The 8-Piece French-Girl Summer Wardrobe
We’ll admit it—we have a thing for French style. This probably doesn’t come as a big surprise, as we’ve investigated everything from the trends in their closets to the cool basics they love. In other words, we’ve done our research on how they achieve that je ne sais quoi, and now, we’re diving into their summer wardrobes.
French It girls such as Leia Sfez, Claire Most, and Anne-Laure Mais seem to line their closets with many of the coolest pieces of the season and are always providing inspiration for the key pieces to own. Right now, their wardrobes are serving as inspiration for how to perfect the ultimate French-girl summer wardrobe. If you're ready to update your new-season outfits with some key buys, keep reading to see the eight pieces that define French summer style, and then shop our favorite pieces.
Summer Dress
A cool summer dress doesn’t require a lot of accessories. Do it the French way by throwing on some gold jewelry, and you’re good to go.
Structured Bag
Add a classic structured bag to your wardrobe year-round. French girls take this bag style with them everywhere.
Crop Tops
Basic tees are now being replaced by fashion-forward crop tops.
Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Cat-eye sunglasses are an effortless way to perfect a vintage look. Match a pair of retro white sunnies with a timeless statement blouse.
Printed Swimsuits
French girls are opting for printed swimsuits this summer. Look out for fun prints like gingham.
Wear this bikini with platform sandals.
Shop the matching Ruffle Bikini Bottoms ($66).
Miniskirt
Look for skirts with super-micro hemlines. This is the ultimate going-out piece, and honestly, the shorter, the better.
Relaxed Trousers
Relaxed trousers are carving themselves out to be a fashion-insider staple, and there are so many cool takes you can try out.
Platform Sandals
Platform sandals were basically made for summer. I recommend wearing them with absolutely everything.
Next, shop 31 Under-$150 Summer Dresses That Are Peak Fashion.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear where she oversees luxury, runway content, and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
-
I Can't Visit the South of France This Summer, But I Can Still Dress Like It—30 Items That'll Do the Trick
I'm bringing European style stateside.
-
Hold the Sneakers—These Are the Elegant Shoes Parisians Are Wearing With the Jeans of Summer
Elevated and chic. Period.
-
French Women With Good Taste Are Exclusively Wearing These 7 Elevated Summer Accessory Trends
Straight from the streets of Paris and the beaches of the South of France.
-
A Parisian Goes to Ibiza—Here's Everything She Packs
Sabina Socol is my fave French It girl.
-
This Stylish French Woman Paired Summer's Controversial Shoe and Shorts Trends, and the Outfit Is So Chic
See how to re-create the unexpected look.
-
PSA: The Shorts French Girls Are Wearing This Summer Are *Not* Denim
Take it from Cindy Bruna.
-
Barbara Palvin Sprouse Went Pantsless for a Date Night With Dylan in the South of France
PSA: Her exact handbag is still in stock.
-
The Elegant "New Neutral" Chic French Women Are Wearing This Spring
Fresh and fashion-forward.