In My Dreams, I'm Vacationing Like a French Girl: The Buys Defining the Look
Sure, everyone goes on vacation, but when the French embark on their getaways, it's just different. True to the stereotype that French girls exude another level of chic, their resort wardrobes have also followed suit this season. From their elegant swimwear to effortless daytime outfits, my favorite French fashion people have mastered how to look sophisticated on vacation, which is exactly how I want to dress right about now.
Although I currently don't have some exotic trip planned, I'm keeping notes just in case my moment appears. After browsing the feeds of stylish French women, I've gathered up the key pieces defining their vacation aesthetics this year. With timeless swimsuits and kitschy designer accessories, here's how to level up your resort looks the French way.
Black Bikinis
One thing about French girls is they love a classic. Surprise, surprise, a black bikini is one of the key pieces of swimwear they're packing for dips in the Mediterranean.
Shop black bikinis:
Tube Dresses
The '90s dress icon has been a favorite among stylish French girls for the summer, and it's not hard to understand why—it's a one-and-done piece that is simple, cool, and minimal.
Shop tube dresses:
Sarongs
Vacation life is all about being as relaxed and carefree as possible. A sarong strikes the balance between chic and comfortable, so you don't have to change between dips in the Aegean and drinks by the beach.
Shop sarongs:
Chanel Accessories
Chanel is beloved by many, but the French have a particular affinity for the fashion house. I've noticed that a few Parisians, in particular, carry fun Chanel accessories like handbags and earrings featuring bright colors and gleaming details.
Shop Chanel accessories:
Statement One-Pieces
One-pieces are seasonless, which fits right into the French-girl aesthetic of embracing items that will withstand trends. This year, I've noticed a shift toward statement suits that offer up a dash of interest, like a small cutout there or a cool strap here.
Shop statement one-pieces:
Retro Prints
Think vintage Pucci and Missoni-style prints that are sophisticated yet fun. French girls love to style a printed skirt like this with a basic white tank and sandals.
Shop retro prints:
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Indya Brown is a fashion editor, stylist, and writer living in Los Angeles. After graduating in 2016, she joined The Cut as a fashion assistant, eventually working her way up to fashion editor. While New York has been her home for over 10 years, she moved to Los Angeles in the midst of the pandemic in 2020 for a new chapter where she started working at Who What Wear, focusing on emerging designers, rising trends on and off the internet, interior design, and BIPOC creatives and brands. Aside from her work at Who What Wear, Brown is also a freelance stylist and writer, working on national print and video commercial campaigns for Sephora, The Independent, and Cadillac. Her bylines also include Harper's Bazaar, Vox, and The New York Times.
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