When Summer Arrives in Paris, French Women Start Wearing These 4 Basics With Jeans

If there's one fashion archetype we can rely on, it's French style and their talent for elevated outfit pairings is nothing short of impressive. Although French women appreciate full-skirted looks and frocks, jeans are a key component of their style. Therefore, when summer rolls around, so do the creative solutions to extending the wear out of their much-loved pieces alongside wardrobe staples.

French style has become synonymous with capsule pieces — namely shirts, t-shirts and refined cotton-rich classics, and as a result of more tolerable weather, women can wear those basics upon basics without the need for hardwearing outerwear. If you scroll through the internet archives of your favourite French Sartorialist, you're likely to spot them in various jeans combinations. Take Sylvie Mus, for example — her wardrobe comprises key staples that she integrates into many combinations with clever styling elements, so it appears fresh each time. Come summer, you'll see her in everything from a sculpted tank to a poplin shirt thrown atop straight-leg jeans and finished with heeled mules, of course. The same goes for Anne-Victoire, who is no stranger to saturated hues, yet falls back on pared-back colourways, jeans and basic tops when the occasion calls for it.

Another style recurrence in the summer is the use of layered basics. Bodysuits with open linen shirts and white crew-neck t-shirts layered with poplin shirts. Although hard to believe, the weather is (almost) as temperamental as the UK, so you might just be thankful for the long-sleeved layer you threw on top of your look before exiting the house. As we transition seasons and consider how to breathe life into our pre-existing wardrobes, why not think up creative solutions to unassuming basics? There's no better reference than the French woman's wardrobe — a fashion trope we've grown to adore for very good reason.

1. White Shirt + Wide-Leg Jeans

Style Notes: As we veer towards warm weather days, begin to consider light layers. Anne-Victoire pairs a billowy shirt with a taught bodysuit tucked into a pair of relaxed jeans. The addition of heels takes this look from casual to smart casual.

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2. Striped Oxford Shirt + Straight-leg Jeans

Style Notes: Here, Julie demonstrates how to style two basics in one outfit. The Oxford Shirt (although Scottish) is well-loved by French women, particularly in supple iterations of linen and cotton blends, come summer. Pair a shirt with jeans and a raffia basket for an outfit fit for Paris (or the French countryside).

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3. Knitted Tank + Tapered Jeans

Style Notes: If you look through Adenorah's Instagram page, you'll notice how she restyles this exact tank top in several ways, making it a worthwhile staple. For now, pair it with a micro bag and playful footwear! Pop the chain in the wallet to wear the bag as a clutch and add some earrings if you're heading for an evening event.

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4. Scoop Neck Top + Slim-Fit Jeans

Style Notes: I've learned first-hand that the long-sleeved scoop neck top is one of the most versatile items you can own. It's seldom spoken about but there are ample ways to style it. Pull the neckline taught and you can wear it as a Bardot style, though if not, the scoop neck has a flattering curved scoop that sits beautifully. This simple (yet elevated) neckline like this does all of the hard work for you.

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