Dress Like a True French Girl in These No-Fail Parisian Summer Outfits

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As the summer days arrive in Paris, the fashion landscape in the City of Lights inevitably undergoes a transformation of its own, with layered looks and gorgeous coats making way for flowy dresses and linen shorts. It’s no surprise that Parisian women seem to have a way with fashion, effortlessly and elegantly wearing looks that keep them cool and comfortable while still (of course!) keeping their style at the forefront. Whether you are already a fan of French fashion or just looking to explore some Parisian-inspired outfits, we’re diving straight into these curated looks, inspired by our baguette-loving friends over in Europe. French girl status, here we come.

1. mini linen dress + sandals + sunglasses + straw bag

dress | sandal | sunglasses | bag

This lightweight linen mini dress is the perfect piece to start with. Its simple silhouette, breathable fabric, and romantic sleeves make for the perfect summer dress for strolling on the streets of Paris.

Beyond being a great way of keeping cool, the linen material used in this piece lends an elevated, luxurious feel to the look. A square neckline makes for a flattering touch, while a cutout detail on the back adds an extra touch of flair (and breathability!).

When it comes to shoes, there’s no going wrong with a simple pair of tan sandals when in Paris. Interlocking straps make for a beautiful, detailed pattern on the shoes, and a chic square toe gives a subtle yet elegant feel.

For fashion enthusiasts like us, it’s important to keep style in mind – but comfort has to be just as high on the priority list! Sandals like these are perfect for casually strolling out and about on the weekends, from brunch with your girlfriends to spending some quality time with your family at the park.

These rectangular sunglasses bring an elegant edge to this feminine, romantic look, making for a true Paris-style accessory. Blending timeless design and some contemporary elements, this pair of sunglasses can truly transform your outfit. If, like me, you’re all about classic pieces that never go out of style, accessories are a perfect opportunity to switch up elements in your closet as the seasons change.

This “honey pot” basket bag is the perfect example, infusing an undeniable and seamless summer feel to your look with style, personality, and elegance.

2. crop tank + straight leg jeans + leather belt + ballet flat + straw tote + hoop earrings

No matter the season, jeans are always in. Especially if you’re dressing in a French girl style. For the summer version of this classic, fan-favorite look, start with this simple cropped tank. This white fitted top will keep you cool and comfortable under the sun, pairing perfectly with high-waisted pants. Made from incredibly soft, ribbed fabric, this tank features a flattering fit that balances beautifully with the silhouette of the jeans.

Finding the perfect jeans will always come down to personal preference! If you haven’t found your match or are looking to explore some different styles, then straight-leg jeans are a good option to consider.

These 90s pair of light wash, straight jeans feature a high-waisted fit, hugging the hips and thighs to support and lift. Comfort stretch fabric ensures that the jeans fit comfortably from the first time you ever put them on, and straight legs bring balance to your look while still keeping things breathable and comfortable.

Bring the two main elements of this look together with a thicker black belt. Not only does this accessory bring some visual interest, but it also allows for a more flattering overall fit!

We know just how much French girls love a classic ballet flat, and the same thing can be said for a pair of Mary Jane flats. This newly popular style has climbed the style charts over the past few years, bringing a charming touch to a classic style. This pair of flats ties in beautifully with the belt detail in this look, balancing the black accents throughout the outfit and working to bring it all together.

From the farmer’s market to the mall, this large straw tote is the ideal bag choice for a Parisian summer look, bringing in some natural elements and texture to an otherwise more basic ensemble. These gold-toned, textured hoop earrings add a delicate final touch to this outfit, while also tying into the gold hardware on the belt – after all, it’s about the small, intentional details to make an outfit special.

3. rib tee + high-waist denim shorts + farmer’s market basket + espadrilles + bandana + coin pendant necklace + cat-eye sunglasses

A high-quality white tee is high on the list of any capsule wardrobe out there. Made from Pima cotton and elastane, this shrunken fitted tee is perfect for pairing with looser bottoms, and features ribbed fabric that keeps you comfy at all times.

Featuring a longer length and subtle frayed hems, these jean shorts complement the fitted white shirt perfectly, making for an all-around easy and breezy summer look that will get you through heat waves and sunny days in general.

These high-rise shorts are made from slightly faded light wash denim, and a slightly longer length that hits at about mid-thigh makes them perfect for many different occasions as well.

A farmer’s market basket bag is the perfect weekend accessory, adding a summery feel to your look while also contributing function and great style. Its short handle makes for an elegant touch as well, seamlessly elevating the more casual pieces of the outfit with this one simple touch.

A pair of espadrilles is the perfect spring and summer choice for when you are feeling like you want to spice things up without committing to more uncomfortable shoes or heels; in particular, this design ensures that the shoes are well secured, meaning there’s no need to sacrifice your comfort for some extra style points and a little height boost as well!

Simple, classic outfits are the best, but styling with special touches is what takes a look to the next level and into your personal style territory. This paisley print bandana adds a bright touch of red to this ensemble for a special element, bringing variety in both the color palette and the pieces of the look.

The best part? There are tons of ways to integrate this bandana into your look – from wearing it as a headscarf to tying it around your bag handles or your neck, the possibilities are endless when it comes to styling this piece.

When it comes to jewelry, French women tend to lean more towards – you guessed it – classic, daintier pieces that add a touch of delicate femininity to a look without being overwhelming.

While there are certainly exceptions to this rule, this coin pendant necklace is a great example of a Parisian-inspired piece of jewelry. Especially if you are planning on taking this look on vacation, staple pieces like this are perfect for wearing with more than one look while achieving the same beautiful result.

To protect your eyes and finish off this look in ultimate fashion, this pair of cat eye sunglasses do the trick. Featuring their timeless, popular silhouette, these cat-eye accessories keep your eyes protected while also adding yet another layer of chic to your ensemble.

4. oversized button-down + straight jeans + watch + slide sandal + woven belt + straw tote + earrings

A classic button-down is yet another essential in the French girl’s closet. Worn tucked in, loose, or whatever other way you like, this piece truly exemplifies what it means to be versatile and timeless.

In a striped blue pattern, this shirt brings a subtle but fun pop of color and pattern to the table in true summer fashion. Perfect for pairing with your go-to pair of jeans, shorts, or even as a bathing suit cover-up while you’re on vacation, this classic will always find a way to sneak into your closet rotation.

This time in a slightly darker wash, these 90s straight jeans also work beautifully within this look. Offering plenty of lift and support up top while keeping a straight silhouette down the legs, this piece brings instant balance and structure to any look.

I’ve touched on the dainty and timeless aspect of French girl jewelry, and this watch falls in line with that philosophy. Delicate, small, and simple in design, this bracelet watch instantly polishes this more casual look with its charm.

Keep things super comfortable in the shoe department with these slide sandals. Versatile, these sandals are also great for pairing with any type of silhouette, from dresses and skirts to shorts and long pants.

Ensuring that your feet stay ventilated, comfortable, and secure through the double-strap detail, these sandals also add a gorgeous brown shade to the color palette of your look. As a last final touch, the gold-toned buckle detail complements the watch and helps to tie the whole ensemble together just like that!

This brown woven leather belt allows for many more ways to creatively style this button-down and blue jeans. Bringing texture and some more structure to this outfit, this accessory also features a similar, beautiful brown shade to the sandals.

Keep the delicate and classic vibes going with these small, puffed hoop earrings. Beyond subtly framing your face and adding some interest to the top part of your look, this gold detail also ties in perfectly with the other accessories, making for a cohesive and effortless final result.

For a more structured but still slightly slouchy and more casual bag, add this straw tote to your look. Spacious, convenient, and very much the summer vibe, this bag is the cherry on top.

Want a French girl wardrobe shopping list? I have a free printable (and more) that you can access here!

5. lace top + wide-leg jean + straw bag + pumps + coin pendant necklace

top | jeans | bag | pumps | necklace

This delicate lace top can be said to be an essential of French style, making for a feminine, romantic touch that is often paired with more masculine pieces like blazers. In this outfit, this lace top is the perfect choice to keep you cool as temperatures rise, while still adding some character and charm to your look at the same time.

On the bottom, pair your lace top with these wide-leg jeans. Featuring front patch pocket details, these pants bring interesting proportions to this look, while allowing your legs to breathe throughout its silhouette. Its cropped length makes for the perfect summer touch, perfect for even better breathability and for showing off your shoes (who doesn’t love that?).

This straw basket softens this look even more with its charming shape and natural texture that makes this outfit look straight out of the streets of Paris, while a pair of pointed pumps give you a little block heel boost and injected-pod cushioning, ensuring that you stay just as comfortable as you feel confident. Here, black shoe ties nicely with the lace top, bringing balance to the overall ensemble and making it work beautifully together.

A simple and classic coin pendant necklace gives you that final delicate touch, complementing the hardware of the bag and polishing the look with subtlety.

6. linen vest + slim jeans + woven ballet flats + woven raffia tote + small hoop earrings

vest | jeans | flats | tote | earrings

It’s not a surprise that linen is a top-contender fabric for the spring and summer times, so it’s always fun to try out some of your favorite silhouettes in their warm-weather versions. This gorgeous linen vest makes for a flattering fit through a figure-framing silhouette and seam detailing. Delicate, classic, and modern at the same time, this piece pairs beautifully with a wide variety of different bottoms for different looks all summer long.

For those who prefer to find the middle ground between skinny jeans and straight-leg styles, then this slim-fit pair is just right. With a slim straight-leg fit, these white jeans strike the perfect balance, resulting in a style that is not too wide and not too tight, either! Through a high-rise waist, these jeans feature a flattering fit that’s perfect for pairing with slightly cropped or overall shorter tops.

These woven ballet flats bring a variety of different elements to level up this already gorgeous look. The texture from the woven leather and the brown color of these flats ground this almost monochrome look, giving them a much-needed extra touch.

This tote is the perfect choice for this specific ensemble – and many others! Its style seamlessly and elegantly brings together the colors, natural textures, summery materials, and the neutral palette of the other elements to make for a cohesive, beautiful final look.

A long shoulder strap makes this large bag easy and comfortable to carry, while a subtle logo characterizes the front part. Add on these delicate gold earrings to polish off the look and bring some interest upwards!

7. classic garçon shirt + long linen shorts + leather belt + top handle bag + square toe ballet flat

shirt | shorts | belt | bag | flats

I mentioned the versatility of a good button-down before, and I’ll do it again! This outfit is an example of the hundreds of styling tricks and techniques that you can try with a classic piece like this.

Made from cotton, this shirt features a very straightforward silhouette. For this look, I recommend tucking this shirt into the shorts, as well as leaving a few buttons undone at the top, and rolling up your sleeves mid-way up your arm. Small styling details like these can immediately and drastically transform an outfit (which is why it’s fun to play around with the final look once you have your pieces together!).

These shorts give off a real South of France feel, featuring flowy fabric, an elegant longer length, and an elastic waist for optimal comfort during your relaxing day under the sun. Beyond their chic look, these shorts also include pockets and a high-rise fit for comfort and style.

Accessorize this look with a dark brown leather belt, bringing all of the neutrals together and cinching in the waist for a chic mid-waist detail. This gorgeous tote bag once again works to bring the various elements of this outfit together as one, featuring the colors, natural fabrics, and gold hardware from the other pieces in its own design.

With both a shorter handle and a strap, this bag is easy to carry whichever way is more comfortable for you, while prioritizing style at all times. Opt for this beautiful pair of ballet flats for the ultimate French summer style.

With its square toe, these flats give you some variety when it comes to the classic flat silhouette, while still honoring the original design that is loved by so many people. Some slightly more square details bring a contemporary flair to the shoe, while still also allowing it to maintain a very traditional feel at the same time.

8. short-sleeve top + wrap skirt + straw bag + lace-up espadrilles + small hoop earrings + cat-eye sunglasses

Think classic white t-shirt, but better! This short-sleeve top kicks off this next look, already making for a lightweight, breezy foundation you’ll be rocking during the summer months. With beautiful pleat detailing in its design, this shirt includes button closures in front and a slightly shorter length that makes it ideal for pairing with high-waisted skirts and bottoms.

Pair that romantic top with this even more romantic skirt for a perfect and breezy warm-weather outfit. Made from viscose crepe fabric, this a-line design features a small, delicate floral pattern and four exposed buttons on the front side. While other floral prints might be better off limited to the springtime, this pattern is gorgeous for both the transitional seasons and the warmer months of the year, maximizing the looks in your closet!

Grab your structured straw bag for the charming summer accessory we know and love, and you’re ready to hit the town! For shoes, opt for these wedge espadrilles for another romantic touch that also works to elongate your figure. Lace-up details make this shoe choice pair perfectly with the lightweight skirt.

Add a pair of subtle, everyday hoop earrings for a delicate final touch, and some red cat-eye sunglasses to keep your look fun and chic at once.

9. linen wrap dress + mules + square earrings + woven straw tote

dress | mule | earrings | tote

Wrap dresses are perfect for any time of year, and this linen design might just take the winning spot for the summer season. This summer staple fabric is breathable, chic, and flattering, and this short-sleeve dress also features a sophisticated look and comfortable fit for whatever your summer plans might have in store.

Its gorgeous silhouette means that less is more – accessorize with some small gold-toned earrings for an extra polishing touch and true French girl summer style.

As for your bag and shoes, this woven straw tote and woven mule work beautifully together to bring texture and an effortless summer flair. There you have it – effortless and ever-so-chic!

Parisian Summer Outfits You Can’t Go Wrong With

While every season presents its challenges, it’s safe to say summer is among the most difficult seasons to dress for – especially when you are looking to keep style in mind.

No matter what occasions and events come your way this summer, it’s always helpful to know there is a thing or two we can learn from the French when it comes to style – after all, Parisian summer style has never done me wrong before!

Hot and sweaty days don’t always scream style motivation, which is why it’s always helpful to plan ahead! By doing things like investing in quality linen styles, timeless pieces, versatile silhouettes, and a neutral color palette, you are much more likely to end up with a cohesive closet that you can easily mix and match in an effortless way.

Want even more clothing recommendations so you can be living your best French girl life? Up Next: Sezane Dupes for the Ultimate French Girl Style