We’ve always been smitten with French style when it comes to fashion. That effortless attitude that is casual yet oh-so-chic. And today, we’re sharing the essentials you need to achieve that quintessential French style for summer!
As I’m sure you know by now, I’m a bit of a Francophile 😉
I love French interiors, and I consider my home to be at least somewhat French-inspired. But along with French decor and design, I also love French style! And when I say French style, I don’t mean Fashion Week in Paris or Chanel handbags, though those are fun, too. No, I’m talking the chic, everyday style of fashionable French women.
Americans have been mesmerized by the style of French women for decades. They have a certain confidence and nonchalance that just screams chic. They’re often in casual clothing, yet they seem effortlessly cool. And they never seem like they’re trying too hard.
Simplicity is key. Minimal make-up and accessories and a “less is more” mantra are the norm.
The irony is, it doesn’t take a lot of money to dress like a French woman. In fact, quite the opposite. They are almost always un-done, dressed down, and their style is definitely on the casual side of chic. And I love that!
My life as a mom and a blogger doesn’t exactly warrant wearing all the latest trends anymore, so I’m all for casual chic that doesn’t break the bank but still looks put together. Denim, espadrilles, flats, and stripes are some of the summer basics that come to mind when it comes to French style fashion essentials.
Here’s to the quintessential French girl and her je ne sais quois!
French Style Essentials – Summer Version
Great White Shirt
All French women seem to have a basic, borrowed-from-the-mens-department white shirt. Here you can go with a button down, or something slightly more feminine, but you definitely want it to be timeless.
It’s great to have a white cotton one for casual days, and a silk one for when you want a little more oomph. But if you’re only going to buy one, then I would say an all-cotton one is the way to go. You want something you’ll be able to pull out again and again, and again!
My personal favorites are the white shirts from J. Crew (here and here). They are well-priced and always look good, but I’ve also sourced other options below.
Leila Yavari via The Telegraph.
Emmanuelle Alt via Who What Wear.
Flattering Narrow Jeans
This is the one spot I would suggest spending a bit more. If you don’t have a basic pair of super flattering jeans you love to throw on, get yourself some stat! Because when it comes to the ‘per wear price’, there’s hardly anything you’ll get more wear out of than these.
Medium to dark wash, and slim to the ankle is the French girl favorite. You can do skinny or straight, but I wouldn’t do anything too trendy (like flares or heavy distressing) for this. Again, you want timeless. And flattering!
Marion Cottilard via Vogue.
Audrey Tautou via Bloglovin’.
Ballet Flats
French women do not run around on their cobblestone streets in heels. Flats are a French style favorite, and they are for me, too. I practically live in my flats!
They are more chic than a sneaker, yet nearly as comfortable. And they go with everything!
Via Ines de la Fressange.
Via Moop Shop.
Striped Tee
If you think wearing striped tees in Paris is cliché, you thought wrong! French women love a good striped tee (or sweater). They don’t tend to wear a lot of prints in general, but stripes are an exception to the rule.
My recent favorite seems like the perfect example!
Caroline de Maigret via Bloglovin’.
Oversized Sunglasses
I’m pretty sure the French invented this look! Oversized sunnies connote mystery, something French women love to exude. And, they protect your eyes from sun damage, reducing signs of aging, so it’s a win-win, right?
Via Maria Bernard’s Instagram.
Straw Handbag
Whether it’s a straw market bag for collecting fruit at the farmer’s market, or a cute little basket handbag, there is nothing more summery than a straw bag for summer, no matter where you live.
Via Adenorah.
Via Lucy Williams Instagram.
Summer Dress
A simple summer dress is such an easy, breezy way to get ready on a hot summer day. I don’t wear dresses a lot in general, but I do love them in summer.
First of all, they are much cooler (hello breeze!) which is perfect when you don’t feel like wearing much of anything at all. And the wrap style is particularly flattering on almost any body type.
Via Fashion Me Now.
Jeanne Damas via The Man Repeller.
Neck Scarf
I did a whole post on the charming neck scarf when the trend was appearing here again a few years ago. I mean, is there anything that exudes French style more than this accessory?!
It adds such flair to an otherwise plain outfit of a tee shirt and jeans, and you’ll definitely feel like you’re in the South of France while wearing it!
Via Sarah Mikaela’s Instagram.
Vanessa Jackman via The Zoe Report.
Espadrilles
The absolute, quintessential French summer fashion item! Espadrilles are timeless, and French women bring them back out every summer. When I was in Provence last year, I saw them literally everywhere – on men and women!
Plus, the cotton canvas makes them a cool and comfortable summer footwear choice.
Via Harper’s Bazaar.
Via Style Lovely.
Simplicity is definitely best when it comes to French style. And in the summer time, that seems even more appropriate. Throw on a cute striped tee, flattering jeans and stylish flats, or just a simple summer dress, and you can dress with style without a lot of effort.
To shop the French style finds below, simply click and scroll!
Shop French Style Fashion
*affiliate links are included for your convenience*
je t’aime,
Sheila
xo
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out more French inspiration below!
French Fashion Essentials – Fall & Winter
How to Find French Farmhouse Antiques for Less!
50+ French Farmhouse Finds at Amazon
Janet says
I loved reading this post as well as the one you did from the colder season. My problem is finding the clothes in larger and/or plus sizes (these women are all so tiny!). I’m not a shopper so I rely on posts like this to find one and done items to purchase. I hope you’ll do these every season!
Sheila says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Janet! And yes, I’m planning on expanding them and by next year I’ll have all 4 seasons so stay tuned!
Sheila
Michelle Hamric says
LOVE all of these French chic, yet timeless, Summer outfits. Thanks for sharing! You’ve given me some great ideas for my own Summer wardrobe.
Sheila says
I’m so glad to hear that Michelle!
Sheila
Lynette says
Love all the ideas! What is it about French women the draws us in? I love the simplicity of style and it makes getting dressed easier and fun. This was an amazing detailed blog post! Thank you.
Sheila says
Aww love hearing that Lynette – and I couldn’t agree more! It made me want to go shopping too haha!
Sheila
Ethel Alderson says
I am having problems with white shirts needing to be ironed!
Do you know of one that works from the dryer?
Can anyone respond?
Sheila says
Hi Ethel yes if you’re buying all cotton (or of course silk) then an iron or steam is needed. However, I have two suggestions that may help you. First, only dry them for 15 minutes or so then take them out and smooth out the wrinkles and hang them to dry the rest of the way. This goes a long way towards reducing ironing. AND even better is this wrinkle release spray I just discovered – it’s a GAME CHANGER! Here is the link if you want to try it:
https://rstyle.me/+wPTALD-kNH-IEpgomP6SMA
Hope that helps!
Sheila
Noelle says
Thanks for this great post! Can you recommend some solid jeans brands to look into?
Lory Stevens says
Great article! Thank you so much for all the inspiration!
Katy Grossman says
I’m so inspired by anything French so thanks for this! I’ll be buying some espadrilles stat!
Paulette says
Great info, especially the espadrilles. They seem to have fallen out of favor for the most part stateside, but I have loved them for a very long time. Also please do a separate blog on French wonen do not walk the streets of Paris in workout gear, which is a great thing.
Sheila says
I love espadrilles!! And I actually found several just this year which made me so happy! And yes, I couldn’t agree more about the workout and/or sweats thing – they are so much more elegant!
Thanks for stopping by!
Sheila
Jane Porter says
I really like your blog. The styling ideas for summer are really inspiring!
Keep sharing!!!
Beverly says
Gearing up for summer, so I will go looking for a crisp white shirt, scarf and a straw bag. A chic black blazer too. Been stuck in the house for a week with the flu. Cabin fever has hit me!!
Sheila says
Oh I’m so sorry you have the flu! But I’m pretty sure that online shopping is a definite cure 😉
Glad you liked the post, and that you’re getting better! Thanks for stopping by.
Sheila
diane says
Great blog!
Karen says
Oh I’m inspired to shop now!! Thank you for the great ideas…all so adorable!!
Sheila says
haha! You know what’s funny?! I inspire myself to shop when I do these fashion posts! I just bought some espadrilles and a straw bag today:))
Thanks for stopping by Karen!
Sheila
xo
Carol Heartfelt Whimsies says
Love this post! To me, it seems French women don’t appear to “try too hard”. They seem to dress for themselves, not someone else. The vibe I get is “I’m comfortable in my own skin”!!
Sheila says
Yes! That is so true Carol! They are so chic, yet also so simple. Less is more with them for sure, and I think that’s what makes them seem so put together!
Thanks so much for coming over my friend:)
Sheila
xo
Lou ann singleterry says
Love these tips! Am headed to France in about 3 wk and I don’t want to look too “touristy”. The strange thing is that the same items are essential stateside.
Sheila says
Oh, you’re so lucky Lou Ann! And yes, I agree, all of these are classic, whether in France or here! I hope you get some cute items for your trip, and have a wonderful time!
Sheila