Elegant French Women Know These 7 Wardrobe Basics Are the Key to Looking Expensive in Summer
From timeless tank tops to elegant black dresses, here are the seven anti-trend basics you'll find in every elegant French girl's summer wardrobe.
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.
Shop the Staple:
The styling possibilities are endless.
Black will go with everything,
How cool is this cobalt blue shade?
Wear with jeans, skirts and Bermuda shorts alike.
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.
Shop the Staple:
So easy to take from day to night.
Just add a tank top and suede flip-flops.
Knee-length skirts have such a '90s vibe to them.
Clean, crisp perfection.
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.
Shop the Staple:
No one will guess these are from the high street.
A. Emery comes editor-approved.
This heeled iteration is perfect for more formal events.
An investment pair you'll pull out every summer.
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.
Shop the Staple:
An icon in the making.
Such an elegant silhouette.
This entire outfit feels very French-coded.
Perfect for in or out of the office.
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.
Shop the Staple:
An instant outfit elevator.
For if you really want to make a statement.
This genuinely looks designer.
An elegant iteration that will elevate any look.
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.
Shop the Staple:
Simple, chic and easy to style.
Easy, breezy.
How sweet is this blouse?
Every summer wardrobe needs a pair of tailored shorts.
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.
Shop the Staple:
This is high up on my luxury wishlist.
This red hue is sure to earn you compliments.
Saint Laurent never lets me down.
It doesn't get chicer than black raffia.
