cafés, shops, and other small businesses that promote sustainable development and creativity. As it was unseasonably warm, I went with a spring dress from Maeve (Anthropologie's little-sister brand) paired with classic black ballet flats from Dolce Vita. Polka dots will always be in, in my opinion.

Day 5

With my last day in Paris, I wanted to take a chill day for myself. For one last hurrah in Le Marais, I opted for a double-breasted peplum top from Niihai and my trusty straight-leg Uniqlo jeans. No bag necessary—just my Gerard Darel phone crossbody.

Eugénie Trochu is a Who What Wear editor in residence known for her transformative work at Vogue France and her Substack newsletter, where she documents and shares new trends, her no-nonsense approach to fashion and style, plus other musings. She's also working on her upcoming first book that explores fashion as a space of memory, projection, and reinvention.

Every summer, I convince myself I'll only need one pair of sandals to get through it, and then, as always, I end up falling in love with a very specific mix of completely unnecessary yet absolutely essential details: tomato-red leather; a strap that sparkles a little too much in the sun; a thick, flat sole that feels vaguely touristy; slightly regressive jelly material, or that little folk touch that makes you look like you've just come back from Ibiza when, really, you've just left the supermarket carrying tomatoes and toothpaste.

I like sandals that tell a slightly contradictory story. A minimalist style worn with a very romantic dress. Beach shoes worn in the city. A pair that's almost ugly but incredibly sexy on sun-tanned skin. I like sandals that make it seem like you've lived through something, even if the only notable event of the day was drinking an iced coffee too quickly on a terrace.

This summer, my favorites fall into a few very specific categories.

First, there are the '90s minimalists: thin straps; slightly faded shades of chocolate brown, black, camel, and sometimes bright red; and that Carolyn Bessette energy of someone who has spent 15 days in the South of France. They require jeans that are slightly too long, a wrinkled men's shirt, black sunglasses, and a general tendency to answer with "Whatever you want" whenever someone asks where to go for dinner.

Then there are jelly sandals, a sensitive subject. They divide people deeply. Some see them as children's shoes from the early 2000s. I see the Mediterranean, vacation pharmacies, night markets, and that slightly kitsch aesthetic that always comes back the moment people start overthinking fashion. Transparent jelly sandals with a red pedicure instantly become incredibly chic.

I'm also going through a fairly advanced crochet-and-folk phase. It's probably linked to my chronic desire to become the kind of person who lives barefoot in a white house with curtains moving in the wind.

And then there are sandals with just the right amount of sparkle. They're not "evening" sandals. They're flat sandals with a slightly absurd jewelry detail—a gold buckle, a few rhinestones, a metallic strap—that catches the light around 7 p.m., when skin finally starts to tan after a hot day (with sunscreen, of course). I like shoes that feel slightly like a Sicilian grandmother going out to buy figs. It's a deeply underrated energy.

Red also keeps returning in my summer obsessions. It's a vivid, almost aggressive red. It's the perfect color with tanned skin, a black swimsuit, a white dress, or an old pair of Levi's.

Deep down, my favorite sandals are always the ones that create the illusion of going somewhere—even when you're staying put. They evoke a more relaxed, sunnier, freer version of yourself while you're simply digging through a tote bag full of squashed fruit purée pouches, receipts, and leaking sunscreen looking for your keys.

Shop My Favorite Sandals for Summer 2026

I’ve been street style spotting, in search of chic summer outfits I can turn to for the rest of the season, and it didn’t take long before images of Kaia Gerber started flooding my mood board, and with them came the elegant three-piece outfit formula I'm inspired to recreate on repeat until autumn arrives.

Beginning with the perfect base, Kaia layered a chic, ever-so-slightly sheer blouse into her look. The slightly cropped, sleeveless design was finished with delicate lace detailing throughout, tapping into the romantic blouse trend that’s been taking over this summer.

In another chic move, she paired the feminine top with relaxed low-rise jeans. Sitting neatly on the hips and skimming the tops of her shoes, the straight-leg denim brought an easy, undone energy that balanced the softness of the lace blouse perfectly.

To finish, Kaia leaned into one of fashion’s most enduring French-girl staples: black ballet flats. Polished yet practical, the timeless shoe added enough elegance to elevate the laid-back denim while complementing the delicate feel of the blouse.

As ever, I’m taking notes from the model’s L.A.-meets-Paris approach to summer dressing. Keep scrolling to shop the prettiest blouses, relaxed jeans and chic ballet flats to wear all season long.

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As far as I know, Nancy Meyers has never actually made a movie set in Provence, but I think it's high time she changed that. With its lavender fields and charming limestone villages, this region in southeastern France would be the perfect backdrop for the director's signature aesthetic involving striped sweaters, linen slipcovers, and soothing neutrals.

I haven't been to Provence in a few years, but I frequently look back at my camera roll and marvel over the picturesque hilltop towns of Gordes, Lourmarin, and Bonnieux in the Luberon area, and my seaside stay in Cassis. Not that anyone asked, but if you're curious for some first-person recommendations, I wrote about my favorite Provence spots a while back. Even though I don't have a trip to France planned, I've decided that my summer style north star is an imaginary Nancy Meyers movie set at the most charming Provençal farmhouse you've ever seen in your life. Join me, won't you?

Like many, my style is heavily inspired by the chic Europeans I follow, from Paris to Stockholm. Their directional looks (such as the above outfits) are effortless and modern, often made up of elevated basics. For pants specifically, it's not skinny jeans I'm seeing as much right now (although, I know they're rising in popularity again, and if that's your thing, go for it), but rather four other types of trouser trends.

These styles are cool and certainly are key to creating some of the most fashionable European looks I have saved on Instagram. Below, you'll find visual inspiration showcasing the pants in question (great styling inspiration) along with shopping recommendations in case you want to add one or all of the picks to your wardrobe for spring and summer.

The Trouser Trends Chic Europeans Wear

1. Drawstring Pants

Style Notes: I feel like I can't scroll through Instagram lately without seeing cool outfits featuring loose, drawstring pants. There's a certain ease to them that works with everything from a simple tee to a blouse, and European women are wearing them on repeat at home or away for summer.

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2. Satin Pants

Style Notes: Silk pants are chic. Period. They're also a great alternative to a skirt or a standard pair of tailored wool trousers. Believe me—if you're looking for an option that says 'I made an effort but not too much', satin pants will add elegance to your outfit without sacrificing comfort.

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3. Capri Pants or Pedal Pushers

Style Notes: Yes, it's the season for capri pants or pedal pushers—especially styled with flip-flops! I love this outfit with the trench coat, it manages to make what used to be a '90s throwback suddenly feel so much more grown up. Now this is how to style cropped trousers...

4. Relaxed White Jeans

Style Notes: There are a variety of stylish denim trends that Europeans wear, but it's the relaxed cuts in white or cream that I'm most into for a fresh vibe. Blue jeans are forever and colour trends may come and go, but when it comes to timelessness and seasonal styling, it's hard to beat cream for polish and versatility alone.

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Summer is fast approaching here in the UK. But to be honest, it didn’t really hit me until this week, when the temperature really started to rise, that we’re well into the warm-weather season. Whilst I’m sure to get my wear out of forever staples, think classic linen button-ups and timeless midi skirts, I’ve also officially started my hunt for the elevated yet elegant trends to add to my summer capsule wardrobe. And although the street style here in London provides me with plenty of inspiration, I’ll also be looking to other well-known fashion destinations for guidance this season.

Now, as a self-proclaimed minimalist, I’m not looking for anything that feels too out there or that’s unlikely to stand the test of time in my wardrobe. But instead, I went on the hunt for 5 summer trends from 5 different fashion capitals, all of which feel just as fresh for 2026 as they are classic, timeless, and, most importantly, wearable.

From elevated takes on the classic raffia tote to the standout trouser silhouette that's making a comeback in 2026, keep scrolling to discover which summer trend is set to dominate in each fashion capital of the world this season.

5 Chic Summer Fashion Trends I'll Be Copying From Each City

1. Paris, France

Two-Tone Midi Dresses

Style Notes: If you’re more of a pared-back dresser like me and therefore unlikely to branch out from your neutral palette, then the Parisian girls have the perfect trend to try this summer. Enter the two-tone midi dress. This trend feels more elevated than your typical one-coloured midi style, but remains neutral enough to be versatile, timeless and easy to style. Not to mention, it will look expensive and intentional at any price point you opt for. Très chic!

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2. London, England

Red & Black Flip-Flops

Style Notes: If you’re a regular reader of Who What Wear, you’ll know just how much we swear by a flip-flop in summer. But for 2026, London fashion people are giving this classic sandal a cool update in the form of red and black iterations. Starting back in 2025 with the viral pair of two-toned Dune flip-flops from The Row, the trend took off almost immediately. In true Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen-nature, these are, of course, impossible to find these days; but other luxury and high-street brands have taken a cue from the stylish pair and created their own iterations that can be shopped below.

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3. New York, New York

Drummer Tops

Style Notes: Dressy enough to add a sense of polish to casual denim but with just the right amount of relaxed edge to feel effortless, stylish New Yorkers are using drummer tops as a trusty staple that will see them through from now until early autumn. This versatile top style can also be worn as a jacket on chillier summer days, but looks undeniably elegant when worn on its own with jeans, trousers and skirts alike. Me personally? I’ll be opting for a darker colour, such as black or chocolate brown, that I can reach for no matter the season.

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4. Oslo, Norway

Linen Balloon Trousers

Style Notes: If you prefer to stick to the minimal side of dressing, then the phrase "balloon trousers" might seem rather daunting. However, trust me when I say that the styles taking off in summer 2026 are anything but. Adopted by the forever elegant Scandi fashion set, the balloon pants dominating the trouser market this year are all focused on romantically soft and billowing linen silhouettes in pared-back colours as opposed to the neon, overly dramatic styles that dominated the 1980s.

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